Silver Bay YMCA Conference & Family Retreat Center
A timeless Adirondack treasure, welcoming guests and the community for generations on Lake George.
Silver Bay YMCA Center overlooks stunning Lake George. All photos courtesy Silver Bay YMCA.
Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center stands majestically on one mile of pristine shoreline along Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains and is a place of natural beauty, tranquility, and community spirit.
With over a century of history, this retreat center has become a beloved destination for families, groups of friends, conference attendees, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The Swiss Army Knife of Lake George destinations.
Silver Bay is unique among Adirondack resorts, vacation spots, and retreats. It’s more than just a place to come and stay – although it certainly offers an array of options from hotel-like rooms to cabins and cottages to houses with six or more bedrooms for large groups (more on that later) – the 700-acre property offers an incredible array of activities and events year-round.
Silver Bay serves as the host site for more than 150 educational, cultural, environmental, religious, and public groups and family reunions each year.
Silver Bay’s 700-acre campus.
Visitors and community members have access to an abundance of programs and facilities. Silver Bay serves as the local YMCA for northern Lake George and southern Ticonderoga communities. It offers annual, seasonal, weekly and daily passes to those not staying at the resort but wishing to join in on all the fun and excitement on campus.
Silver Bay provides a seemingly endless roster of carefully planned and well-executed events and pursuits designed to cater to both relaxation and active diversions. These include:
Art classes – pottery, fiber arts, painting, basketry and more
Concert series – annual bluegrass festival and weekly summer concerts featuring popular regional music acts are just part of the action
Evenings of Dance – featuring top dancers from national dance companies
Nature center
Yoga
Movies
Exciting and informative lecture series – regional history, nature talks, authors and journalists, etc.
Gardening club
Boat rides and tours
Learning to sail on Lake George.
The extensive recreation facilities at Silver Bay mean that visitors and guests can enjoy their favorite outdoor adventures on the 700-acre campus, including:
Hiking trails and guided hikes
Tennis – 4 award-winning red clay courts, 2 lighted all-weather courts
Sailing – including a sailing school
Paddle sports – Kayaks, SUPs, canoes and rowboats
Swimming and other water sports at Silver Bay’s numerous waterfront areas
Indoor climbing wall
Pickleball – 4 state of the art courts
Volleyball and basketball
Archery
Softball and soccer
Fitness center
Silver Bay’s three annual Family Weeks are considered highlights of the summer season. Generations come together to enjoy talent shows, campfires, and family-oriented games.
During the fall, Silver Bay transforms into a picturesque retreat for leaf-peepers and those looking to enjoy the tranquility of the Adirondacks in autumn.
Year-round, the center offers tailored retreats for corporate groups, religious organizations, and educational institutions, providing customized programs to meet specific needs.
Staying at Silver Bay on Lake George.
Silver Bay YMCA offers a variety of accommodations to suit different needs and preferences. From historic lodges to modern inns, cozy cottages and dormitory-style rooms, guests can choose from a range of options to best suit their needs.
The heart of the campus is the century-old Inn, which features classic Adirondack architecture and offers cozy rooms with spectacular lake views.
Silver Bay’s historic hotel has been welcoming guests for over 100 years.
The rooms are outfitted simply with comfortable furnishings. Many of them have single and double beds, allowing families to share a room if desired.
The Inn’s gracious front porch and attractive lobby areas invite guests to linger and appreciate the building’s architectural beauty.
The Boyd Center, Silver Bay’s newest building, overlooks Lake George and offers 22 air-conditioned guest rooms, most with balconies.
Families or groups who prefer a cabin or homestay can opt for one of the numerous homey cottages equipped with kitchens and living spaces. Cottages range from one to five bedrooms and are spaced out across Silver Bay’s campus. Many families rent the same cozy cabin year after year. It’s not unusual to hear guests say they are second, third, fourth or even seventh-generation Silver Bayers. In fact, they are taking reservations now for 2026.
Cottages on Silver Bay’s campus are a great housing option for families.
For larger groups, Silver Bay offers five houses with six to 16 bedrooms. Several of these homes date from the late 1800s. For example, Paine Hall, with 16 bedrooms, was built in 1895 by the original benefactors of Silver Bay. It’s a beautiful Victorian home overlooking Van Buren Bay (Oneita Bay).
Silver Bay: a historic haven in the Adirondacks.
Founded in 1902 by the YMCA, Silver Bay has a rich history as a conference center and family retreat. The original mission was to provide a wholesome environment for individuals and families to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Vintage postcard picturing Silver Bay’s historic hotel.
Over the decades, Silver Bay has preserved its historic charm while modernizing its facilities to meet contemporary needs.
The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a testament to its enduring legacy and architectural significance.
Birthplace of the Boy Scouts of America.
Did you know that The Boy Scouts of America (about to be renamed Scouting America) were launched over 100 years ago at Silver Bay? In 1910, the YMCA invited representatives of boys’ groups from across the country to convene at Silver Bay and create an experimental camp devoted to teaching outdoor and leadership skills.
At the end of a wooded trail above the lake, the groups set up camp and built an amphitheater they called the Council Ring. This is where the Boy Scouts of America came into being around a blazing fire at Silver Bay.
A place on Lake George for making lifelong connections through nature, community and personal renewal.
People are drawn to Silver Bay YMCA for numerous reasons. The breathtaking natural setting is undoubtedly a major attraction. Surrounded by the majestic Adirondack Mountains and the serene waters of northern Lake George, guests find a perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. The sense of community and tradition at Silver Bay is palpable, fostering lifelong friendships and cherished memories.
Silver Bay’s commitment to personal growth and well-being resonates with visitors. Whether guests participate in outdoor activities, engage in creative pursuits, or attend spiritual programs, they feel rejuvenated and inspired. The diverse range of activities ensures something for everyone, from young children to seniors, making it an ideal destination for multi-generational vacations.
Silver Bay YMCA on Lake George.
Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center on Lake George is a testament to the Adirondacks' timeless appeal. Its unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities creates a haven for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Visit Silver Bay’s website to learn more and to book your stay.
Places to shop, eat, and things to do near Silver Bay.
