Exhibit: “Lake George: Vacation Paradise of the 50s & 60s” | Bolton Landing | Now to October 11.
- The Bolton Museum 4924 Lake Shore Drive Bolton Landing, New York, 12814 United States (map)
Experience Lake George's Golden Age at Bolton Museum's Summer Exhibit
Photos courtesy The Bolton Museum.
Step inside a different era of Adirondack vacations.
For anyone exploring the Lake George region this summer, the "Welcome to Lake George: Vacation Paradise of the 50s & 60s" exhibit at The Bolton Historical Museum in Bolton Landing offers far more than a history lesson.
Running daily through October 11, 2026, this engaging museum exhibition transports visitors back to the decades when the Adirondacks became America's favorite family road-trip destination, and Lake George earned its reputation as one of the Northeast's premier vacation playgrounds.
Through photographs, vintage advertisements, newspaper clippings, memorabilia, and colorful displays, the exhibit captures an era when station wagons lined Route 9, roadside motels welcomed eager travelers, and families spent two carefree weeks discovering everything Lake George had to offer.
Love discovering hidden Adirondack gems? Subscribe to ADK Taste's weekly newsletter, In Good Taste, for curated events, local food finds, and unforgettable places to explore.
Discover the Lake George everyone remembers.
Following World War II, vacations changed dramatically.
Improved highways, affordable automobiles, and growing prosperity transformed Lake George from an exclusive seasonal retreat into a destination accessible to nearly everyone.
A plethora of artifacts from Lake George’s mid-century heydays.
"Welcome to Lake George" chronicles that remarkable shift through immersive displays celebrating the motels, cabin colonies, beaches, restaurants, nightlife, roadside attractions, and family entertainment that defined the era.
Visitors will recognize names that became legendary throughout the Adirondacks while discovering how these attractions helped shape generations of family vacations.
More than nostalgia.
One of the exhibit's greatest strengths is its ability to place familiar landmarks into historical context.
Special exhibits explore the landmark 1954 National Governors Conference at The Sagamore, where political leaders—including then-Vice President Richard Nixon—gathered on Lake George's shores.
Another display highlights Diane Struble's remarkable swim of the entire length of Lake George, an accomplishment that remains one of the region's most celebrated endurance feats.
The exhibit also examines the rise of western-themed dude ranches, the explosion of roadside tourism, and the enormous influence automobiles had on the Adirondack travel experience.
A colorful portrait of mid-century Lake George.
Visitors can expect exhibits filled with:
Historic photographs and postcards
Vintage tourism advertising
Resort and motel memorabilia
Newspaper headlines and local artifacts
Stories behind iconic Lake George attractions
Exhibits celebrating the culture of family road trips
Classic and vintage travel gear
Throughout the summer, guest speakers will also present programs exploring several of the exhibit's themes, offering visitors additional opportunities to dive deeper into Adirondack history.
Why this exhibit belongs on every Lake George itinerary.
Whether someone remembers these places firsthand or is discovering them for the first time, the exhibit paints a vivid picture of how Lake George evolved into one of the Northeast's most recognizable vacation destinations.
For longtime visitors, it's an opportunity to revisit beloved landmarks and forgotten traditions. For younger generations, it offers fascinating insight into an era before smartphones, GPS, and online reservations—when family vacations revolved around paper maps, roadside signs, and discovering adventure one stop at a time.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the galleries rather than rushing through. Many displays are packed with photographs and details that reward a closer look. Pair your museum visit with lunch (we recommend The Algonquin) or ice cream in Bolton Landing before strolling the waterfront for a full day celebrating one of the Adirondacks' most iconic communities.
Event details.
Welcome to Lake George: Vacation Paradise of the 50s & 60s
Location: The Bolton Historical Museum, Bolton Landing, NY
Dates: Now through October 11, 2026
Hours: Daily, 10 am – 4 pm through Columbus Day
Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's official website or Facebook page for guest speaker schedules and any updates before visiting.
Visitors looking for a cowboy experience had several Dude Ranch resorts to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Welcome to Lake George exhibit open?
The exhibit is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm through October 11, 2026.
Where is the exhibit located?
The exhibit is on display at The Bolton Historical Museum in Bolton Landing, New York, in the Lake George region of the Adirondacks.
What is the exhibit about?
We spotted a familiar relic from our family’s past: The Skotch Kooler from Thermos.
The exhibition explores how Lake George became one of America's favorite vacation destinations during the 1950s and 1960s through photographs, memorabilia, vintage advertising, and historical displays.
Is the exhibit family friendly?
Yes. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the interactive displays, historic photographs, and fascinating stories about classic Adirondack vacations. We attended with three generations, and it was particularly interesting to hear the recollections of the senior members of our family.
Are there special events during the exhibit?
Yes. Guest speakers will present programs throughout the summer exploring several themes featured in the exhibition. Check the museum's website or Facebook page for the latest schedule.
Find the best places to eat, shop, stay and experience near Bolton Landing.
America's Story Runs Through the Adirondacks
From Fort Ticonderoga and Teddy Roosevelt to the Miracle on Ice and the birth of the American vacation, the Adirondacks helped shape the nation.
Shop our store for unique Adirondack gifts, clothing, merchandise and cool stuff.
Ultimate Guide to the Adirondacks
Your insider’s guide to exploring the Adirondacks—where to go, what to eat, and the experiences that make this place unforgettable.
ADK Talks Podcast
Love the Adirondacks? You’ll love our podcast. We take listeners beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of the Adirondacks. We share stories from the people behind the best places to eat, shop, stay and explore in the ADK. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
See the top upcoming events in the Lake George area of the Adirondacks.
Navigate to the Bolton Museum.
- Posted In: Events, Lake George Area, Bolton Landing