Mini Route 66 in Speculator, NY
Get hip to this timely tip: a unique stop in the Central Adirondacks.
Sure, we love the Adirondack Park for its 6 million acres of majestic mountains, gorgeous lakes and waterways, and fantastic flora and fauna. But we also appreciate a healthy dose of weird, wacky, and kitschy stuff that pops up from time to time (or almost all of the time if you’re in Lake George Village) in the Adirondacks.
That’s why we were thrilled to learn about the miniature Route 66 in Speculator, NY, across from the public beach by the Speculator Ball Field and Pavilion. Visitors can tour for free whenever they like.
A brief history of Speculator.
Before delving into the delights of Mini Route 66, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the history of Speculator itself. Originally settled in the late 18th century, the town of Speculator flourished with the arrival of the lumber industry in the 19th century.
When tourism in the Adirondacks boomed in the early 20th century, the village became a popular destination for tourists seeking respite in the Adirondack wilderness. Entire families spent their summers enjoying the mountain hospitality and fresh air at the lakes that surround the town.
Enterprising businesspeople built hotels to accommodate the influx of tourists, leading to the construction of more stores, homes and holiday cottages. While it’s no longer the bustling town it was during its heyday, there are plenty of reasons to make Speculator a stop on any tour of the Adirondack Park.
A village within a village in the Central Adirondacks.
Mini-Route 66 is the brainchild of New Jersey native John Van Buiten, a long-time vacationer in the area, who constructed the buildings over several years with the help of Richard Koert.
Each building is just 98 square feet because New York State requires a permit for any building over 100 square feet (we also love it when someone sticks it to the man!).
When Mr. Van Buiten sold his residence in Speculator, he donated the village to the town, and it was placed in a park where it resides today for all to enjoy.
When you visit, you’ll find a collection of tiny buildings, including a general store, service station, church, schoolhouse, post office, ice cream parlor, and even a barbershop.
While it may not stretch across multiple states like its famous counterpart, Speculator’s version of Route 66 is a charming slice of Americana that beckons travelers to embark on a nostalgic journey through time.
Kids of all ages will certainly “get their kicks” with a visit to Mini Route 66.
