*Featured Photo by Kacey O'Brien.

 

Whether bearing witness to the first glimpses of spring, or taking advantage of the tail end of another chilly winter, March is a month full of possibilities. The Lake George Area honors this month no differently, with a plethora of happenings ranging from frosty to blossoming.

 

From snowshoe trails and hockey games to farm tours and St. Patrick’s-themed surprises, this is the perfect time to end any homestay hibernations and travel to our year-round destination.

 

Here’s what visitors can see and do in the Lake George Area during the month of March.

March Events

Though luck has nothing to do with it, you’ll sure feel lucky when you attend one of the Lake George Area’s sensational celebrations. From beloved classics to brand new beginnings, live it up with these exciting events.

 

Below are just a few examples of events to consider attending this March.

 

Thurman Maple Days

Location: Town of Thurman

Date(s): March 15th – March 30th (Saturdays and Sundays)

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 

If you savor the sticky, yet sweet sensation of maple syrup, then this event is for you.

 

Every spring, the community of Thurman comes alive for 3 full weekends of family fun and entertainment. Visit the various local farms and producers for guided tours and learn all about the production process of maple syrup – right from the source.

 

There will be plenty of samplings and selling of well-renowned maple products, everything from syrups and creams to candies. There will also be pancakes served every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Valley Road Maple Farm.

 

*To learn more, check out our Thurman Maple Days event page.

Barrel Fest

Location: High Peaks Distilling

Date(s): March 1st

Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

 

Join the Adirondack Pub & Brewery for their 13th annual Barrel Fest – a celebration of all beverages barrel-aged.

 

Hundreds of craft beverage enthusiasts from across the country will travel to the Lake George Village to sample the various barrel-aged beers, ciders, wines, and more.

 

In addition to the beverages, there will also be live music, free snacks, a massive bonfire and ‘burning man’ statue, and even a fireworks show to conclude the evening.

 

There’s no hotter party in the late-winter season.

 

*To learn more, check out our Barrel Fest event page.

Great Upstate Boat Show

Location: Afrim’s Sports ADK Dome

Date(s): March 28th – March 30th

Time: See Event Page for Details

 

Prepare for the upcoming summer on the lake in advance with the largest boat show between New York City and Montreal.

 

Witness the latest and greatest in the boating industry, and admire the various new and pre-owned boats from over 20 Upstate NY boat dealers. Everything from bowriders, deck boats, jet boats, ski boats, pontoons, and more will be on display.

 

There will also be an assembly of lifestyle vendors and demonstrations all weekend long, showcasing all sorts of boating accessories and technologies.

 

Plenty of fun awaits the whole family at the Great Upstate Boat Show.

 

*To learn more, check out our Boat Show event page.

March Activities

Winter, spring, or somewhere in between. Whether you’re looking to keep cool and stay active, or would prefer to remain warm and cozy, there are many different ways to spend your time here.

 

Below are just a few activities to do in the Lake George Area during the month of March.

 

Last Gasp for Winter Activities

The snow is starting to melt, and the flowers are beginning to bloom. However, that doesn’t mean the frozen fun has to end just yet. Give one final ‘hurrah’ to the winter season with these snowy sensations.

 

Go Skiing and Snowboarding at the widely renowned summits of Gore Mountain, the 35 varying trails of West Mountain, or the vintage experience at Hickory Ski Center. The slopes are eagerly calling your name, so grab your gear.

 

If downhill thrills aren’t your forte, consider a laxer experience in Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing. From the lighted trails of Cole’s Woods, to the expansive network at the North Creek Ski Bowl, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of an Adirondack winter, while also getting some terrific exercise.

 

With more than 300 miles of expertly marked, mapped, and maintained Snowmobiling trails through the Adirondack woodlands, you’ll get to witness the great outdoors, majestically cascaded under a blanket of snow.

 

Ice Fishing is a unique fishing experience to behold. The frozen surface allows access to many sections of lakes and ponds that would otherwise be inaccessible without a boat, providing plenty of premier spots throughout the area. Dress warm, find a stable setup point, and fish for local species such as chain pickerel, yellow perch, rainbow trout, and many others.

