The Elusive Adirondack Moose

Weighing in at nearly 1,000 pounds, the moose is a majestic animal that captures the attention and imagination of all ages. From a child who has never seen a moose before, to a well-seasoned Adirondack native, the rare moose spotting is something that nature lovers long to see. Lucky for us, state wildlife biologists report the Adirondack moose population is growing, and the increased reports of sightings truly back these statements up. Keep in mind as you plan your upcoming autumn visit, this is the best chance to catch a glimpse of our four-legged friend. Fall is breeding season, and these usually solitary animals start roaming in search of a mate.

In honor of this exciting time of year, the town of Indian Lake hosts an event all moose lovers out there will want to check out: The Great Adirondack Moose Festival!

8 Reasons to Check Out the Great Adirondack Moose Festival

1. Fall Foliage

Let's start with the dates. The Great Adirondack Moose Festival takes place on the weekend of September 23-24. This is traditionally the weekend when the leaves are just about hitting peak in our corner of the woods. That being said, the sights that you will see on your way to and from The Great Adirondack Moose Festival are worth the trip alone. So, even if there wasn't a great festival to attend, this weekend would be the prime time to take a trip to the Adirondacks.

2. Tours

During the Great Adirondack Moose Festival you can take advantage of the fall colors by signing up for one of the many free guided tours. From guided trips up Castle Rock, where you can take in stunning fall views as the colors contrast off of Blue Mountain Lake, to a more level hike into OK Slip Falls, where you can sneak a spectacular autumn view of one of the Adirondacks' tallest waterfalls. There are lots of great guided tours during this festival! And yes, I said free. For the complete list of guided hikes check out the full program of activities.

For those of you who would rather go at it on your own, or would prefer to sightsee from the comforts of your vehicle, the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce has put together a great self-guided driving tour through the Moose River Plains. 

3. Excursions 

In addition to tours, you will also find some cool excursions! Moose are known to feed near the water, right? So, why not get out on the water? From taking a brunch cruise aboard Raquette Lake Navigation's W.W. Durant, to taking a fall foliage whitewater rafting trip with Adirondac Rafting Company, the Great Adirondack Moose Festival also has its fair share of great excursions for you to enjoy!

3. Entertainment

So far we talked about a lot of the activities around Indian Lake, but we haven't even begun to talk about all of the fun taking place in town, or as we like to call it, "Moose Festival Headquarters." During the Great Adirondack Moose Festival there is a complete lineup of entertainment happening pretty much around the clock in Indian Lake. Enjoy live music from The Vintage Country Band in the park next to Indian Lake Restaurant & Tavern or stop by the Indian Lake Theater for a showing of the movie "Moose" (yeah, what else do you think we would show?). From the Utica Zoo Mobile to wildlife presentations, there is plenty to see and do right in Indian Lake on September 26 & 27. 

4. Children's Activities

Also on the agenda: counting poop (yes, I said poop)... Really, let's refer to it as scat - there is a "count the moose scat" competition in businesses around town, to the Moosterpiece Children's Games & Activities in Byron Park, there are tons of fun things for the little ones to do.  And don't worry mom and dad... it's not real scat!

5. Shopping

So if moose scat isn't your thing, I bet shopping is. From sidewalk sales to one-of-a-kind handmade crafts in "The Big Moose Tent," The Great Adirondack Moose Festival has plenty of unique shopping opportunities for you.

6. Good Eats!

Even Bruce the Moose, Smokey Bear and our trusted DEC Forest Rangers need to eat at some point! Whether it be chowing down on some local flavor at the area restaurants, or stopping by the Moose Festival Chuck Wagon you are sure to find some tasty treats. After you refuel your tank, wash it down by stopping by the NYS Beer & Wine Sampling tent located next to the Indian Lake Restaurant & Tavern. They will be serving up samples from noon until 5pm on Saturday.

7. Learn Something New

You are never too old to learn something new... and there is plenty to learn at The Great Adirondack Moose Festival. With lectures and presentations on everything from trout fishing and fly casting to hearing what the latest moose research is, The Great Adirondack Moose Festival is a great learning environment. Nearby at Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, you can also partake in their unique "Moosetastic History, Activities & More" program which will be running on both Saturday & Sunday of the festival.

8. AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

There really are so many reasons to check out the Great Adirondack Moose Festival in Indian Lake that this list could go on and on, and you would be reading until you missed it all together. For example, I haven't even mentioned the showcase event: The Moose Calling Contest where contestants from all walks of life take to the stage to perform their very best moose call. Yes, it is an absolute site to see (and hear)! Then there is the fly casting contest, Old Fashioned Turkey Shoot and moose caption contest... see I'm going on and on again.

Here is my advice to you:

• Find a place to stay
• Come have a blast...
• Then share your Moose Festival photos with us!

Because moose, or no moose... it is sure to be a moosetastic (sorry couldn't resist) time in Indian Lake on September 26-27!