Hello!

Planning a trip to the Adirondacks or Vermont?

I'm pretty geeky about American history, so Fort Ticonderoga was a must-see for me on our Adirondacks road trip. It's right on the New York-Vermont border.

Fort Ticonderoga is a place where history comes to life. Located in New York's beautiful Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga has an exciting past. It has been held by France, Great Britain and the U.S.A. and was the site of two battles in the French-Indian War, and three Revolutionary War battles. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin walked here.

Here is what your family can expect from a visit to Fort Ticonderoga.

Living History

Tours of the fort are given daily by actors in period costume. The actors' shoes and uniforms are made at Fort Ticonderoga. See the tailor and shoemaker demonstrate their crafts. You can also see musket, cooking, gardening and other demonstrations to get an idea of what life at the fort was like in the 1700's. Listen for fife and drum concerts and learn about the role of these instruments in military life.

The inside of the fort is home to artifacts and memorabilia dating back to the 1700's. One of America's most significant collections of 18th century military weapons can be found here. In the Mars Education Building, I enjoyed an exhibit on Revolutionary War uniform fashion, including original uniforms and other artifacts.

Special events and programs are offered throughout the season. Some special programs require separate admission and advance reservations. 

1776

Rather than attempt to cover the entire dramatic history of the fort, Fort Ticonderoga tells the story of one group of soldiers from one year of the fort's history each season. This year at Fort Ticonderoga is 1776. If we return to the fort another year, we'll likely hear new stories from the perspective of a French, British or American soldier each time.

King's Garden

Fort Ticonderoga is also home to King's Garden – a historic garden that dates back to the mid 18th century. Restored in 1921, this garden is one of the oldest in the United States. Today it is a pleasant place to wander and enjoy the cool summer breezes of the Adirondacks. Take a tour or explore on your own.

Mount Defiance

Mount Defiance overlooks the fort from across the lake and it is part of Fort Ticonderoga's 2000 acres. Later in the Revolutionary War, the British Army took back Fort Ticonderoga by placing its cannons atop Mount Defiance and aiming them at the fort. When the Americans realized that the British had the strategic advantage, they surrendered the fort without a fight.

Mount Defiance is short drive from the fort and an additional ticket is required for each person. The charge is $2.50 per adult and $1.50 per child (ages 5-12). At the top of Mount Defiance, you'll find a covered picnic area and a gorgeous panoramic view of Lake Champlain and the surrounding area. You'll see cannons pointed at Fort Ticonderoga, so you can get a good idea of the strategic importance of Mount Defiance in war. Unless you pack a lunch or come for the tour, you probably won't need much time here.

Especially for Families

At Fort Ticonderoga, there was plenty of space for kids to run, use outdoor voices and explore. Canoe rentals and a 2-mile hiking trail with a scavenger hunt are available. In the fall, Fort Ticonderoga has a corn maze and other seasonal activities. Families with older children and teens might enjoy the Ghost Tours offered each Wednesday evening.

Crafts and hands-on activities are frequently available. We visited early in the season, so there wasn't as much going on as there will be later in summer, but we still found a rope tying activity and a simple fort design puzzle in the museum. 

Plan for at least a half-day to enjoy all that Fort Ticonderoga has to offer.

Fall at Fort Ticonderoga

Fall is a fantastic time to visit Fort Ticonderoga – and not just for the colorful autumn leaves. 

Fort Ticonderoga has a Heroic Corn Maze that gives guests the chance to wind their way through an intricate labyrinth, laid out to represent a naval ship and cannon. With a beginner and advanced version of the maze, it is perfect for all ages.

The corn maze is open from August-October. Visit https://www.fortticonderoga.org/experience/explore-adirondacks/heroic-corn-maze/ for details.

Conclusion

Fort Ticonderoga is a great destination for fans of American history. The setting is beautiful, and the year-by-year approach is unique. My family enjoyed our day here and I hope that yours will too.

Happy travels!

Good to Know

Where: 100 Fort Ti Road in Ticonderoga, New York. We found it easy to find by following the signs from Interstate 87. 

When: Open daily from May-October.

How Much: As of October 2019,

• Adults $24
• Youth (ages 5-15): $12
• Children (ages 4 and under): FREE
• Seniors: $22

Fort Ticonderoga is an independent, non-profit organization. There is a small additional fee for Mount Defiance. You can also add a boat cruise or specialty tour for an additional charge.

How Long: A half-day or more.

Amenities: Cafe, gift shop, picnic tables, modern restrooms. The main level of the fort, all of the Mars Education Center and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Semi-stroller friendly.

Website: www.fortticonderoga.org

Disclosure: We received complimentary admission to Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance so that we could experience this activity and review it for other families. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

How else can we help?

Need a place to stay? We stayed at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid, which was a great base for our Adirondacks trip. However, it's a (scenic) 90-minute drive, so there are a lot of hotels that are closer to Fort Ticonderoga.

Click the button below to find hotels near Fort Ticonderoga, or check rates and availability for Golden Arrow, on TripAdvisor.com.

Find the best flight – We rented a car to visit the Adirondacks after a week in New York City, but the international airport in Burlington, Vermont is closest . Find the best fares at AirfareWatchdog.com.

Need a rental car? Fort Ticonderoga is a great road trip destination! Find the best rates from dozens of agencies at RentalCars.com.

Allison

Hi there! I am the founder of Tips for Family Trips. I am a married mom of two children, ages 14 and 17, living near Salt Lake City, Utah. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. We love to get out of the house to see and do fun things, both far away and in our own neighborhood.