Only in the Adirondacks: Star Trek Original Set Tour
Ticonderoga is home to a unique Star Trek experience like no other in the world.
Photos courtesy of Star Trek Original Series Set Tour.
For reasons not entirely clear, the original set for the ‘60s version of Star Trek has been recreated in the town of Ticonderoga in the Champlain Area of the ADK.
Here’s what we know: when the original Star Trek TV show was canceled in 1969, the sets were dismantled and destroyed, with a few minor items surviving. This did not deter superfan James Cawley from rebuilding exact replicas of the sets as they would have appeared over 50 years ago.
Boldly go where no man (or woman) would expect to go in the Adirondack mountains.
Today, Ticonderoga is home to the allegedly most accurate recreation of the original TV sets (we only say “allegedly” because ADK Taste doesn’t have the resources or desire to verify the accuracy of that claim, and we don’t want to be sued). Notwithstanding, this is serious business; original blueprints were uncovered and used. The team watched and rewatched hundreds of hours of Star Trek reruns and studied thousands of photographs to create the most accurate depiction of the original sets.
And all of that painstaking and hard work paid off; The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour draws visitors from around the world. Star Trek fans come from around the world to visit Ticonderoga and see “the studio” as it would have looked on the Desilu lot (that’s right, Desilu as in Ricky and Lucy) from 1966-1969. On almost any given day, one can see someone wandering around Ticonderoga wearing a semblance of a USS Enterprise uniform.
The tour offers a unique, detailed and immersive Star Trek experience.
The tour is set up in an unassuming building, but once inside, visitors are transported to the 1960s and the USS Enterprise as it appeared on television screens. The meticulous attention to detail in the set reproduction is a testament to the dedication of the organizers and their desire to provide an authentic experience for Star Trek enthusiasts. You don’t have to be a super fan to enjoy the experience and appreciate the devotion and craftsmanship exhibited by the Set Tour.
One of the highlights of the tour is the faithful recreation of the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Fans can sit in the captain's chair, take command of the helm, and marvel at the control panels that became synonymous with the original series. The attention to detail extends to the uniforms, props, and even the lighting, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping onto the set of the classic show.
In addition to the bridge, the tour includes other iconic sets such as the transporter room, sickbay, and the briefing room. Each area is filled with authentic props and memorabilia, allowing fans to relive some of their favorite moments from the show. Knowledgeable guides share behind-the-scenes stories, trivia, and insights into the making of Star Trek, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
The OG Captain Kirk, William Shatner, attends special events annually, as do other series cast members.
William Shatner, Captain Kirk himself, visits Ticonderoga for a series of sold-out events (including his recent 90th birthday).
Many other former cast members have made the trek to Ticonderoga, including the late Nichelle Nichols (Uhura), George Takei (Sulu) and Walter Koenig (Chekov).
Be sure to check the Star Trek Orignal Series Set Tour website for hours and tour availability. The tour is open year-round, although the schedule varies, and winter hours (November through April) are weekends only.
As far as we’re concerned at ADK Taste, live long and prosper, Star Trek Original Series Set Tour!
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