Every day is an event at Fort Ticonderoga and every year is a new experience. The historic site, museum, and family destination that encourages visitors to build their perfect adventure in America’s most historic landscape, opens for the daily visitation season beginning on May 1st.
Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance will be open for visitation Tuesday-Sunday from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm (last ticket sold at 4:30 pm). Tickets are encouraged to be purchased online in advance by visiting www.fortticonderoga.org.
Hailed as the premier living history site in North America, Fort Ticonderoga’s museum staff brings history to life every day! Ticonderoga’s epic history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative storytelling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, thrilling weapons demonstrations, endless outdoor activities, and captivating special events. This year, Fort Ticonderoga debuts a new chapter in its story. Explore the British-occupied fort in the years just before the American Revolution.
“Fort Ticonderoga is a must-see destination, a center of learning, and an interactive, multi-faceted experience,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga president and CEO. “It’s exploring the beautiful gardens, finding adventure in our signature events, touring Lake Champlain aboard the Carillon boat, marching with the Fifes and Drums, and learning about a historic trade. It’s a visit through the reconstructed fort, a stroll on Carillon Battlefield hiking trail, and an unforgettable view from the top of Mount Defiance with a sweeping vista of Lake Champlain and Vermont’s Green Mountains.”
Daily programs bring to life epic chapters of history and signature stories through new interactive programs and world-class museum exhibits, boat tours aboard the Carillon, living history events, special programs, lush gardens, Mount Defiance tours, hands-on family activities, hiking trails, and more.
2021 Highlights Include:
- This year, Fort Ticonderoga debuts a new chapter in its story. Explore the year 1774 during the peacetime garrison life in British North America on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Thrill at the power of artillery and crackle of muskets through daily weapons demonstrations and explore programs, new exhibits, gardens, historic trades, and other family adventures across the scenic historic property.
- Carillon Boat Cruise: Enjoy gorgeous, sweeping vistas of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondack Mountains during a 75-minute narrated boat tour. Regional beer and wine are available for purchase onboard.
- New exhibit: A Well Regulated Militia: Citizen, Soldier, and State explores the critical institution of the militia in early American history, from colonization through nationhood, providing a unique examination of the system of defense that developed in the United States. The special exhibit includes over 100 artifacts such as rare original militia uniforms, headwear, weaponry, musical instruments, manuscripts, printed books, fine art, and accouterments, many on display for the first time in decades.
- Lush Historic Gardens and Friendly Animals: Immerse your senses in the colors and scents of a unique American country estate and explore Ticonderoga’s story after the Revolution. Visit the King’s Garden or make memories with your family in a NEW garden designed especially for children. Discover our heritage breed animals including oxen duo, Mick and Mack!
- Breathtaking Views: Visit Mount Defiance to witness a birds-eye view of Fort Ticonderoga’s epic historic landscape. Whether you hike up the mountain in the footsteps of General Burgoyne’s troops or make the easy drive to the top in your car, you’ll savor the spectacular beauty of America’s most historic landscape. Discover how this summit shaped America’s history during the “Mount Defiance: Witness to History,” offered Tuesday-Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
- In July and August, participate in an active NEW Family Program Adventure and help soldiers with their daily duties. Receive awards for completing the tasks. Take a guided tour designed especially for families.
“In our continued quest for excellence in the historic destination experience, we are thrilled to welcome visitors back to Fort Ticonderoga for the daily visitation Campaign Season– building family memories, fostering enjoyment in our site’s beauty, and inspiring visitors to discover the power of the past and its meaning to us today,” said Hill.
For information on COVID-19 safety, site-wide capacity, and protocols, please visit www.fortticonderoga.org.
About Fort Ticonderoga
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga preserves North America’s largest 18th-century artillery collection, 2,000 acres of historic landscape on Lake Champlain, and Carillon Battlefield, and the largest series of untouched Revolutionary War era earthworks surviving in America. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about our nation’s earliest years and America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 visitors each year with an economic impact of more than $12 million annually and offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year, and is open for daily visitation May through October. Fort Ticonderoga is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
Photo: Aerial image photo credit Carl Heilman II, copyright Fort Ticonderoga.