Where the Sacandaga River meets the Hudson River, you'll find the picturesque town of Lake Luzerne. With roots dating back to when Native Americans lived off the land, there's adventure around every corner in this southern Adirondack town. Whether you consider yourself a local or a vacationer, Lake Luzerne offers new experiences for everyone.
There are many different types of activities in Lake Luzerne. The Adirondack Folk School focuses on the traditional folk-arts of the region. Instructors from around the country share their knowledge and skills with students on courses ranging from half-day classes to multi-week sessions on everything from Adirondack chair building and blacksmithing, to fly tying, birch bark basketry, and more.
Tap into the history surrounding Lake Luzerne by making a stop at the Frances G. Kinnear Museum. The museum is a Victorian home furnished in the style of its day. Historical artifacts and exhibits tell about the Hadley-Luzerne area's history, from summer camps, dude ranches, and grand hotels, to farming, logging, and manufacturing.
Lucky enough to be in Lake Luzerne during the summer? Catch one of the Lake Luzerne Music Center concerts! Philadelphia Orchestra cellist Bert Phillips and Steinway pianist Toby Blumenthal founded the music center in 1980 and have been delivering world-class music to the area ever since. Musicians ages 9 to 18 come from all over the world to train at the Lake Luzerne Music Center, and decorated musicians hold concerts at the center throughout the summer. Stop by for a free student concert or make the trip for a professional performance at an affordable price.
After fully immersing yourself in the history and culture of Lake Luzerne, get outside and get your heart pumping! There are outdoor activities for all types of people, whether you want a leisurely adventure or an exciting challenge.
Float down the Hudson River with Tubby Tubes Company or Adirondack Tubing Adventures. Tubby Tubes also offers snow tubing during the winter months.
Want a faster ride down the river? There are plenty of white water rafting companies located in Lake Luzerne. Both Beaver Brook Outfitters and the Sacandaga Outdoor Center have locations along the Sacandaga River. Guides will lead you down rushing class II - III whitewater rapids, but there's no need to worry since everyone is required to wear a personal flotation device. Besides rafting, the Sacandaga Outdoor Center offers challenging whitewater kayak tours, while Beaver Brook Outfitters has tranquil canoe and kayak adventures.
Once you get the water out of your ears, a trip to Lake Luzerne wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Painted Pony Rodeo. Kick off the evening with a delicious BBQ buffet, which includes smoked BBQ chicken and ribs, coleslaw, buttered corn, BBQ baked beans, hot dogs and more. Head over to the weekly rodeo to enjoy classic western events such as bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and of course, bull riding! If you want to experience even more western fun, stay at the Painted Pony Ranch, an authentic dude ranch with Adirondack cabins. Their cabins have a full galley kitchen, large screened porch, cable TV, wi-fi and outdoor fire pits. You can also enjoy the private beach or explore hiking trails that lead directly into the Adirondack Park. Horseback riding is also available for visitors.
For a little bit of a smoother ride in the winter, make your way to Lake Vanare Snowmobile Tours. Enjoy the beauty of winter in the scenic Adirondack Mountains while cruising on groomed trails. They offer 1 or 2 hour guided tours, but can also accommodate longer tours on request.
While it's nice to run around watching rodeos or paddling down a whitewater river, there are plenty of places to relax around Lake Luzerne. The town has three public beaches to enjoy; Hudson Grove Beach, and Wayside Beach. In addition, the Luzerne State Campground provides public camping on Fourth Lake. It has 174 tent and trailer sites that include hot showers, flush toilets, a trailer dump station, fireplaces, and charcoal grills. Campers can swim, canoe, kayak, and fish on Fourth Lake, which is partially surrounded by the campground. No motor boats are allowed on the lake, creating a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Luzerne State Campground has a special camping area for equestrians, with horse barns, separate corrals with water and picnic tables, all located in a grove of pines. There are about five miles of marked trails on state land connected to about 60 miles of private trails.
Lake Luzerne has food options to fit every picky eater. Overlooking the Hudson River, the UpRiver Cafe is a must. Offering everything from simple sandwiches to elegant meals, it has something for everyone. A family-friendly restaurant with a variety of daily specials is the Long Horn Restaurant and Pub on Lake Vanare. With a pool table and deck area, the Long Horn is worth a visit for the location alone. Another great option is The Waterhouse, a family-owned American style restaurant with great food and entertainment.
The town of Lake Luzerne is just down the road from Lake George, and it's well worth the drive. Home to adventures of all types, you're sure to find something new to try. Whether you are interested in whitewater rafting, going to world-class concerts, relaxing on a beach, or trying great food, Lake Luzerne has something for you and your family. Put it on your list of places to visit and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!