Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake

Visited the day of their Fall Festival, October 5, 2025. Had over 20 buildings you could go into and learn about the history of the Adirondacks. They had areas for kids to do crafts, paint pumpkins, bands, people on stilts, catch and release fishing, wagon rides and more. Trails for walking to see the views, a gift shop and café as well. I would say it's more for families but adults seem to enjoy it too. Check them out if you're ever in that area🍂🍁

Absolutely awesome museum complex!! The w8fe and I loved it! Super friendly and helpful staff!! The mobility cart they let my wife use made it possible for us to see all of the exhibits and buildings. We will definitely come back the next time we are in the area.

AMAZING!!! I'm so mad I never went here sooner living in the Adirondacks myself. We stopped on our way back from Old Forge on Sunday and we were blown away. Myself, my gf and our 10yr old son loved everything and plan on going back so we can spend even more time. It's a must see and the best museum we have ever been to, period!

This is a great place to experience and learn about Adirondack history. I encourage anyone, any age, to spend time exploring the many buildings in the property. Loads of exhibits and fascinating recreation of life from the past complete with multi media presentation.

Such an educational and well-administered museum! Always a delightful place to visit@

We came to musuen years ago with our children. I came back with my 3 adult daughters. There's so much history and we enjoyed it so much we will be coming back again!

Great experience. The museum was in excellent condition and well maintained. Guides available but not intrusive. Exhibits were varied and interesting and covered a large number of subjects and interests. This is an indoor and outdoor museum so if you go on a rainy day prepare to walk from building to building outside but the campus is not super large. Good for kids and adults of all ages. If you enjoy reading then you can make a day of it from 10-5 otherwise plan on 4-5 hours. The gift shop was interesting but costly.

Spent a wonderful half day here. Educational and interactive indoor-outdoor museum campus with a few short hiking trails, canoe rental for Minnow Pond included with purchase of entry ticket, and a wonderful cafe with friendly and efficient staff. Not to mention the amazing view!!

My hubby brought me here for the first time and we enjoyed it very much! Every building was very interesting and we spent as little or as much time as we wanted. In all, I think we spent about 3 hours here. I loved the gift shop - so many cute items and many wound up coming home with me as part of my early Christmas gift buying. The cafe was limited and I struggled to find something to eat because of food intolerances so I wound up eating a snack there and drinking a Gatorade. The view was incredible from the patio! We were there on the early side for lunch and got a spot right by the railing. That view alone made the trip worthwhile. The only negative: the kids pulling on the train bell. One darn family let their kids ring the bell for what felt like hours (it was probably only about 10 minutes, while the parents rested their feet) but that bell is quite loud and hurt ears. There should be somebody at that train display to shoo them on to something else after a few rings of the bell each.

great museum sad cafe The museum is world class but skip lunch. The healthiest sandwich is a turkey bacon Swiss with arugula on white bread griddle grilled in a stick of butter. Even without the bacon, it is a years supply of saturated fats. Great turkey and arugula. it could have been en excellent sandwich. Why ruin it? people want healthier choices.

Here for the view and the food! This is a true hidden gem in the Adirondacks. We have been members here for a very long time. There is always something new. Did I also say the food is good. Today we stopped in only to check out the gift shop and have lunch.

The Adirondack Experience is a lovely place with helpful friendly guides, but it is not worth the $20 plus admission fee. Many of the exhibits are similar to those at the free NYS Museum in Albany. You can get through these exhibits in less than 30 minutes. The grounds and views are beautiful but there are also many free choices elsewhere. The AE has nothing unique to offer

The Hudson River Paintings of the Adirondack's were amazing. Lots of out buildings to explore with different themes in them. Beautiful layout.

This is a longtime favorite of our families that makes for a relaxing, informative and educational vist each time we happen allong. It boasts some one of a kind, truely spectacular views, an amazing gift shop, a great Cafe and plenty of interactive historic exhibits to keep even the youngest family members engaged for hours. Our personal favorites are the collection of historic cottages, which are absolutely lovely works of art. Some things to know: This place is big. It isn't a place to stop by just for a quick look. Plan on a visit of several hours. Yes, there are some rather steep hills that must be traversed to fully explore the grounds. Come prepared. This museum has both inside and outside events, exhibits and seating. Plan accordingly.

