Adirondack Experience, The Museum at Blue Mountain Lake
An incredible resource for learning about and experiencing the history of the Adirondacks.
All photos courtesy Adirondack Experience.
Since opening as the Adirondack Museum on Blue Mountain Lake in 1947, Adirondack Experience (ADKX) has helped visitors understand the many facets of Adirondack history and the relationship between people and the Adirondack wilderness.
ADKX is a fantastic resource for visitors and Adirondack communities that has been thoughtfully planned over decades. It offers a wide array of immersive and interactive exhibits to help visitors appreciate the Adirondack region. With its stunning location, diverse exhibits, and engaging activities, the Adirondack Experience is a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and families alike.
An amazing resource for learning about and appreciating the Adirondack Park.
ADKX comprises over 20 buildings on 120 acres overlooking beautiful Blue Mountain Lake in the Central Adirondacks. The open-air campus offers everyone something to enjoy. Step into the rich history of this region as you row an authentic guide boat, break up a logjam, climb a classic ADK fire tower, or enjoy a family-friendly hike to Minnow Pond.
On permanent view are exhibits showcasing ADK wildlife, waterways, and everyday work and life in the region. Check out an actual hermit’s tepee. Or peruse the extensive collection of guide boats and canoes. You can even take a canoe or skiff on the pond on the ADKX campus.
The Adirondack Museum’s beautiful campus.
On permanent view are exhibits showcasing ADK wildlife, waterways, and everyday work and life in the region. Check out an actual hermit’s tepee. Or peruse the extensive collection of guide boats and canoes. You can even take a canoe or skiff on the pond on the ADKX campus.
Experience the rich history of the Adirondacks.
ADKX comprises over 20 buildings on 120 acres overlooking beautiful Blue Mountain Lake in the Central Adirondacks. The open-air campus offers everyone something to enjoy.
Steamer used to convey guests to Adirondack camps.
Step into the rich history of this region as you row an authentic guide boat, break up a logjam, climb a classic ADK fire tower, or enjoy a family-friendly hike to the delightful Minnow Pond.
On permanent view are exhibits showcasing ADK wildlife, waterways, and everyday work and life in the region.
Check out an actual hermit’s tepee. Or peruse the extensive collection of guide boats and canoes. You can even take a canoe or skiff on the pond on the ADKX campus.
Immerse yourself in the many aspects of the Adirondack region.
The museum is renowned for its interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. One of the museum's core exhibits, "Life in the Adirondacks,” is particularly popular. It offers hands-on activities that allow visitors to experience the daily lives of early settlers and the challenges they faced.
Anne LaBastille’s original cabin.
The exhibit, which includes Anne LaBastille’s cabin, artifacts from Adirondack Great Camps, and areas dedicated to bringing to life the stories of miners and loggers, allows visitors to experience how people have lived in the Adirondacks.
One of the most critical aspects of this exhibit is the space dedicated to the region’s indigenous people. It tells the story of the Mohawk and Abenaki through artifacts, video interviews, music, and a language learning station.
Visit a recreated traditional campsite to learn about the vibrant cultures and rich history of today's Mohawk and Abenaki people. Experience the immersive environment that brings to life the traditions and stories of the region's indigenous people.
The 19,000-square-foot exhibit also features several video installations to help visitors immerse themselves in the Adirondacks. Visitors can even walk through a private railcar that once carried passengers to their Great Camp.
Step through time.
Authentic Adirondack rustic furnishings at Bull Cottage.
The Adirondack Experience’s campus includes several rebuilt structures that further illuminate life in the Adirondacks. The Buck Lake Club is an authentic twentieth-century one-room log cabin.
Another campus structure, the Log Hotel, was built in 1876 and is original to the ADKX site. It was once part of Merwin’s Blue Mountain House, a summer resort. Visitors can peek into the hotel’s lobby and a guest room to see the early days of tourism in the Adirondacks up close.
Visit Bull Cottage, initially constructed in 1901, to see one-of-a-kind examples of classic Adirondack rustic furniture.
Expand your ADK knowledge with informative exhibits.
Racing sloop.
Other ADKX exhibits focus on specific aspects of Adirondack life. For example, the Boats and Boating exhibition houses the museum's extensive collection of watercraft and communicates boats' essential roles in transportation and recreation within the Adirondack Park. According to the ADKX website, over 50 watercraft, including guideboats, canoes, kayaks, and racing boats, are displayed yearly.
The Woods and Waters exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the history of outdoor recreation in the Adirondacks. You’ll see how people hunted, hiked and spent their days exploring the region.
Learn how the Adirondacks have inspired great artists.
One of the newest additions to the ADKX’s permanent exhibitions is Artists & Inspiration in the Wild. Comprising four main galleries, the exhibition illustrates how the Adirondacks have captured the attention of and inspired artists to create beautiful works of art.
American art on display at the Adirondack Experience’s “Artists & Inspiration” exhibit.
Artists & Inspiration provides a diverse and far-reaching interpretation of Adirondack art, featuring renowned artists such as Asher B. Durand, Thomas Cole, Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait, Seneca Ray Stoddard, and Rockwell Kent, as well as groundbreaking figures like Edna West Teall, Dorothy Dehner, Margaret Bourke-White, Takeyce Walter, Niio Perkins, and Natasha Smoke Santiago. These visionaries have drawn from the same landscapes and materials to create an unparalleled artistic legacy.
There is always something more to explore at ADKX.
We’ve only scratched the surface of everything to see and do at the ADKX. We didn’t even get to the nature trails, gardens and scenic views on the campus.
The museum always has something going on, including artisan festivals, lectures and classes, and live performances. Be sure to check its events calendar to see what’s happening now.
Northville-Placid Trail.
Don’t miss 2024’s exhibit featuring the 100th anniversary of the Northville-Placid Trail that spans 138 miles within the breathtaking expanse of the Adirondack Park’s 6 million acres in New York State.
It is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, solitude, and the pristine beauty of nature. The trail, which links Northville in the Southern Adirondacks to Lake Placid in the High Peaks, offers an unforgettable journey through rugged wilderness, tranquil lakes, and ancient forests, making it a must-visit Adirondack destination for hikers of all levels.
Tips for visiting the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake.
Here are some considerations to make the most of your trip to the Adirondack Experience.
1. Plan ahead: Check the museum’s website for current hours, admission prices, and special events. This will help you plan your visit and ensure you don’t miss any must-see exhibits or activities.
The Fall is one of the best times to visit the ADKX.
2. Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in the Adirondacks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent, especially if you plan to explore the outdoor trails.
3. Pack a picnic: The museum has beautiful picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. While dining options are available, bringing your own picnic can be a fun and budget-friendly alternative.
4. Allow plenty of time: With so much to see and do, plan to spend at least a full day at the museum. If possible, consider staying overnight in the Blue Mountain Lake area to explore the Adirondack Experience and the surrounding attractions fully.
5. Engage with the staff: The museum staff are knowledgeable and passionate about the Adirondacks. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, join guided tours, or participate in hands-on activities to enrich your visit.
The fantastic gift store at the ADKX. Do NOT miss it.
6. Visit the Gift Store. ADKX's Gift Store is one of our favorite places for finding unique and lovely gifts and Adirondack merchandise. It’s simply the best.
The Adirondack Experience at Blue Mountain Lake offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history aficionado, or a family looking for a fun and educational outing, the museum provides a unique and memorable experience.
Plan your visit today and discover the wonders of the Adirondacks in a setting that truly celebrates the spirit of this remarkable region.
ADKX is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
