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Birds of Prey

Learn about local birds of prey and owls at this free live animal program presented by Silent Wings Raptors. Call the Library at 518-532-7737 ext 13 for more information or visit schroonlakelibrary.org

2025 Fishing Tournament Schedule

See the full schedule below! Please note that specific boat launches may be impacted by fishing tournaments. 

Lake Champlain is a freshwater giant—and a fishing paradise. Here's why anglers keep coming back:

  • 500 miles of shoreline
  • Waters plunging to 400 feet deep
  • 80+ fish species calling it home
  • 120 miles of lake to roam
  • 70 islands to discover along the way

Grab your gear—there’s always something biting on Lake Champlain.

 

The Northern Department 250th Anniversary Celebration

Northern Department 250th Anniversary Celebration

In June of 1775, the Continental Congress established the Northern Department, a military department of the Continental Army charged with administering most of northern New York State and the surrounding region. Today’s Northern Department links Revolutionary historic sites and museums in New York, Vermont, and Québec that formed the historic department, to introduce new generations to the remarkable legacy of one of North America’s most concentrated historic regions.


Explore the 2025 A Revolutionary Anthology: Subjects, Citizens, Service Exhibit
 
 
Before the Revolutionary War, most colonists and Europeans were subjects, ruled by a king or queen. Americans eventually formed their own government run by citizens, but it took a grueling struggle. A person’s experience with the military service varied based on their location, culture, and politics. And the ways that service evolved during the war influenced how people look at military service even today.

If you plan to attend RSVP to Martha Strum <mstrum@fort-ticonderoga.org>

Morning Birding at Santanoni

Birding at Great Camp Santanoni

Join Charlotte Demers for a morning bird walk at the Santanoni Preserve. Participants will meet in the upper parking lot to begin a one mile stroll to the Farm Complex. A slow paced walk on this flat dirt road should result in seeing or hearing some of the 98 species of birds that have been recorded at Santanoni. Plan on 2 hours to reach the Farm Complex, with the return to the parking lot at your own pace. This is a great trip for beginning birders. Participants should bring insect repellent, water, snacks, and appropriate footwear/clothing for a 2 mile round trip hike. Binoculars will be provided.

This walk is co-sponsored by AARCH and SUNY ESF's AIC. This is a free event and no pre-registration is required.

Campfire Flame and Fret Acoustic Jam Session

Campfire Flame and Fret Acoustic Jam Session

Fridays July 11th, 25th, August 8th, 22nd – 6pm-8pm

Join us for a relaxed evening of music under the stars! Bring your acoustic instruments, your voice, or just your love of music as we gather around the campfire for an informal jam session. All skill levels are welcome—whether you’re strumming, singing, or simply enjoying the warm glow and good company.

Vacation Like a Local

Your insider’s guide to vacationing

There’s something special about discovering a place through the eyes of the people who live there. As someone who was born and raised right here in the Adirondacks, I’ll admit—it’s easy to take this place for granted. Sometimes we get caught up in the more touristy activities and forget about the hidden gems right in our own backyards.

So today, I want to share a few of my favorite lesser-known spots across the four towns that make up the Adirondack Hub: Minerva, Newcomb, North Hudson, and Schroon Lake. These are places that locals love and visitors often miss—places full of quiet beauty, rich history, and that welcoming Adirondack spirit.

Homegrown adventures in Newcomb

Let’s start with my hometown—Newcomb. This little town raised me, and while I’m not giving away all our secrets, I’m happy to share a few local favorites.

One of my go-to adventures is paddling a stretch of the Hudson River from what we call the “pump house” at the end of Santanoni Drive. It's an old building we used to draw water from, and just beside it is a small portage spot where you can launch a canoe or kayak. From there, you can paddle a peaceful stretch of the Hudson for a couple of miles. It’s serene, beautiful, and, chances are, you won’t see another soul. (Pro tip: it’s also deep enough for a swim where you launch—perfect for a refreshing dip.)

Another hidden gem is Woodruff Pond, located just beside the school. It’s a short, easy hike that takes you back to a quiet pond with a lovely lookout. It’s not a heavily trafficked trail, but it’s well worth the walk for a bit of solitude and natural beauty.

