Wild at Heart: Teddy Roosevelt’s Adirondack Adventure
On this episode of the ADK Talks Podcast, we relive T.R.’s deep ties to the region.
Theodore Roosevelt, shortly before he became the
The Rough Rider rides again—right through the heart of the High Peaks.
In this episode, we sit down with nationally known Theodore Roosevelt repriser Joe Wiegand to relive T.R.’s deep Adirondack ties—from youthful birding trips and great-camp visits to the legendary midnight ride that began at Mount Marcy and ended with the oath of office in Buffalo.
Joe shares how he “becomes” Roosevelt on stage, why the Adirondacks shaped T.R.’s grit and conservation ethic, and how communities today keep that history alive.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Becoming T.R. Joe’s unlikely path—from a hippie-comedian’s son to 400 shows a year as Roosevelt—and the craft behind first-person history.
Adirondack origins. Teen summers at Paul Smith’s and St. Regis; paddling Saranac & Tupper; and Roosevelt’s first publication on Franklin County’s summer birds.
The night ride. Lake Tear of the Clouds, the dash via Aiden’s Lair with driver Mike Cronin, and daybreak at North Creek, where news of McKinley’s death awaited—history made on Adirondack roads.
Conservation President. From doubling national parks to creating national monuments and massively expanding national forests with Gifford Pinchot—T.R.’s enduring legacy.
Walk it yourself. Joe’s favorite route retracing T.R.: Upper Works → Flowed Lands → Lake Colden → Mount Marcy → Lake Tear—a strenuous, unforgettable line through history.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.
Enjoy the episode—and if it stirs your own “strenuous life,” rate/review the show and share it with a fellow Adirondack history buff.
Links & Mentions:
Town of Newcomb — details for Teddy Roosevelt Weekend (watch 2026 updates).
Visit North Creek / Tannery Pond Center — programming tied to the anniversary.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (Buffalo) — inauguration reenactment & naturalization ceremony each Sept. 14.
teddyrooseveltshow.com — Joe Wiegand’s schedule & performances.
medora.com — Gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park; summer performances in Medora.
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (Medora) — slated to open during America250 festivities in July 2026.
Great Camp Santanoni — a favorite T.R. haunt (watch for docent programs & carriage-road visits).
Lake Tear of the Clouds / Mount Marcy — source of the Hudson and the high point of New York, central to the 1901 story.
MacNaughton Cottage — the site from which then-Vice President Theodore Roosevelt began his famous “midnight ride to the presidency” in 1901 after receiving news that President William McKinley was dying.
Aiden’s Lair (NY-28N) — iconic staging point on the night ride.
Joe Wiegand as Teddy Roosevelt.
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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.
