Nestled at the southeast base of the Adirondack Mountains, the community of Lake George has been a summer retreat for more than a century. Nicknamed the Queen of American Lakes, it is located in Warren County, NY and was among the nation’s first elite tourist destinations.

Prominent American families such as the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers flocked to Lake George for summer holidays at the turn of the 20th Century. Today, this spot remains a popular summer colony, for more than just the American aristocracy. It has plenty of family-friendly and free activities.

1. Warren County Fish Hatchery.  Located in the town of Warrensburg, this hatchery raises brook trout, rainbow trout, and salmon to stock local waters for recreational fishing. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the facility, viewing several displays, fish mounts, and an educational video on how the hatchery operates. There is also a picnic area. Open year round.

2. Nettle Meadow Goat Farm & Cheese Co. This 50-acre farm boasts 200 live goats. Observe the daily operations of a working dairy farm and learn how goat cheese is made. Open year round.

3. Hovey Pond Explore the floral gardens of this 12-acre Queensbury park then stop to cast a line into its well-stocked fishing pond. The pond includes a handicapped-accessible fishing platform. The park also includes a playground and picnic area and is open during the warm weather months.

4. Hyde Collection Art Museum This complex, which includes a historic house and art museum, combines the heritage of the Adirondacks with a collection of works by both American and European art masters. Located in Glens Falls. Best for middle-school-aged and older children. Open year round.

5. Cooper’s Cave Overlook A viewing platform sits atop this historic cave, giving visitors an idea of how novelist James Fennimore Cooper must have felt when writing Last of the Mohicans, a creation which stemmed from the author’s exploration of the Adirondack Mountains and its dark and silent caves. Interpretive signage provides history on the cave and the region’s indigenous Native Americans. Located in southern Glens Falls and open May through October.

6. Valley Road Maple Farm. Visitors can watch demonstrations on maple production and munch on free samples of maple cotton candy. Open seasonally.

7. Warren County Bikeway This bike trail takes riders through a series of rolling hills. Go north to reach Battlefield Park in Lake George. Bicycling time is 1-2 hours one way. Path also can be used for walking and in-line skating. Accessible during warmer months.

8. Gore Mt. Farm. Tour the farm and see show quality alpacas being raised and bred for the numerous products of their wool. Located in North Creek and appropriate for school age children. Open year round.

9. Chapman Historical Museum Discover the history of the Glens Falls, NY area and what it was like to live there 100 years ago. Open year round.

10. Adirondack Mountain Club Information about hiking trails in and around the Adirondack Mountains. Open year round.