Museum with Adirondacks History Nice Quaint Museum. Very nice helpful attendants & guides. Great Food. Fun things for kids to do throughout, walking is easy even on the hilly sections, and a picturesque pond. Very well Maintained.

We wanted to learn more about the Adirondacks and we definitely did with this "museum." I say that because it's more of a complex of buildings with different themes. You can pick whatever one you want to start on and I'm not sure if this is always the case but we were told our ticket cost allowed us to come back the next day... The different buildings were devoted to: (these are my personal highlights- I know it's not just what was there...) -Work in the Woods - super interesting about logging and how it was done in the past. I don't know how they managed to do it. -Boats and Boating - gosh the older craftsmanship is amazing -Artist & Inspiration - new exhibit - tons of paintings (that will be rotating) and you just get to see how life was depicted in the Adirondacks from 1800s onward -Life in the Adirondacks - get to see & enter an actual old fancy train car used to travel (see how the other half lived back in the day), older cars, stoves -Woods & Waters - loved looking at different animals that live and have lived there -Marion Pavilion - go on an old steam engine and also just enjoy the small lake with trouts -Bull Cottage - see an awesome older cottage with amazing wood furniture -Fire Tower - a little bit of climb upwards and watch your head right before you head up! but super cool. The attendants were so pleasant and while I would've loved to come back the next day (included!) we had to leave so couldn't enjoy their cafe or the scenic hike to the lake.

Amazing museum around Central Adirondack. You can spend the whole day their different attractions and exhibitions. Staffs were helpful and friendly. The got ever you need to know and do around the Adirondacks. There's a short hike that takes to a boat house where they have canoes for rental. Overall, amazing experience and would definitely come back.

Wow! I've come to the adirondacks for many many years but this was the first time we visited the Adirondack experience- what a wonderful way to spend a day! Exhibits were so informative and well thought out. Very interactive for kids of all ages. The campus is spread out among many buildings, great examples of ADK architecture abound. This year there was a new trail to the boathouse where you can rent different types of boats to give a try on their pond. I Highly recommend going not only on a rainy day but a sunny day as well! A small cafe serves a light fare so you can have lunch should you choose to spend the day. WiFi is available on site as well.

This is an unexpected gem of a treat in Blue Mountain Lake. 20 dollars admission fee for adults and they gets you in one additional time over the next week. All residents of the Adirondack Park get in free on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Excellent view of the lake from the cafe area and tons and tons of great history spread across multiple buildings, including a real schoolhouse, cabins, etc. Full sized Pullman rail car was unexpected and impressive! Additionally, I loved all the info on the logging aspect/history of the ADKS and the exhibits on some of the 46'ers and Verplank Colvin and his surveying of the High Peaks region were standouts as well. Nice mixture of old school exhibits as well as those featuring modern technology. Lots of parking, including a covered garage, and they have free WiFi which is available all over the complex.

Wow great museum with so many exhibits! We could have spent more time here! Absolutely loved the boat exhibit and that they build a bot every year. We found the staff knowledgeable and helpful. It was lovely to eat on the deck looking out over the lake- absolutely spectacular. Definitely worth joining as members!

I had resisted returning since the Adirondack Museum became the "Adirondack Experience" because I was afraid they had succumbed to the cuteness of a certain nearby place with an indoor trout stream. No worries. The vast majority of the exhibits are intact and only the main hall has been changed in a way that ultimately won me over. That "Adirondack Life" pavilion now includes interactive exhibits where you can paddle a guide boat and break up a log jam, plus see a number of short videos and inspect supporting artifacts. A good test for this change is the exhibit on Teddy Roosevelt's ascendancy to the presidency, which happened while he was climbing Mt. Marcy. The buggy that carried him down the mountain to North Creek is still there, but the yellowed newspaper clippings have been replaced with a recreation of his route on video. I'm okay with the change and I think it's much more accessible to most folks. Also, there is new stuff: an exhibit on iron mining in the ADK and another on ice harvesting, plus an account of the surveying triumphs of Verplanck Colvin with some of the tools he used, among others. Maybe the most poignant is the "shack" that was built in the 1950s for a music student who won a scholarship to an academy in Long Lake, but couldn't be housed in the dormitories because he was African American. The cheerful, welcoming artwork he scrolled on the walls and doorway says volumes about the triumph of the human spirit over narrow minded values.

