Lake George, NY
Adirondacks
Historic steamboats, a rebuilt fort and a village beach on a famously clear lake
Lake George Village sits at the southern end of the lake, with the steamboat dock, a reconstructed fort and a public beach all close together. A cruise on the lake is the anchor of the visit, and a family park with a dinosaur trail covers the youngest grandchildren. Fall is a good time for the colors.
About 3.5 hrs from Stamford · about 3.5 hrs from White Plains (estimates, confirm with your map app)
Why Grandparents Love It
Cruises give you a sit-down way to see the lake without any driving
The village, the beach and the fort are all close together
Battlefield Park gives you open grass for kites and picnics
The Lake George Steamboat Company has operated since 1817 and runs daily cruises from May to October
Fort William Henry is a reconstruction of the fort that burned in the French and Indian War, run as a living museum
Million Dollar Beach is a 51-acre public beach on the southern shore
Lake George Expedition Park combines Magic Forest rides with a half-mile Dino Roar Valley trail
Top Free Pick
Lake George Battlefield Park
A 35-acre state day-use area with grassy sloped grounds for kites and frisbees, picnic tables and barbecue pits. It preserves French and Indian War and Revolutionary War sites, and a visitor interpretive center is at 75 Fort George Road.
Top Activities (4)
Lake George Steamboat Company
All agesOperating since 1817 with some of the oldest steamboats in the country. Three large vessels offer sightseeing, meal and entertainment cruises, with many departures a day from May to October.
Grandparent note: Pick the shortest sightseeing cruise for young children. Check the website for the current schedule.
Fort William Henry
Ages 6+A reconstruction of the fort that stood here during the French and Indian War, operated as a living museum in the village.
Grandparent note: Check the museum website for tour times and for accessibility details.
Million Dollar Beach
All agesThe most popular public beach in the village: 51 acres of sand on the southern shore of Lake George.
Grandparent note: The beach is next to Battlefield Park, so you can pair a swim with a picnic on the grass.
Lake George Expedition Park
Ages 2 to 10On Route 9, the park combines the older Magic Forest rides (merry-go-round, car track and boats) with Dino Roar Valley, a half-mile nature trail with life-size dinosaurs, a nest to climb into and a fossil dig.
Grandparent note: A paved trail connects the dinosaurs and takes about 90 to 120 minutes. The park is seasonal, so check its website.
Where to Stay
Fort William Henry Hotel
Lakeside hotel · Check the website for current rates
On 18 acres with lake views, two pools and three restaurants, next to the fort in the village
Holiday Inn Resort Lake George
Resort hotel · Check the website for current rates
A full-service resort with a restaurant on site, recommended for families
Where to Eat
Adirondack Pub & Brewery
Check the restaurant website for the current menuPub
In the village, family friendly, with a covered deck and fire pits for outdoor dining
Mario's Restaurant
Check the restaurant website for the current menuItalian
A family-run Italian restaurant serving since 1954
Grandparent Tips
Choose the shortest cruise first. You can always add a longer one on day two
A beach-plus-picnic day at the Million Dollar Beach and Battlefield Park area needs no tickets
Water Slide World has closed, so skip any old guidebook that lists it
Check each attraction's website for seasonal dates, since many close after October
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 — Lake and Fort
Morning: Steamboat cruise
Lunch: Adirondack Pub & Brewery
Afternoon: Fort William Henry, then Battlefield Park
Day 2 — Beach and Dinosaurs
Morning: Million Dollar Beach
Afternoon: Lake George Expedition Park
Printable PDF Guide
A 2–5 page travel guide for Lake George — formatted for printing or saving to your phone.
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