Step back in time to the age of stagecoaches, railroad cars and steamboats on this delightful 1-hour tour of Lake George's history. Your tour guide will greet you in a 1901 traveling outfit or perhaps even an old fashioned bathing suit from the late 1800's- just for fun!
Along the way tour guests will visit the following sites:
Take a step back with us in time to vintage Lake George!
Along the way tour guests will visit the following sites:
- The Old County Courthouse (circa 1877) - This is the home of the Lake George Historical Association Museum and full of historical artifacts and exhibits of local history. Your tour guide will show you a real mortar shell from the French & Indian War uncovered at Fort William Henry and a powderhorn scrimshawed by a soldier who was here over 250 years ago! Maybe bump into a ghost in the old cellar full of the original jail cells!
- Steamboat Docks - These continue to be the home to passenger cruise boats that replicate the bygone era when steam was king and travel by boat was the way tourists could get to any one of dozens of grand hotels along the 131 mile long Lake George shoreline.
- Beach Road - This is notable for the grand Fort William Henry resort and its beautiful gardens and massive pergola that extended to the lake shore.
- The Delaware & Hudson Railroad Depot (circa 1909) - With its Spanish Revival Architecture and little noticed tower details, this building tells a story about regional history.
- The Old Stone Store (circa 1819) - This is the oldest structure in Lake George. Some of its original items for sale will be seen at the historical museum along the tour.
Take a step back with us in time to vintage Lake George!
Meeting Location
Old County Courthouse, Canada St. (Lake George Village, NY)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, as tours often sell out. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
- WHO hosts the tours?
- All tours are conducted by Luisa Sherman. She has over 20 years of experience in living history, school programs and interpretation at historic sites around the Eastern Seaboard. To help get the full experience of a historical tour, Luisa will conduct this tour in vintage early 1900's museum quality costumes she makes herself.
- WHAT does the tour include?
- Tours include personalized interpretation and guide service to at least five noteworthy historic sites and monuments. The tour includes admission into the Lake George Historical Society Museum housed in the Old County Courthouse building.
- WHEN do the tours take place?
- Tours run from June through October, but may be limited to select weekends in Spring and Fall. Some dates may be unavailable do to private group tours or other events.
- WHERE do you tour?
- This is a 1-hour tour that is intended to give the highlights of vintage Lake George village life during the heydays of the 1800's to early 1900's.. On this tour we make at least 5 stops including going into a historic museum.
- HOW much walking is on the tour?
- The tour is comprised of a moderate to brisk walk for one hour but we walk no more than a total of 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. If a guest chooses to leave the tour at any time, no refund will be granted. Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are encouraged. We suggest bringing an umbrella if the threat of rain exists.
- Is the tour suitable for families with children?
- We pride ourselves on making our tours interesting for people of all ages, however, we believe this particular tour is more suited for teens through adults due to the material and sites covered. Families with smaller children may wish to consider our Waterways of War Tour which seems to appeal to all ages of children as well as adults.
- What is the difference between this tour and the Waterways of War Tour?
- This tour focuses on the rich and famous (and not so famous) who vacationed in Lake George in the 1800's. The Waterways of War Tour focuses on the military conflict that took place here in the 1700's between the superpowers of France and Great Britain.
- WHY should we book a guided tour rather than walk it ourselves?
- Your tour guide is deeply knowledgeable on all facets of life in America and in Lake George from the 18th century through early 20th century. The guided tours allow you to glean far more insight into the history of Lake George Village as well as the unique aspects of the Adirondacks in general. Many of the historic sites have little or no marker information. Your tour guide will give you "the rest of the story" in a time-efficient manner.
- What happens if it rains?
- The tour runs rain or shine regardless of weather conditions. But don't worry! Some of our best tours took place in less-than-perfect-weather. If you forget your umbrella, there are ponchos available for sale at the meeting location.
- Are there bathrooms along the way?
- Yes, restrooms are available at the meeting location prior to our tour departing as well as along the route. We have one scheduled bathroom stop along the tour, but if you need to stop, please let us know and we will try to accommodate you.
- Are the tours conducted in English only?
- Yes, our tours are only conducted in English. However, for our non-English speaking guests we can offer printed guide booklets (in French, German and Spanish) to use while we visit stops along our route. Please let us know in advance if you will require one as we do not carry them along regularly.