I had no idea there was so much to see here. I choose this sorta rainy day to leave my camp site to come here with my hubby, who by the way got us in for free with his military i.d. (perks) This weekend was the native American artists exhibit which was so amazing to see their crafts & their art. Also to meet and talk to each artist was pretty cool. Very kid friendly place if you have them. The cafe also had soups and such for a good price, WITH A SPECTACULAR VIEW. Not a bad place to visit, be prepared to do lots of walking and dedicate a few hours to see everything

This place never disappoints! So much to see and experience! Plan some time as you simply can not expect to see everything in less than three hours - I'd plan at least 4.5+. You'll learn lots here and the new interactive exhibits are very well done and very informative (although I do miss many of the cool transportation exhibits they replaced). Special thanks to George for all the great info and enthusiastic story telling about the houses on the hill and the original owner of the hotel that once stood on the grounds of the main museum building. Everyone living in New York State should experience this place. It makes you proud of our history. Visitors from elsewhere will be amazed by the Adirondack Park.

I visited the Adirondack Experience on a cool July day with a smattering of rain. It was the perfect activity for an unpredictable weather day. Plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. We arrived at 10:30am and left around 3pm. There was still more to see. Our group had a baby in a stroller, several toddlers/pre-schoolers, a six year old, two ten year olds and several adults. There was something for everyone. We found the staff incredibly kind and helpful- with a real love for kids. The seating around the cafe enjoyed a STUNNING view. We didn't purchase food from the cafe but it looked like a nice place to buy a simple lunch if you didn't pack something. I would absolutely go back.

What a wonderful museum. Beautiful views, grounds and fantastic exhibits. Highly educational for adults and kids. Great hands-on activities for the younger folks; really interesting historical information for those that are interested. Friendly, interactive staff, nice little cafeteria and a terrific gift shop with plenty of locally-made items. They're also expanding and adding new exhibits...so it's definitely worth multiple visits.

Awesome experience with so much to see. Wealth of information on NY and the Adirondacks. Can't wait to go back! Highly recommend to see on a rainy day and Just a short drive from Lake George Definitely worth the trip.

This place is actually very huge and well worth the stop. You have multiple levels and the map is helpful. The gift shop is enormous and well worth investigating. They canoes were an excellent display. That they were made so light as to tote on your shoulders!!?? You may want to spray some insect repellant as there were mosquitoes hanging around with some of the pond water. Excellent collection of books. There is ample parking.

i have been to the Adironack Museum more than 5 times, I found out some amazing information while touring inside this place. I have heard good things about this museum outside if it. I know a peer of mine that works/worked there. When I was still in Elementary school I was on a school trip with the rest of my amazing friends and that was my 1st tour ever from visiting there. The museum has good quality to it, good traditional made boats/hand made with is amazing. I wouldn't think I could make a boat all by myself. But it's pretty amazing what other people can do though. I love the history behind most things. My favorite part of the meusum tour is the trains, school house/ with playground and the cabin when you have to walk back on the trail in the outside part. The customer service is great, the employee's are right there when you need them. But overall, it is one of the places I like visiting.