 

*For more winter fun, check out our Winter Activities page.

**For snowmobile trails and conditions, check out each of snowmobile club's website.

Lake George Area Snowmobile Clubs

Indoor Activities

No need to let the weather ruin your plans. Disregard the incoming rain or snow, and check out some of the various family-fun indoor activities and venues in the Lake George Area.

 

All the fun of rock climbing, rain or shine. At Rocksport Indoor Climbing Center (one of the oldest commercial climbing gyms in the U.S.), you can scale one of their massive rock climbing walls, varying in difficulty and challenges from first-timers to experts. With 50-foot ceilings and over 8,000 square feet of climbing surface, there’s ample room for everyone.

 

Experience the fun of axe throwing at Adirondack Axe. Whether it’s your first time or whether you’re a seasoned pro, the whole family can enjoy sharpening their skills. Learn the basics with one of their available coaches, then compete in various games and contests, or simply opt for an open throw. It’s great exercise and a terrific bonding opportunity.

 

Get the whole party jumping at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. This indoor recreational facility center boasts various jumps and courses to bounce away any potential boredom. Reach new heights at the wall-to-wall courts with the Freestyle Jump, dunk at the hoops like the pros with Skyslam, bring everything you've got at Ultimate Dodgeball, and so much more.

 

Splash on at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark. Open year-round, the indoor waterpark maintains a consistent 82 degrees – the perfect temperature to immerse yourself in a splashing good time. Float along on the lazy river, weave through twists and turns on the tube water slides, catch some waves on the body-board surf, and more. Admission is available for both lodge guests and public visitors.

 

And of course, there are plenty of other indoor adventures to be had. Check out our Indoor Activities page to learn more.

Birding

Looking to get acquainted with the fabulous fauna that makes up the Lake George Area? Then consider birding (or birdwatching), an easy and accessible hobby that welcomes any and all outdoor skill levels.

 

With a diverse ecosystem of lakes, meadows, and woodlands, there are many terrific scenic spots. Some popular examples include Up Yonda Farm, the Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve, and the Berry Pond Preserve.

 

Spring, in particular, is a wonderful time of year for birding, with many species migrating back North from the winter, and with food sources replenishing once the snow melts.

 

*For more information, check out our Birding in the Lake George Area blog.

Arts & Culture

If you’re an arts aficionado, then make sure to check out the theaters and museums that make themselves home in the Lake George Area. The area is a major supporter of the local arts scene and, as such, is an important facet for all trips and vacations.

 

From the enlightening exhibits displayed in the Hyde Collection and Chapman Museum, to the performances shown at venues like the Charles R. Wood Theater and the Tannery Pond Center, as well as various mediums and outlets in-between.

 

Check out these select events and shows happening during March:

March Arts & Culture

View All

*To learn more, check out our Arts & Culture page.

What to Pack

Before participating in any of the above events or activities, it’s important to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for whatever weather and/or environment you can expect to encounter.

 

Below are some helpful suggestions for packing for your Lake George Area trip during the month of March.

 

March is Unpredictable

Despite some possible early foreshadowing of spring, March is often quite cold in Upstate NY (especially if you’re out and about during the early morning or late-night hours). As such, an essential part of packing should be to make sure you dress warm for the chilliest of temperatures.

 

Though if spring does decide to peek around, you may find that the temperatures are becoming milder during the daytime. A lighter jacket or sweatshirt instead of a winter coat, as well as some thinner layers, is a great idea to pack in case.

 

Besides this, however, if the snow begins to melt, the grounds and walkways can become quite muddy and wet. As such, a good pair of mud boots is always a good recommendation. Pair this with a rain coat or poncho for those rainy days.

 

All of this to say… March is unpredictable! So make sure your suitcases are well-versed for any situation.

Winter Rentals

Want to hit the slopes or the trails one last time while the snow is still around?

 

Check out these local businesses and locations that offer equipment rentals for public use on their property.

 

  • West Mountain - Offers Ski and Snowboard rentals seasonally and daily when available.