Welcome to the Adirondack Lakes Region
With nearly 700 lakes and ponds, it's no wonder why Franklin County is known for its world-class canoeing and kayaking. Located in beautiful northern New York, Franklin County offers some of the finest opportunities in the eastern United States for outdoor recreation in a superb natural setting. In addition to boating of all kinds, Franklin County is a 4-season destination for a full range of activities. With almost 68% of the county within the Adirondack State Park, residents and visitors enjoy camping, hiking, snowmobiling, cycling, hunting, fishing, golfing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and birding.
The word "vacation," was invented in the Adirondacks. In the early 1900′s people in the cities were beginning to realize that summer heat and deadly fevers went hand in hand. The upper class did not spend the summer in the city waiting for a fever; they vacated the city for the fresh clean air of the Adirondacks. The term "vacating" or evacuating is the reason Americans take "vacations" instead of a British "holiday."
From the office to the golf course and the boardroom to ski slopes, Franklin County is well-suited for business and an active lifestyle. Ask Billy Demong, one of our most recent Olympic Champions.
Arts and Culture
Franklin County is also conveniently located to many arts and cultural destinations. Famed artists like Seneca Ray Stoddard to Rockwell Kent and David Smith have long been attracted to the Village of Saranac Lake. Located less than 1 hour South of Malone, Saranac Lake remains today a vibrant artistic community with local craftsmen, galleries, theater, concerts, and events throughout the year.
Part museum, part nature-center, the Wild Center of Tupper Lake is also referred to as the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks. The Wild Center is science-based, and its experiences, exhibits and programs are designed to open new ways to look into the latest discoveries made by natural scientists.
Our neighboring counties also feature cultural activities. Nearby Potsdam/Canton and Plattsburgh are both vibrant university communities, and next door to Saranac Lake is the Olympic Village of Lake Placid with its own distinct artistic community.
If that's not enough, Franklin County is just across the Canadian border from Ottawa, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec. While they both are Canadian, most would agree that each has it's own special character – each worthy of a visit. And finally, a short drive crossing Lake Champlain and one can spend the day in Burlington, Vermont -- a vibrant New England city.
For more information about travel, lodging, camping and things to do, please visit Franklin County Tourism.