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Wandering through Minerva

Next up: Minerva. Most people know about Donnelly Beach or the popular hike up Moxham Mountain, but there’s one adventure that many haven’t heard of: John Burroughs’ Cave, tucked away in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest.

This trail is unmarked and a little tricky to find, so I recommend doing some research before heading out. The path follows an old railroad bed alongside a brook, and a small waterfall marks the entrance to the cave—once visited by naturalist John Burroughs himself. It’s the kind of quiet, rugged trail that makes you feel like you’re discovering something forgotten by time.

Bison and backroads in North Hudson

North Hudson always manages to surprise me. Tucked off the beaten path along Blue Ridge Road is the Adirondack Buffalo Company, a must-stop if you’re in the area. They sell incredible local bison meat (I always go for the medallions), and their produce and baked goods are top-notch—especially their pies.

If you keep driving past Blue Ridge Falls, there’s a small pull-off near the Branch River. A short path takes you down to a peaceful opening along the water. It’s not deep enough for paddling, but it’s a great spot to cast a line or enjoy a quiet picnic in the sun. It’s simple, scenic, and wonderfully quiet—everything I love about this area.

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Small-town charm in Schroon Lake

If I didn’t already live in Newcomb, Schroon Lake might be my top pick. Sure, the main street is picture-perfect, with cozy cafés and cute shops—but the real charm is what’s waiting just beyond.

In summer, the best way to experience Schroon Lake is to get out on the water. Whether you launch your boat from the north or south boat launch, cruising around the lake never gets old. If you’re looking for a quieter spot to unwind, head to the hamlet of Adirondack on the western shore. There’s a lovely public beach that’s usually less crowded, and right nearby is the ADK General Store—a perfect place to grab a sandwich or cold drink before settling in for a relaxing afternoon.

boating on schroon lake

Of course, I can’t give everything away. But hopefully, these little local tips help you discover a side of the Adirondack Hub that most visitors don’t see.

If you truly want to vacation like a local, start by slowing down. Paddle a quiet river, find a trail that’s not on the map, chat with a store owner, or spend an afternoon just soaking in the silence. And if you find yourself falling in love with these towns—well, maybe it’s a sign you should move here. We’d be more than happy to welcome you.

SURVEY: Take ROOST's 2025 Stakeholder Survey

We want your input as we plan for the future of our region.

In 2023, ROOST launched a 3-year Strategic Plan to guide our work through 2025. As we look ahead to 2028, we’re beginning the process of updating that plan, and your voice is essential.

Please take a few minutes to complete our short, confidential survey. Your feedback will help shape ROOST’s future priorities and ensure they align with the needs of our communities, stakeholders, and partners.

This survey is conducted by a third-party partner, and all responses are completely confidential.

Please submit your response by June 20, 2025.

Take the Survey »

Kids Campfire Building

Learn to safely build a campfire!

Kids age 10-16 come to the AIC to learn how to safely build a cozy campfire in this fun, hands-on class just for kids! We’ll explore fire safety basics and the best techniques for building and enjoying a fire in the great outdoors. Parents must be present.

 To register email shample@esf.edu.

Escape the Elements

Need to escape from the heat or rain? 

Join us at the Adirondack Interpretive Center Sunday’s at 1pm and enjoy BBC’s mini-series, Life! Feel free to bring a comfier camp chair as well as snacks and drinks (Non-alcoholic beverages only, please)!
From the BBC and the Discovery Channel, producers of Planet Earth and The Blue Planet: Seas of Life, comes the newest landmark natural history series, Life. In Planet Earth, we brought you the world as you’ve never seen it before. Now, get closer with Life. Four years in the making, filmed over 3000 days, across every continent and in every habitat, with breathtaking new high definition filming techniques not available for Planet Earth, Life presents 130 incredible stories from the frontiers of the natural world, 54 of which have never been filmed before. Packed with excitement, revelation and entertainment, this remarkable 11-part blockbuster, narrated by Oprah Winfrey, captures unprecedented, astonishingly beautiful sequences and demonstrates the spectacular and extraordinary tactics animals and plants have developed to stay alive.

  • June 29th - Challenges of Life
  • July 6th - Reptiles and Amphibians
  • July 13th – Mammals
  • July 20th – Fish
  • July 27th - Hunters and Hunted
  • August 3rd - Creatures of the Deep
  • August 10th – Plants
  • August 17th – Primates
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