I've been visiting the Adirondack Museum since 1986. It's a gem. More than "just" a regional museum, there's depth to its collection, and exhibitions that connect to the history and culture of the country as a whole. It's undergoing a renovation this year but don't let that stop you! One can get a sneak peek of what they're doing and an opportunity to comment! I always learn new things. Being accompanied by some hungry men, we sampled some fare at the Cafe. Not something I have done before. Everyone was pleased with the selection: from hot soups and hot sandwiches to eat in, there are "to go" items which can easily make a picnic (which can be done within the beautiful grounds). There were fresh made salads, as well as desserts etc. What stood out today during this annual visit was the Gift Shop. While admiring the new offerings, I struck up a conversation with the salesperson behind the counter and found I was speaking with the new Buyer - Nadine, who joined in October. She has brought some really lovely items to the shop. The layout has changed with some furniture being incorporated, and creating "nooks and crannies" to be explored. And there is a level of sophistication to the pottery ware and jewelry. The souvenir t-shirts are of fine quality and design too. We came away with good loot in all the above mentioned categories, all while supporting this wonderful institution. I'll be back. Again.

This museum is very rich and full of information and history regarding the American pioneers of the Adirondacks over the last few centuries, though I must give it only four stars because this elaborate Museum spanning almost a square acre, did little to highlight any of the Native American history, artifacts, or influence on what was presented in the museum which I found strange, almost intentional, considering the vast and advanced native nations presiding in this area at the time. Considering much of the area still maintains native names and stereo typical wooden carved gimmicky statues, you would think they would honor The native tribes in a museum like this.

This hands on museum is an outstanding place to visit while in the Adirondack. What a great job they do! The staff is very helpful and friendly and knowledgeable. The exhibits are great! Hands on exhibits and exhibits for everything. The view at the Cafe cannot be beat. I consider this a must if you are visiting the Adirondacks.

Had an awesome day here with the kids - arrived at 11 and still had more stuff we wanted to do when they closed at 5. Highlights were the (newly opened) hike to Minnow Pond, doing crafts in the schoolhouse, Buck hunting cabin, and the old fashioned laundry washing setup where kids could pump water, scrub laundry, wring it through a wringer, and hang it out to dry. Beautiful Adirondack setting.

I have been going to the Adirondack Museum since I was a child. It is probably the coolest museum I have ever been to. It is worth the drive to Blue Mountain Lake from any of the cities along the NYS Thurway (I90). I have not been in years but I know that it was been constantly changing and was completely upgrade a couple of years ago. A great rainy day activity when you are camping in the area. On nice days the view alone is worth the price of admission. If you are not careful you might actually learn something,

Oh, how I wish I could give this place SIX stars! EVERYTHING is awesome: the exhibits (both permanent and temporary), the environment (both built and natural), the cafe, the gift shop, and, MOST importantly, the staff. GET THEE TO THE ADIRONDACK MUSEUM!

This is a superb museum in a beautiful setting. If you are at all interested in the history of this area, you will not be disappointed. The modest cafeteria dining room has glorious lake views. The museum shop is well stocked with merchandise not made in China.

Not sure how many stars to give this. The sad thing is it takes a museum to show what the Adirondacks are supposed to be all about as opposed to what they have become. We stayed in Old Forge in a "waterfront cabin" -Houses right next to each other, lots oif noise a water park, crappy souvenirs (not made here) a tour boat going by twice a day. It was not the Adirondack experience we were hoping for- it was more like the New Jersey shore I will backpack and get back to the Adirondack experience myself but my wife cannot anymore so we will no longer be vacationing here anymore. ( And we are here midweek off peak season in Sept! ) I'm looking forward to going home tomorrow to some peace and quiet.

I would have liked to give Adirondack Experience 4 stars, but the experience at the onsite Lake View Cafe operated by Well Dressed Food was so bad that it left a cloud over the entire visit (-1 star). Not only were food choices severely limited (the grab 'n go case was almost completely empty), the staff was grossly apathetic to the entire situation instead opting to complain about the 'big rush' they had in the previous hour. When our order was ready, I found the fish was overcooked and that the young man taking the order had added a $5 order of pub fries without my consent. When I brought this to another young man's attention he only shrugged his shoulders like a fool and offered no resolution or apology. The soup that was supposed to take 10 minutes took far longer, and no one bothered to inform us when it was ready. I had to ask, and the same young man who initially took the order asked in an accusatory tone "Did you order and pay for the soup?". When I said yes, and that I was told my name would be called it was ready, this same impudent boy reprimanded me for not asking about it sooner - "Well, you should have come up and asked!". Only the young woman behind the counter had the common sense to apologize for all of the mistakes and poor service. Overall, the staff was immature, inexperienced, rude, unprofessional, apathetic and extremely poorly trained. Concerning the museum, its re-branding didn't yield much improvement (-1 star). The new exhibit with its handful of interactive elements is obviously designed to attract families with younger children. Many were there, most just letting their kids run around making noise like they were home in their own living room. It felt like the content had been stretched to fill a room nearly twice the size of what it requires. In summary, this was a mediocre experience. I won't return soon nor will I recommend to my friends and colleagues that they make the 2-1/2 hour drive from Syracuse.

