Adirondack Gems: Why USA TODAY Loves Our Lakes
The Adirondack mountains on Lake Champlain’s west coast.
USA TODAY’s 2025 “10Best Readers’ Choice Awards” named two Adirondack-region lakes among America's top 10 vacation destinations.
Lake George, with its historic allure and year-round recreation, claimed the #3 spot in “Best Lake for Waterside Vacations.” On the other hand, Lake Champlain, with its natural beauty, biodiversity, and size and scale, landed at #9—making the Adirondacks a standout region on a national scale.
USA Today praises Adirondack lakes.
An expert panel of USA Today journalists nominated their top picks for the best lakes in the country, then readers voted for their favorites. Here were the reasons Lake George and Lake Champlain won their votes.
Lake George
Reader favorite: Thousands voted to rank 32-mile-long Lake George third, ahead of bigger lakes like Michigan and Tahoe.
Historic allure: Nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes,” it inspired early tourism in the 1800s and drew figures like founding father Thomas Jefferson, who called it “the most beautiful water I ever saw.”
Year‑round recreation: Cruises, parasailing, beaches (notably Million Dollar Beach), kayaking, and swimming appeal to both thrill-seekers and those seeking tranquility.
Lake Champlain
Natural beauty and biodiversity: USA Today calls Lake Champlain “a haven for nature lovers,” with lush islands, state parks, scenic trails, and abundant birdlife.
Size and scale: Stretching over 107 miles between New York and Vermont, with 80+ islands and status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inspirations abound—from paddling to wildlife-watching.
Discover the Lake George region.
Panoramic view of 32-mile long Lake George.
Experience the local culture and traditions in the Adirondacks. The region is known for its rich history, which is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and local festivals.
Lake George features a 32-mile stretch of water that offers countless delights. Towns like Bolton Landing, Diamond Point, and Hague line its shores, while the nearby villages of Lake Luzerne and Warrensburg provide additional opportunities for visitors to experience the best of the Adirondacks.
Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat.
Here are some of our recommended places to stay in the Lake George region. Each offers a unique experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.
The Sagamore (Bolton Landing): A historic resort right on the shore of Lake George. Guests enjoy golf, boat rentals, lake-view dining, and grand architecture.
Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat (Silver Bay): A timeless and unique Adirondack treasure that caters to a wide variety of needs.
Courtyard by Marriott (Lake George Village): If you want to be in the center of the action in Lake George Village, you couldn’t be more centrally located than at this reliable hotel chain.
We have lots of favorite places to eat in the Lake George region, including:
The Algonquin (Bolton Landing): Super popular waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of Lake George.
163 Tap Room (Lake George Village): Craft beer and delicious bites at a gastropub in the heart of the Village.
The Caldwell House (Lake George Village) Cozy, classic American fare in a log cabin south of Lake George Village.
Nettle Meadow Farm at the Hitching Post (Lake Luzerne): Cheese? Yes, please! We're big fans of Nettle Meadow's award-winning goat, sheep and cow milk cheeses. And you can enjoy them in their tasting room and tavern just a few miles south of Lake George Village.
Dine lakeside at the Algonquin in Bolton Landing.
There is no shortage of things to do.
Cruise the lake (Lake George Village): Lake George has two cruise lines, Lake George Waterfront Cruises and the Lake George Steamboat Company, that offer a variety of cruises and itineraries.
Fort William Henry Museum (Lake George Village): Immerse yourself in 18th-century colonial and military history.
The Sembrich (Bolton Landing): The former home of opera legend Marcella Sembrich is now a museum and offers many live musical performances and events during the summer season.
Cook Mountain (Ticonderoga): Explore a lesser-known Adirondack trail at the lake’s pristine northern end that rewards with peace and panoramic views of Lake George and Vermont.
Sagamore Resort Golf Course (Bolton Landing): A championship Golf Course overlooking the lake.
Lake George Steamboat Company.
Explore the Lake Champlain region.
Sometimes referred to as the Adirondack Coast, the Lake Champlain area is bounded on the east by the shores of 120-mile-long Lake Champlain and the High Peaks region to the west. This area is steeped in history and includes significant sites from the French and Indian and American Revolutionary Wars, offering visitors a chance to connect with the region's rich past.
Visitors can pursue myriad outdoor recreational activities on the water and land. The area is steeped in history and includes significant sites from the French and Indian and American Revolutionary Wars.
Fort Ticonderoga overlooking Lake Champlain. Photo courtesy LakeChamplainRegion.com (ROOST).
The famed Ausable Chasm, the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, is in the Lake Champlain region. The surrounding landscape is known for its rich agricultural heritage, and the famous Adirondack mountain range, known as the High Peaks, is close by.
Our top picks for places to stay.
Dine and stay at Essex’s Inn.
Valcour Inn and Boathouse (Valcour): A beautiful historic Inn overlooking Lake Champlain.
The Essex Inn (Essex): A charming inn and restaurant in the heart of quaint Essex, NY.
The Inn in Westport (Westport): Established in 1877, this Inn offers more than just a place to lay one’s head. Open May through October.
The Village Inn in Port Henry (Port Henry): In the heart of the historic town of Port Henry, NY, The Village Inn is a delightfully cozy stay near Lake Champlain.
Ausable Point Campground (Peru): Lakefront camping on breathtaking Lake Champlain.
Where to eat and drink.
Deer’s Head Inn (Elizabethtown): Lovely historic lodging and exceptional farm-to-table dining.
Defiance Hall at War Cannon Spirits Distillery (Crown Point): Excellent libations with tasty food situated in one of the ADK’s most historically rich areas.
Paradox Brewery (Crown Point): Excellent local Adirondack brewery with delicious pizza and pub fare.
Places to explore and experience.
Ausable Chasm (Keeseville): Visit this impressive gorge in the Adirondacks.
Bluff Point Light House (Plattsburgh): Built in 1874 to guide boats between the island's west side and the shore, it was the last lighthouse built on Lake Champlain and operated until 1930.
Star Trek Original Series Set Tour (Ticonderoga): Boldly go where no man (or woman) would expect and immerse yourself in an incredible Star Trek experience in Ticonderoga.
Crown Point Lighthouse and Champlain Memorial (Crown Point): A former lighthouse is now a tribute to explorer Samuel de Champlain.
Historic Fort Ticonderoga (Ticonderoga): Visit the site of America’s “first victory” in the Revolutionary War
The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks in Keeseville, NY.
Tips for planning your getaway to these great lakes.
Summer and fall are peak seasons in both regions. The weather is mild, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful. Weekends sell out fast, so reserve your lodging and cruises early.
Adirondack weather can surprise—even summer mornings may be crisp by the water. Hot days can turn into cool nights. Play to dress in layers and pack accordingly.
Lake George’s northern tip meets Lake Champlain’s southern end, making them a perfect combo destination. Spend a couple of days at Lake George before heading north to Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga—both connected by the historic La Chute River and striking scenery.
If you're searching for lakes that blend elegance, history, adventure, and natural beauty, it’s no coincidence that USA TODA proudly features Lake George and Lake Champlain (#9) among the nation’s favorites.
Shop for unique Adirondack apparel, gifts and merchandise.
Let ADK Taste help you find what you’re looking for in the Adirondacks.
Upcoming events in the area.
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.
