Historical Sites & Art Museums to Explore Near Lake George, NY
The Sembrich isn’t the only Bolton Landing area museum worth checking out! Find museums, art galleries, and historical hotspots below that are located all around Lake George, and plan the perfect educational and inspiring outing today.
Experience the Golden Age of Opera & Live Music Performances by the Lake at The Sembrich
Our unique organization is part museum, part performing arts festival, and part nature preserve, ideally located on the shores of Lake George in Bolton Landing. The Sembrich is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s the former teaching studio of the internationally renowned opera singer Marcella Sembrich (1858 - 1935).
Our summer festival incorporates concerts, film screenings, and even theatrical performances that center around a particular theme. Our exhibitions inside the museum compliment the festival theme, and we have items on loan from other institutions as well as our permanent collections.
Read more about our history and mission >>
Learn the History of the Region at the Bolton Historical Museum
Located just down the road from The Sembrich, the Bolton Historical Museum is here to educate locals and vacationers alike about the history of Bolton, Lake George, and the surrounding region. The museum is housed in a former church, and displays impressive collections of artifacts and memorabilia from around the Lake George area.
The Historical Society of the Town of Bolton started operating the museum in 1971, although the facility dates back to 1890, having undergone several upgrades and restorations over the years.
Bring the Kids to Check Out A Butterfly Garden, Hiking Trails & More at Up Yonda Farm
Like The Sembrich, Up Yonda Farm is a combination of several fun ventures and things to check out, including a nature preserve with three miles of hiking trails and great views of Lake George, a Butterfly Garden and wildlife exhibits, and they also have a maple sugarhouse, educational programs and guided hikes, and more to explore.
Their nearly 75 acres is located just five minutes north of The Sembrich in Bolton Landing. Although they’re family-friendly, you don’t need to have children to enjoy the wide array of offerings at Up Yonda Farm.
Immerse Yourself In History & Beauty at Fort Ticonderoga
As you head farther north up Lake George, you must prioritize Fort Ticonderoga on your to-visit list. The spacious grounds and scenic views of Lake Champlain serve as the perfect backdrop for a day spent learning about the important history of the region. Like The Sembrich, Fort Ticonderoga welcomes you to picnic on their property, and spend some time soaking it all in.
Fort Ticonderoga offers educational programs, a gorgeous King’s Garden, boat tours around Lake Champlain, a corn maze, weapons demonstrations, and more, all centering around the Fort’s role important role in the Revolutionary War - the capture of Fort Ticonderoga was the first offensive victory for the Americans.
Find Out About Canal Life at the Skenesborough Museum & Heritage Area Visitor Center
Coming down along the eastern side of Lake George close to the Vermont border is the village of Whitehall, known as the birthplace of the US Navy, and home of the Skenesborough Museum. Don’t discount this lesser known gem when looking for unique museums near Lake George, NY. Situated at the head of Lake Champlain, this canal terminal building dates back to 1917 and has served as a museum since 1959.
Visitors can check out displays about canal life at the Skenesborough Harbor circa 1776, including canal and railroad memorabilia, firefighting equipment, and a light and sound show. This is also a nice area to walk around in, as you check out the canal and 19th century buildings along the water.
Uncover What’s Happening at the Historic Wiawaka Center for Women
As we continue south on our historic journey around the lake, the Wiawaka Center for Women, about 35 minutes from Whitehall, is an underappreciated treasure the eastern side of Lake George. The historic house is on the National Register of Historic Places, and serves as the oldest continuously operating women’s retreat center in the country.
The Wiawaka Center is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of women through special events, workshops, retreats, programs, and more. They’re open seasonally, and the public is welcome to visit during the day to check out their historic grounds with two hiking trails, picnic tables, a labyrinth, private swim areas, and a gorgeous dock.
Expand Your Knowledge About the Southern Adirondack Region at the Chapman Museum
The Chapman Museum in Glens Falls, south of Lake George and Whitehall, focuses on the history of Glens Falls, Queensbury, and the southern Adirondack region. Their museum features rotating exhibits, hands-on history galleries, photos of the region from years past, and they even have a small gift shop with books about the local region and other fun items.
You might discover at the Chapman: old fashioned sewing machines, farm equipment, a phonograph, and more fascinating memorabilia, all with connects to the local area.
See World-Renowned Art, Including a Rembrandt, at The Hyde Collection
The Hyde Collection of Glens Falls, just about 15 minutes from the Village of Lake George and five minutes from the Chapman, houses impressive permanent and rotating exhibitions, including Rembrandt’s “Christ With Arms Folded.” The Hyde is part historic house, part museum, and is comparable to major metropolitan museums.
The Hyde was established in 1952 by Charlotte Pruyn Hyde, who aimed to “promote and cultivate the improvement of fine arts, for the education and benefit of the residents of Glens Falls and vicinity and general public.” The museum hosts tours, educational programming, and special events, and always has something new and exciting to see.
Visit One of the Top Attractions in Lake George at the Fort William Henry Museum
Photo credit: Alan Nudi
Like Fort Ticonderoga, Fort William Henry was one of the forts along an important inland waterway used for transportation. This fort served as a place for equipment to be gathered and troops to assemble during the French & Indian War. Fort William Henry was constructed by the British with the intention of taking control of Lake George, but was sieged by the French in 1757.
Today, visitors can learn more about the history of the area and the role of the Fort through live reenactments, guided tours (including Haunted History Tours), educational programs, military demonstrations, and more.
Step Inside the Lake George Art Project’s Courthouse Gallery to Get a Feel for Local Arts & Culture
The Lake George Arts Project was established in 1977, and works to highlight professional and upcoming local and regional artists. They’re behind music and art programs in the area like the popular Jazz at the Lake in the fall, and the Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series in July and August, and they also have a gallery you can check out in the Village.
The Courthouse Gallery, like Fort William Henry, is situated near the southern basin of Lake George. Here visitors can see experimental or nontraditional pieces that typically have been created within the last two years. The gallery hosts a variety of workshops, classes, presentations, readings, and meetings.
Bonus Suggestion: Get Spooked at The House of Frankenstein Wax Museum
Although not a historical museum or art gallery, we’d be remiss not to mention the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, a longtime Lake George Village staple that is rumored to actually be haunted. The monster-themed attraction is open seasonally and features animatronic figures, jump scares, and special effects. Note, this is not appropriate for small children.
The Sembrich is 15 minutes north of Lake George Village, and about 35 to 40 minutes north of Saratoga Springs. We hope when you’re searching for museums near Saratoga or Lake George, NY that you start with us - and explore around the rest of the lake, as well!