- Are cameras and video cameras allowed on the tour?
- Yes, cameras and video cameras are allowed and encouraged along most of our tour route. While visiting inside any buildings, the use of cameras or video equipment may be restricted for security reasons.
- Do the tours start and end at the same place?
- No, the tour begins at the Old County Courthouse and ends at the Steel Pier/Steamboat Dock on Beach Road.
- Is there anywhere to buy food or drinks along the route? Can I bring my own?
- People can bring their own drinks and snacks during the tour, however there is no eating or drinking while touring inside the historical museum building. There are several places to purchase a quick drink along the way during most of the summer season, but keep in mind there isn't much time as we need to keep the tour on schedule.
- Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?
- The tour includes the interior of the Old County Courthouse and historical museum and in this building there are stairs to access the second floor and the old jail cell area of the museum building. Therefore some aspects of this portion of the tour may be limited for viewing. Along the outdoor route, there are some sloping sidewalks but we do use crosswalks to cross main streets. If you or someone in your group is in a wheelchair please contact us by clicking on the "Contact ExploreTours" link to discuss your situation prior to purchasing tickets.
- Is there public parking nearby?
- Yes, there is metered parking on Canada Street and the side streets throughout the village. Free on-street parking is available a few blocks west of the immediate downtown area.
- Can we purchase souvenirs during the tour?
- There are several places in which souvenirs can be purchased, but there isn't enough time during the tour for shopping. Your guide will be more than happy to help direct you to any place you would like to revisit after the tour is over. The Courthouse does have a museum gift shop operated by the Lake George Historical Association.
- Are dogs allowed on the tour?
- In general, we do not allow dogs on the tour, except as service animals, as several of our tour stops do not allow dogs. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
- Do you offer gift certificates?
- Yes. If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please click on the "Contact ExploreTours" link on the left side of the page to get more information.
- Are private tours offered?
- Yes, we do offer private tours as well as step-on guide services for bus tour groups. If you are interested in a private tour, please click on the "Contact ExploreTours" link to discuss possible arrangements.
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
- Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
- Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Weather Policy
- Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.
- The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.
Other Policies
- Children under 4 can attend for free.
- Children under the age of 4 can participate for free, but are still required to have a ticket. Please be sure that all members of your group have been accounted for.
Explore History Tours
Luisa Sherman has been involved in living history for over 20 years. She has directed two historic house museums, operated a circa 1789 Bed & Breakfast, and has also worked as an interpreter at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. Her specialties are 18th Century Clothing and Open Hearth Cooking.
She recently chose to go into semi-retirement after nearly six years as Executive Director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce which affords her a vast knowledge of the region and she can offer tips and ideas for visitors planning trips to the area.
Luisa has demonstrated and interpreted Colonial life as a living history reenactor at hundreds of local, state and national historic sites including Colonial Williamsburg, Fortress Louisbourgh in Nova Scotia, Fort Ticonderoga, Fort William Henry and Fort Ontario, just to name a few.
Her husband, Kevin Sherman assists on the tours on weekends. As a native of the Lake George region who worked for several years on Lake George, he is intimately knowledgeable about the various islands, topography and local lore of the region. Kevin's extensive research on Colonial military history makes his perspective especially worthwhile for those who love "anything Army."
Both the Sherman's are experienced with conducting school programs and strive to keep all their tours lively and interesting for all ages.
She recently chose to go into semi-retirement after nearly six years as Executive Director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce which affords her a vast knowledge of the region and she can offer tips and ideas for visitors planning trips to the area.
Luisa has demonstrated and interpreted Colonial life as a living history reenactor at hundreds of local, state and national historic sites including Colonial Williamsburg, Fortress Louisbourgh in Nova Scotia, Fort Ticonderoga, Fort William Henry and Fort Ontario, just to name a few.
Her husband, Kevin Sherman assists on the tours on weekends. As a native of the Lake George region who worked for several years on Lake George, he is intimately knowledgeable about the various islands, topography and local lore of the region. Kevin's extensive research on Colonial military history makes his perspective especially worthwhile for those who love "anything Army."
Both the Sherman's are experienced with conducting school programs and strive to keep all their tours lively and interesting for all ages.
