Ticonderoga, New York

Overview

Ticonderoga, New York, may sound like a battleground and it was but in the 21st century, it's also where Star Trek boldly went... to upstate New York. This small town of around 5,000 residents, perched on the western shores of Lake Champlain, is best known for Fort Ticonderoga, a key military site during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. But today, it's also famed for the jaw-droppingly accurate full-scale reproduction of the USS Enterprise sets, built by a fan so devoted, even Captain Kirk would salute. Located about 100 miles north of Albany, Ticonderoga blends history, geekdom, and Adirondack charm-where tricorner hats and transporter pads co-exist in unexpected harmony.

Top Attractions

Star Trek Original Series Set Tour

Meticulously recreated USS Enterprise sets built from original blueprints beam into the bridge, sickbay, and even the transporter room.

Fort Ticonderoga

A star of American military history, this restored 18th-century fort offers reenactments, musket demos, and stunning lake views.

Mount Defiance

A quick drive or hike leads to panoramic views of the fort and Lake Champlain strategic and scenic.

Ticonderoga Heritage Museum

Housed in a former railroad building, this small museum dives into local industrial history.

LaChute River Walk Trail

A peaceful, scenic path along the river with waterfalls, interpretive signs, and picnic spots.

Hancock House

A Georgian-style mansion with rotating art, history, and community exhibits.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Beam Me Up... to Upstate: The Star Trek sets were built by superfan James Cawley, who once worked as an Elvis impersonator. Truly, the final frontier of fandom.
• Historic Hotspot: Fort Ticonderoga was captured by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold in 1775-their egos could barely fit through the gates.
• Pencil Powerhouse: Ticonderoga was once home to the iconic Dixon Ticonderoga pencil factory-yes, that yellow No. 2 pencil from every standardized test ever.
• Double Duty Town: Few places offer Revolutionary War reenactments by day and starship tours by night-unless Hamilton and Spock are planning a crossover.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Star Trek Set Tour: Explore the ship with a guide-costumed tours available for full warp immersion.
• Canoeing on Lake Champlain: Paddle through calm waters with views of the fort and surrounding mountains.
• Historic Fort Tours: Walk the walls, fire a musket, or watch reenactors parade through colonial drama.
• River Walks & Waterfalls: Stroll the LaChute trail for peaceful nature within town limits.
• Fishing & Boating: Lake George and Lake Champlain are both within reach plenty of places to cast a line.
• Adirondack Hiking: Access to the eastern edges of the Adirondack Park-ideal for day hikes and moose spotting.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Hot Biscuit Diner (Ticonderoga): No buffet, but massive portions and "family-style" specials mean you won't leave hungry.
• No official buffets in the area but plenty of hearty plates and roadside eats to mimic the effect.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

• No casinos within 30 miles but plenty of strategic battles reenacted at Fort Ticonderoga if you're into high-stakes roleplay.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Captain Kirk's Chair (Set Tour): Sit in the big seat and make your best "engage" face-photographic evidence required.
• Pencil Giant: A Dixon Ticonderoga pencil display that's big enough to duel with.
• Bridge to the Past: The Lake Champlain Bridge Visitor Center doubles as a quirky architectural tour and selfie station.
• Time Warp Mash-Up: One visitor reported spotting a British redcoat and a Klingon in the same diner only in Ticonderoga.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Fort Ticonderoga: Numerous ghost sightings-phantom soldiers, unexplained footsteps, and eerie torchlight tours.
• Mount Defiance: Legends of spectral soldiers peering down from the overlook.
• Hancock House: Reported creaks, whispers, and a friendly spirit or two keeping tabs on exhibits.

Local Events & Festivals

• Star Trek Original Series Weekend (August): Special guests, cosplay, and photo ops-nerd nirvana in upstate NY.
• Living History Weekend (July): 18th-century reenactments, musket battles, and blacksmithing at Fort Ticonderoga.
• Fall Foliage Festival (October): Pumpkins, crafts, and leaf-peeping at its Adirondack finest.
• Rock the Dock Music Festival (Summer): Live bands and boat tie-ups on Lake George, just a short hop away.

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: The Sagamore Resort (30 miles, Lake George)

Gilded-age glamour with lakeside views (from $400/night).

Mid-Range: Best Western Plus Ticonderoga Inn

Convenient, comfy, and includes breakfast (from $150/night).

Budget: The Stone House Motel

Basic but friendly, with Star Trek fans often checking in (from $90/night).

Camping: Rogers Rock Campground (Lake George)

Large wooded sites with lake access (from $25/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

The Hot Biscuit Diner

Local favorite for pancakes, pie, and pancakes the size of pie.

Burleigh's Luncheonette

Retro charm and casual eats-grab a root beer float and watch time stand still.

The Pub

Casual hangout with burgers, beers, and views of the mountains.

Libby's Bakery Café

Sweet treats, great coffee, and a cozy spot to discuss Starfleet logistics.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Layers, rain jacket, camera, and your Starfleet uniform (no judgment).
• Safety: Very safe town-watch for moose on backroads and Vulcans on set.
• Accessibility: Set tour and fort have wheelchair access, but check seasonal hours in advance.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Lake George (20 miles): Clear water, resorts, and summertime buzz.
• Crown Point Historic Site (10 miles): Ruins of another Revolutionary fort-spooky and scenic.
• Putnam, NY (15 miles): Tiny town with big Adirondack trails.
• Middlebury, VT (20 miles across bridge): College town with charm and cheese curds.

Recommended Duration of Stay

2-3 Days: Perfect for time travel across centuries from redcoats to red shirts.

Target Travelers

• Sci-Fi Fans: Where else can you boldly go into a set-accurate Star Trek world?
• History Buffs: Fort Ticonderoga is a must for Revolutionary reenactment fans.
• Families: Interactive tours and nature walks educational and entertaining.
• Road Trippers: Nestled between the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain a perfect pitstop.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Beam Me Upstate: The Full-Scale Star Trek Sets of Ticonderoga" - Explore where history and sci-fi collide.