2025 Great Adirondack Moose Festival in Indian Lake, NY

Indian Lake hosts the 2025 Great Adirondack Moose Festival. — Indian Lake will host the 15th Annual Great Adirondack Moose Festival starting on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Every September, the town of Indian Lake, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, comes alive with excitement and anticipation for the annual Great Adirondack Moose Festival.

This unique, three-day event, dedicated to celebrating the majestic moose, has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. If you haven’t yet experienced this incredible festival, here’s why it should be on your must-visit list this year.

Celebrating the majestic moose of the Adirondacks.

The Great Adirondack Moose Festival was first held in 2010, inspired by the growing moose population in the Adirondack region.

These magnificent creatures, once nearly extinct in New York State, have made a remarkable comeback in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts and the area’s ideal natural habitat. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) estimates the population to be between 400 and 700 individuals.

While they are iconic, they are rarely seen, and sightings are most frequent around dusk and dawn.

Adirondack Moose in Indian Lake — Adirondack moose.

The Great Adirondack Moose Festival was established to celebrate moose and to educate the public about their habits, habitats, and the importance of wildlife conservation. Organized by the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce, the festival has grown each year, attracting thousands of visitors from both near and far.

Three fun-filled days of Moose-tastic activities.

Indian Lake's Moose Festival offers great activities, food, drink and crafts — The Adirondack Moose Festival is full of great family-friendly activities, the best local food, and hand-crafted items.

What makes the Great Adirondack Moose Festival unique is its perfect blend of education, entertainment, and community spirit. The festival offers a variety of activities designed to appeal to all ages. One of the most popular events is the Moose Calling Contest, where participants of all ages take turns mimicking the calls of a moose—an entertaining and often hilarious spectacle.

For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the festival features guided driving tours through the Moose River Plains, where you can spot moose in their natural habitat. Expert guides offer insights into the habits and behaviors of these elusive animals, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

Smokey the Bear and Monty the Moose at the Great Adirondack Moose Festival — Monty the Moose and Smokey the Bear at the Moose Festival in Indian Lake.

The festival also boasts a fantastic lineup of family-friendly activities:

Moose-calling Contest
Guided family-friendly wilderness hikes
Guest appearances of Bruce the Moose and Smokey Bear
Moose Lab 101
Photo ops with Monty the Moose
Helicopter flights
White-water rafting
Live music
Count the Moose Scat Contest
Big Moose Vendor and Crafter Show
Strut Your Mut Contest
Rocky and the Moosemen Concert
Current Adirondack Moose Research Department of Environmental Conservation presentation
And much more

Don’t miss this spectacular fall event in the Adirondacks.

Lot’s of great photo ops at the Indian Lake Moose Festival.

The Great Adirondack Moose Festival is more than just a fun weekend event; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Adirondacks and learn about one of its most iconic residents.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or someone who loves the great outdoors, this festival has something for everyone.

So mark your calendars and head to Indian Lake this September – you won’t want to miss the chance to celebrate the majestic moose in the heart of the Adirondacks.