Adirondack Experience

Location: Blue Mountain Lake, NY

Reciprocal: NARM, Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM)

Full Price Admission Cost: $20 adults; $12 kids; under 6 free

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

There’s no denying the fact that the Adirondack Mountains are beautiful. What many people don’t realize is just how rich and beautiful the history of this special place is. That’s where the Adirondack Experience steps in. This amazing attraction brings the culture and history of the Adirondacks to life for people of all ages to see, experience, and enjoy.

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This enormous museum campus features a number of different buildings. The first is a state-of-the-art interactive museum that introduces guests to the people of the area, both past and present. It explores the Native American tribes that first ventured into the Adirondacks, as well as the many others who bravely followed suit. The new exhibit also explores the many trades people have held in the Adirondacks through the ages, along with some of the customs that have grown from the place. This building is the perfect introduction for those wanting to learn more about the area.

Of course, there is much more to see on the large museum campus. Other buildings and exhibits include a children’s area, a section entirely focused on logging, an exhibit on boating, traveling and temporary exhibitions, and more.

Besides the many amazing exhibits onsite, there is also plenty of awesome scenery and trails to check out. Classes and special programs happen on a regular basis, and meet-and-greets with area artisans are often another option.

As you can probably tell, this is a very neat and informative museum, and we highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever in the area.

Quick Tips

• Food is available for purchase on the premises. Outside food and drink is also allowed, and picnic tables are available.
• Bus parking is available.
• There are many buildings and hands-on activities. It is easy to spend at least 4 hours here.
• There are multiple buildings and some of the activities are outside, so it is recommended to go on a nice day. This attraction is only open during the warm months. Be sure to check a calendar before planning your visit.
• For more pictures of our visit to the Adirondack Experience visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FulltimeFamilies

This post may contain affiliate links. By purchasing through our links you will help Fulltime Families bring you more great Roadschooling Guides, at no additional cost to you.

Books to Read

For Littles

• Adirondack ABCs by Joyce Burgess Snavlin
• Forest Green: A Walk Through Adirondack Seasons by Liana M. Mahoney
• A Coming of Winter in the Adirondacks by Brian J. Heinz
• Adirondack Lullaby by Brian J. Heinz
• Adirondack Counting Book by Sheri Amsel

For Middles

• The Adirondack Kids Series by Justin and Gary VanRiper
• The Cry of the Loon: A Samantha Mystery by Barbara Steiner
• If You Lived With the Iroquois by Ellen Levine

For Bigs

• At the Mercy of the Mountains by Peter Bronski
• The Adirondacks: A History of America’s First Wilderness by Paul Schneider

Videos to Watch

• Iroquois — Native People of the Woodlands
• The Adirondacks — Logging
• Real Adirondack Stories — Farming in the Adirondacks
• Songs To Keep: Treasures from an Adirondack Folk Collector

Audio to Hear

For Littles

• Adirondack Adventure by Jean Young and Amy Conley

For Bigs

• A Short Dive Through Summer History In The Adirondacks by NPR

Activities to Do

• Find a map of the park and create a 3D version using salt dough.
• Learn about Iroquois lodging and create a longhouse.
• Color a picture of the beautiful Adirondack park.

Things to Discuss

• What do you think drew people to the Adirondacks?
• If you were an early Adirondack explorer what would you have packed?
• Would you like to live in the Adirondack mountains? Why or why not?

Other Area Attractions

Below are some of the other great attractions in this area. We try to keep things affordable, sticking to free and cheap attractions and/or museums and zoos on reciprocal lists. If an attraction is affiliated with a reciprocal program or offers free admission, I have noted that beside the attraction listing. To learn more about saving money using reciprocal programs, see this post.

• Canoeing, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, etc
• Wineries
• Adirondack History Centre Museum — NARM
• Saranac Laboratory Museum — NARM
• Adirondack Artists Guild
• Old Forge Lake Cruises
• Adirondack Carousel
• Lake Placid Olympic Museum
• Lake Placid Olympic Sports Complexes
• John Brown Farm State Historic Site — Free
• Enchanted Forest Water Safari
• The Strand Theater
• Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
• The WILD Center

Closest Places to Stay on a Budget

For information on camping memberships, see this post.

• Trails Collection/Encore/RPI: Lake George Escape Campground (51 mi)
• Trails Collection/Encore/RPI: Lake George Schroon Valley Resort (52 mi)
• Passport America: Medcalf Acres Riverfront Campground (53 mi)
• Coast to Coast: Schroon River Escape Lodges and RV Resort (54 mi)

For more great roadschool guides written by Chelsea Gonzales, have a look around our blog or visit Wonder Wherever We Wander.