The opportunity to go through the railroad magnate's car is worth the price of admission alone. There really wasn't one aspect of the museum I didn't enjoy. Furniture, boats, cars, houses, everything is artfully presented. I love the fact that we visited on a Wednesday, then had the opportunity to return on a Sunday when they were doing their Adirondack Arts & Crafts festival and enter the museum grounds again at no charge (I believe you can visit again within a week at no charge). The festival itself was wonderful. Beautiful furniture and lights. But oh so pricey . . . Best to visit on a weekday when the museum is open. It can get crowded on weekends.

This museum is a must for anyone who enjoys history. Everything is beautiful here, from the grounds to the buildings. There is a free audio tour available and plenty of helpful staff. I was very impressed by the number of kid friendly activities here. Today I was lucky enough to get to meet their boat maker and watch her work on a canoe she was carving! Tons to see here, I spent five hours and only got to see about half of the place. Affordable, beautiful, educational, and kid friendly.

This museum is a gem, a real find! It is all about various aspects of life in the Adirondacks, and it doesn't miss a trick. The exhibits are beautifully mounted and explained, and the directional signage is perfectly clear. I found all of the exhibits in all of the buildings to be interesting, and I was particularly taken with the private railroad car from the age of the "Great Camps" and the rustic furniture display. Another plus for this museum is that it has numerous stations with hands-on activities for kids, keeping the little ones busy while the adults absorb every detail of the exhibits. Finally, lunch in the cafeteria-style cafe was delicious - with lots of interesting choices, including vegetarian ones - and the view over Blue Mountain Lake was stunning. Allow plenty of time for the whole experience!

Museums are very well done and are interactive. I even had fun on the rowing machine that simulated the action in a lake canoe. Would be a great educational experience for kids. Store was a little pricey. Definitely go to the restaurant and check out the view of the lake, even if you don't buy any food/drink.

Definitely worth the trip up from Brant Lake. On vacation with the wives and how to do something other than fish to please them. This is an all age, all gender place to go. Great trout pond for the kids to feed. Plenty of historical information what developed the Adirondacks and what the driving industries were up there. Make the trip

Beautiful campus, an exhibit for everyone! We loved the logging exhibit, and the gorgeous boats, but I haven't even scratched the surface. Well worth a visit.

Nice and well maintained! It's a nice stop from the drive, however do plan to spare at least 2 hours here. Museum is ok.

The reviews don't do the museum justice but this place is fantastic. It tells both the natural history and the history of the rich (and far from rich) people who live here. Great activities for the kids. cafe food is delicious but watch the hours, as it always seems like they close earlier than we'd like them to and there's really no place else around to eat:(

WOW. As a museum about the history of the park (people, nature, etc) it's amazing. Probably one of the 5 most impressive museums I've ever been to. I'm not going to waste any more time talking about it, as if you don't go, you're missing out.

This museum is well done and great for a rainy day. Adirondack life / craft / style nicely portrayed. Recommended without hesitation.

Excellent views, great museum, interesting exhibits, fun fire tower and other activities throughout the museum. Great museum staff, very friendly/helpful. Plenty of parking.

We went on a rainy day in the Adirondacks. The museum was really interesting and further it was up to date. There was information about living in the 1800s and 1900s, how people travelled and logging. The small cafe was nice with a nice view of the water. Really glad we went and had a nice time!