*Featured Photo by Kacey O' Brien

 

Do you crave both sights and frights? Want to add something truly terrifying to your travels? Well then, get ready for spine-chilling scares found in New York’s Southern Adirondacks.

 

With this multi-day Lake George Area itinerary, you can uncover some haunted history all around this seemingly normal vacation destination, explore paranormal spots where many believe things go bump in the night, and most importantly, have a frightfully fun time.

 

Whether you’re a huge horror enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply love the sights and sounds of spooky season, these two days chock-full of activities are for all the ghouls and goblins out there.

 

Please Note:

Certain events and activities mentioned in this itinerary may not be suitable for young children.

Day 1

Late Morning/Early Afternoon – House of Frankenstein Wax Museum

Boasting a long-standing presence right on Canada Street in Lake George Village, the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum is home to all sorts of creepy creatures said to roam the halls.

 

Step inside the darkened rooms and exhibits to find scenes inspired by classic literature, including Mary Shelley’s famous novel, Frankenstein. Some displays do depict certain levels of violence and horror, so those who are faint of heart be warned.

 

After all, they say once you enter, you can’t turn back…

 

 

Lunch – Nearby Local Spots

Whether you’re looking for a quick and convenient ‘grab and go’ option, or want to unwind with a sit-down meal, there are a handful of pubs and eateries right within walking distance from the Wax Museum.

 

Here are a few recommendations for lunch:

  • 163 TapRoom – A modern craft beer bar with 16 tap lines and a full food menu.
  • The Lagoon – A popular spot with an available lakeside deck that has some of the best views of the lake’s southern end.
  • Capri Pizzeria – A classic pizzeria that has been in Lake George for over 50 years.
  • Jamo’s Pub – A lively Irish pub with available indoor and outdoor seating.
     

And if you're looking for additional dining spots in and around Lake George there are a wide assortment of options—both seasonal and year-round.

 

 

Afternoon - Exhibits and Escape Rooms

 
Lake George Historical Association Museum

The Lake George Historical Association Museum, located right in the heart of the village, may seem like a typical old-fashioned building, but it supposedly holds a haunted past. This brick structure, originally built in 1845, was once the Warren County Courthouse.

 

Take a tour inside the museum, and you can still find the original jail cells in the basement, along with displays portraying the presence of the sheriff and police departments once housed here. However, in addition to the already eerie atmosphere, many who’ve visited have reported possible hauntings causing cold drafts, weighted grips on shoulders, and even breathing difficulties near the cells.

 

After you’ve braved the downstairs dwellings, you can check out the other—less spooky—exhibits in the museum, including a collection on women’s suffrage, authentic Native American pieces, and artworks detailing the history of Lake George.

 

Haunted & Mysterious

Pictured: The Lake George Historical Association Museum; Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis

 

 

Escape Rooms at Escape LG

Think you have what it takes to solve the rules of the room and make your escape? At Escape LG, you can sign up for an interactive experience in one of nine escape rooms, each one with its own unique themes—some purposefully scary—and difficulty levels.

 

You and your group will have 60 minutes to work together and make your exit, or face a cruel fate. This makes for a riveting activity with family and friends, rain or shine. Just make sure everyone who walks in also walks out…

 

If you’re looking to amp up the fear factor, here are some great selections out of the available escape rooms:

 

  • “The Curse of the Evil Genie” – Break free from a curse placed upon you by an evil genie.
  • “What Happened in Raven Woods?” – Explore the dark and creepy woods to find your missing friend.
  • “Blackbeard’s Brig” – Avoid the dreaded pirate Blackbeard’s wrath before you suffer a terrifying end.

 

 

Dinner – Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge

Before tonight’s featured activity, head on over to the Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge, located inside the Fort William Henry Hotel, for a delightful dining experience with beautiful waterfront views of the lake.

 

Lakeside’s dinner menu has a little bit of everything, from handhelds and burgers to pastas, steaks, and salads. Diners can choose to sit inside the elegant dining room or opt for a table on the outdoor patio if the weather is nice. Your party can also reserve a wood fire pit or a fire table, perfect for those chilly evenings while sipping a cocktail or two.

 

 

Evening – Ghost Tours at the Fort William Museum

After dinner, situated right next door, are the grounds of Fort William Henry, an important stronghold during the French and Indian War, where stories and reenactments are shared with visitors to this day.

 

However, in the evening hours, the fort is said to come alive with paranormal encounters, especially during their Haunted History Ghost Tours. Sign up for this unique guided tour and dive deep into the bone-chilling tales and experiences that soldiers faced during the war, and navigate dimly lit corridors and corners filled with firsthand and secondhand claims of strange and supernatural happenings.

