William Shatner Returns to Ticonderoga—Putting the Adirondacks on the Pop Culture Map
William Shatner, the original Captain Kirk, on The Bridge at Ticonderoga’s Original Series Set Tour.
In late June, deep in the northeastern Adirondacks, something unusual happens. The forests give way to starships. The quiet streets of Ticonderoga fill with fans.
And for four days—June 25–28, 2026—William Shatner’s appearance at the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour transforms this unassuming Adirondack town into one of the most unexpected pop culture destinations in the country.
It’s not just another celebrity visit. It’s a moment where nostalgia, craftsmanship, and fandom collide—set against a backdrop better known for lakes and loons than warp drives.
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The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in downtown Ticonderoga.
Why this Adirondack event is gaining attention.
The Adirondacks have always enticed travelers looking to unplug. But increasingly, the region is also drawing visitors for curated, experience-driven travel—events that feel personal, immersive, and just a little bit surprising.
That’s where the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga stands apart.
Unlike a traditional convention center gathering, this event unfolds inside a fully realized, screen-accurate recreation of the USS Enterprise.
And when William Shatner—forever Captain James T. Kirk—steps onto that set, the line between fiction and reality blurs in a way few places can replicate.
It’s part museum, part theater, part fan pilgrimage—and unique in the Adirondacks. And frankly, in New York State.
Visit an exact replica of the Star Trek original series bridge in Ticonderoga.
What the experience actually feels like.
Visitors don’t just observe this event—they move through it.
One moment, they’re stepping onto the Bridge, fingers hovering over blinking control panels. Next, they’re listening to a live Q&A with Shatner or waiting for a photo op that feels more like stepping into television history than meeting a celebrity.
The atmosphere shifts throughout the day. Mornings feel like a museum visit—quiet, curious, exploratory. By afternoon, the energy builds. Fans gather for panels. Conversations spark between strangers who already share a common language.
By evening, it feels closer to a small-town festival—with a sci-fi twist.
Not feeling great? Visit the Enterprise’s sick bay.
And yes, for many, there’s a moment. Standing on the Bridge. Looking around. Realizing this is as close as they’ll ever get to being aboard the Enterprise.
What makes it distinctly Adirondack.
On paper, a Star Trek event belongs in a major city. In practice, Ticonderoga makes it better.
Here, the experience is singular. There are no massive convention halls or overwhelming crowds. Instead, visitors move between the set tour and the surrounding village, where Adirondack charm softens the edges of the spectacle.
Within minutes, you can trade the hum of starship engines for the stillness of Lake Champlain. Grab a sandwich from a local café. Take a drive along forested roads that feel a world away from the 23rd century.
That contrast is the point.
The Adirondacks don’t compete with the experience—they ground it.
And, maybe, only in the Adirondacks could the Star Trek Set Tour visionary and founder, James Cawley, find the space (an old grocery store in downtown Ticonderoga) to build a replica of the original Star Trek series soundstage set that was on the Desilu Studio lot in Hollywood.
The original Captain Kirk with the Star Trek Original Series founder and visionary, James Cawley.
ADK Taste insight.
The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour exists because one person was obsessed with detail: set tour creator James Cawley, who painstakingly recreated the original 1960s sets using archived blueprints and firsthand research.
What started as a fan project has evolved into one of the most respected television recreations in the world—drawing visitors not just from across the U.S., but internationally.
And increasingly, it’s putting Ticonderoga—and this corner of the Adirondacks—on the cultural map.
Meet the stars (and step into their world).
While Shatner headlines the weekend, the broader lineup adds depth for fans who know the franchise inside and out.
Actors like Clint Howard, France Nuyen, Louise Sorel, and Barbara Luna appear alongside writers and insiders like David Gerrold. The Inglorious Treksperts bring their own brand of deep-dive fandom, guiding tours that unpack the legacy behind each set piece.
Ticket tiers range widely—from general admission to the coveted Admirals Package, which includes a private Bridge chat and dinner with Shatner.
It’s flexible enough for casual visitors—and layered enough for serious collectors and superfans.
Be “transported” at the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour.
Who this is really for.
At first glance, this feels like a niche event. But the audience is broader than you’d expect.
Yes, lifelong Star Trek fans will plan entire trips around it. But so will travelers looking for something different—families exploring the Lake George or Lake Champlain region, couples building a weekend itinerary, or anyone curious about how pop culture can take root in unexpected places.
It’s also a reminder that the Adirondacks aren’t just about outdoor adventure. They’re about discovery—in all its forms.
ADK Taste recommendations.
Captain James T. Kirk slept here.
Plan ahead. Shatner weekend is not a walk-up experience (although you can try). Tickets—especially premium packages—sell out quickly, though organizers may release additional inventory.
Go early in the day. The first few hours offer the most space to explore the sets without crowds.
Build a full itinerary. Pair the visit with nearby stops—Fort Ticonderoga, Lake George, or a scenic drive along Lake Champlain—to round out the experience.
And if meeting Shatner is on your list, commit to it. The structured packages are the only reliable way to secure that moment.
A look inside the Star Trek set tour.
Step inside the USS Enterprise in Ticonderoga.
Before you go, this video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga—one of the most immersive attractions in the Adirondacks.
A walkthrough of the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour reveals the painstaking detail behind the recreated Bridge, Sickbay, and corridors—giving visitors a true sense of what it feels like to step inside the USS Enterprise.
Located in Ticonderoga, this one-of-a-kind attraction continues to draw visitors to the Adirondacks for its immersive blend of television history and hands-on exploration.
ADK Taste perspective.
There’s an interesting shift happening in Adirondack travel.
Yes, people still come for the peaks, the lakes, the solitude. But they’re also seeking experiences—stories they can step into, moments that feel both personal and shareable.
William Shatner’s return to Ticonderoga isn’t just a fan event. It’s a signal.
The Adirondacks, long defined by wilderness, are expanding their identity—welcoming myriad cultural, creative, and, yes, even a little science-fiction attractions to the region.
And somehow, it fits.
From our personal experience, the Star Trek Tour is well worth a visit, even when the O.G. James T. Kirk is not in town. The history, artistry and craftsmanship that went into the show’s original sets are beautifully represented here. This makes it a meaningful experience for even the most uninformed visitor to the Star Trek universe.
Event details.
Event: William Shatner Appearance at Star Trek Original Series Set Tour
Location: Star Trek Tour, Ticonderoga, NY (on Lake Champlain)
Dates: June 25–28, 2026
Tickets: Required; multiple tiers available
Visitors should check the official Star Trek Set Tour website or Facebook profile for updated schedules and ticket releases.
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