Lake George Travel Guide

"Lake George is without comparison,  the most beautiful water I ever saw;  formed by a contour of mountains into a basin...  finely interspersed with islands, its water limpid as crystal, and the mountain sides covered with rich groves... down to the water-edge: here and there precipices of rock to checker the scene and save it from monotony."

--  Thomas Jefferson, May 31, 1791

 Lake George is approximately 32 miles long and is nearly 3 miles wide. Part of the Adirondacks, much of the shoreline is unsettled, and through federal and state conservation efforts, will remain so. Small communities surround the lake, each lending its own unique style and way of life. 

The breathtaking beauty of Lake George, the fresh, crystal clear waters, can be traced to an abundance of subterranean springs that constantly feed into it. In fact, the waters of Lake George are so clean that many lakeside residents derive their drinking water from it. It's no wonder many generations of people have truly enjoyed her beauty and cleanliness.

Archaeologists tell us that the first visitors to the Lake George area were a primitive race of people who occupied the lake area over 5,000 years ago. Eventually, Native Americans, such as the Iroquois, became established inhabitants. Then, several hundred years ago, French and English immigrants from Europe settled in the area. That caused conflicts, which led to wars involving the French, English and the indigenous Americans. These battles culminated in the famous battle of Fort William Henry.  At the other end of the lake is, Fort Ticonderoga, probably more well-known, and for good reason.  During the 18th century, when nations fought to control the strategic route between the St. Lawrence River in Canada and the Hudson River to the south, the fortification overlooking the outlet of Lake George into Lake Champlain was called "a key to continent."   

Today, Lake George swells with thousands of visitors each year. Her natural beauty has developed a reputation throughout the world as one of the world's most beautiful bodies of water. The residents and local/state officials have done an outstanding job of ensuring that Lake George remains as clean and as natural as possible. The Lake George area has many exciting activities such as biking, hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, lake cruises, shopping, museums, theaters, camping, horseback riding and a variety of play-lands and amusement parks for the children. The numerous restaurants, hotels and other forms of lodging in the Lake George area will satisfy even the most discriminating visitor.

There are numerous lodging options available within Lake George Village, outside the village or in other nearby communities such as Diamond Point or the town of Bolton. Whether you like to pitch your tent under the stars, relax by the motel pool, or bunk with the kids in a rustic Adirondack cottage, you will find just the right place to call home during your stay.