 

These tours are run in 45-minute increments throughout the night. The earlier bookings are designed to be more family-friendly, with an emphasis on folklore and age-appropriate ghost stories. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a full-fledged fright, the later tour times present more mature themes that will leave your spine tingling.

 

A man holding a lantern and telling ghost stories at Fort William Henry Museum

Pictured: Haunted History Ghost Tours at the Fort William Henry Museum.

 

 

Optional – Late Night Frights

If you still have the courage to search for more spooky sights, then check out these additional nearby locations:

 

  • Lake George Mystery Spot – Found behind the Lake George Village Visitor’s Center on Beach Road, there have been rumors of echoes when you speak while standing on the visible ‘X.’
  • Lake George Battlefield Park – A 35-acre park with monuments of soldiers and figures from the French and Indian War. Also, home to reported apparitions and phantom musket fire.

Day 2

Breakfast – Spots in Glens Falls

Start your day off right by grabbing breakfast at one of the many charming options in Downtown Glens Falls.

 

Here are a few choice selections:

  • Kitch A Vibe – A cute micro-eatery with artisanal teas and coffees, baked goods, and signature breakfast options.
  • Scratch Kitchen – A café and bakery with fresh, high-quality menu items.
  • KRU Coffee – World-class coffee and espresso for the perfect pick-me-up.
  • Rock Hill Bakehouse and Café – An inviting atmosphere with handmade bread and baked goods.

 

And if you're looking for more suggestions for restaurants around Glens Falls, then feel free to browse around.

 

 

Morning/Early Afternoon – Touring Glens Falls

After breakfast, take your time to go around and explore the many historical sights of Glens Falls with this Self-Guided Walking Tour.

 

Beginning at the Chapman Museum on Glen Street and ending at The Hyde Collection on Warren Street, this tour features 26 distinct buildings of historical significance throughout the city.

 

While this is meant to be a more refreshing beginning to the day, some of these locations do have some haunted tales behind them. What sort of spirits from the past may you encounter?

 

 

Lunch – Small-Town Delights in North Creek

After your time in Glens Falls, you’ll want to make your way towards the northern reaches of the Lake George Area, to the hamlet of North Creek, for the afternoon’s activity.

 

Before that, though, you can stop and grab a quick, yet filling lunch at one of North Creek’s eating establishments, with several of them being right on Main Street.

 

Here are some specific examples:

 

 

Afternoon – Haunted Factory Tour at Barkeater Chocolates

North Creek’s Barkeater Chocolates factory is home to handmade artisan chocolates, truffles, and other confectionaries. However, treats aren’t the only things inside this seemingly cheery place—for there are plenty of tricks too.

 

Once you sign up for their Public Haunted Factory Chocolate Sessions, you’ll see for yourself. During this exploration of the production facility, your guide will dive into its 150-year history filled with mysteries, untimely deaths, and unexplained phenomena. You can then use some provided ghost-hunting tools to investigate for any lingering spirits.

 

Then, at the end of the tour, you can make some chocolate ghosts to take home with you. They may not be haunted, but they’re wickedly sweet.

 

Please Note: Chocolate Factory sessions run from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, and must be booked in advance.

 

 

Evening – Fright Fest at Great Escape

To conclude this terrifying trip, make the drive from North Creek back towards Lake George and Queensbury for a beloved staple every spooky season.

 

The Great Escape theme park’s annual Fright Fest is a celebration where monsters and creatures of all kinds roam free. Once the sun goes down, the entire park transforms into an arrangement of attractions determined to deliver thrills and chills all night long.

 

Walk around and witness all that there is to offer, including immersive haunted houses, themed scare zones with costumed characters, and even the chance to go on your favorite rides in pitch-black darkness. Foods, live entertainment, and more are also available to keep the festivities going.

 

Fright Fest is held annually on weekends in September and October, after 5:00 PM. You won’t want to miss out—unless you’re scared.

 

Ghost choir singing and walking through fog at Fright Fest

Pictured: Great Escape Fright Fest; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien

 

 

Looking for more spooky-themed events during your stay? Check out our below blog for more phantasmic picks:

Events Spooktacular Events in the Lake George Area

Do you crave bone-rattling excitement? A hauntingly great time to remember? Then the Lake George Area is the perfect place for all the spooky season lovers out there. Check out all these Spooktacular events happening throughout the area.

Spooktacular Events in the Lake George Area