One of the Adirondack’s must-see attractions is the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake! This is not your ordinary museum! The ADKX not only highlights the history in the Adirondack Park, but has many hands-on interactive exhibits, features regional artwork and artists, nature trails, a picturesque view of the Blue Mountain Lake, and a fire tower- plus workshops, concerts, and other events!
History In the Making
The Northville-Placid Trail celebrates its 100 anniversary this year and the museum has what you're looking for to learn about and take part in this historic event! With a special exhibit for the 2024-2025 seasons, Trail Makers: 100 Years of the Northville-Placid Trail, you'll discover how two men pioneered this 138-mile trail that has continued to be enjoyed by thousands! Join in the Tuesday Trail Talks & Tour and connect with the people who carry on the task of maintaining, preserving, and guiding others along the NPT. Keeping this Adirondack icon, that weaves through the small towns and big outdoors of the pristine wilderness, takes many hands and hard work! It is important to pass down the perseverance and pride to see this trail continue to be a part of people’s lives for the next 100 years! If you are interested, there are ways that you can jump on a guided hike or help with maintenance of this live action historic attraction. July 9, Half-Way in Hamilton is an all-day event! Besides the exhibit, there’s an NPT scavenger hunt, lean-to art activity, NPT section hike, campfire & s’mores where you’ll hear first-hand accounts from those who have braved the trail while you savor a sweet summertime staple!
Engaging Events
Celebrate Akwesasne highlights the importance of creative expression and cultural traditions of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. Meet the artists and artisans that come to display their work and inspire cultural appreciation.
Everyone who has been to the Adirondacks is familiar with that “Adirondack flare” from pack baskets to lamps made from antlers to woodworking creations that wow the eyes! The Adirondack Artisan Festival and the Rustic Fair are two opportunities to stroll among the artisans and venders taking in this unique style of historical and modern craftsmanship. Come prepared! I’m certain something will catch your eye and you’ll want to take home a piece of Adirondack artistry for your own!
The Adirondack forests are home to many amazing plants and animals and Mushroom Mania spotlights “one of the most important organisms in our ecosystem!” You won’t want to miss this “fun-filled, family-friendly, day all about fungi!” There will be mushroom walks with Susan Hopkins throughout the summer and a special evening at the museum's Lake View Cafe, as Chef David Stein skillfully crafts a Four-Course Mushroom Dinner!
What happens at the museum when the doors close? Come on out for Night at the Brewseum! You’ll enjoy a complimentary full pour (additional drinks will be available for purchase), a commemorative glass, live music, and hors d’oeuvres. There will also be campus games, special art-making activities, and a themed scavenger hunt. This is a 21+ only event.
Xperience For All celebrates the joy of outdoor recreation and all that the Adirondacks have to offer for all people! In keeping with the spirit of the wilderness, one of openness and inclusivity, the museum offers free admission for all visitors on this day!
Workshops- Take Part in the Art
The ADKX partners with local artists for a variety of workshops throughout the summer! Opportunities for youth and families, beginners and experienced alike are sure to find one that catches their interest! Familiar art forms of collages, photography, and painting. Utilizing various wood media by weaving your own pack basket, making your own canoe paddle, or building wish boats out of twigs. To the use of more delicate media of stained glass and glass etching, and moth pinning! Yes, moth pinning in which everyone will take home their very own sunset moth! And the most intriguing of them all- a starling taxidermy workshop!! Make sure you choose your art spot and register!
Perhaps your interest in the arts is more of a listen and learn, in that case, the Monday Evening Xploration is right for you! On select Mondays in July and August step inside the ADKX auditorium at 6:00 pm to hear from the artists themselves as they share about the inspiration and insight of their works. Members are free and non-members by donation (pay what you wish). You can’t beat that deal!
Relish In the Outdoor Ambiance
Choose a Thursday Nature Walk with Ed as he leads the group while identifying local flora, fauna, and wildlife tracks. An experience you can use to better your “I Spy” game! Or opt for the enjoyable experience of an outdoor concert! Bring your chair or blanket and be enamored with the sounds of indie rock, jazz, or the sounds of Root Shock. During your trip to the museum, you may want to rent a boat from the ADKX Boathouse and enjoy a paddle on Minnow Pond. Boats range from vintage canoes to traditional guide boats, and rowboats. You can also hike the Minnow Pond Trail, an easy ¾ mile hike for the whole family! If you are looking for a short vigorous hike, check out Blue View Trail for amazing views of Blue Mountain Lake. Whichever you choose, your outdoor experience will not disappoint!
After a day at the museum, be sure to continue your Adirondack experience with all there is to see and do in the small towns nearby! Perhaps it will inspire you to get out into the big outdoors and take on a new challenge! They say that brain work makes one hungry and after a day of learning you'll want to visit one of the wonderful local eateries in the region! If you haven't started yet, now is the time to plan your summer getaway to Blue Mountain Lake and the ADKX!
