05 Sep Lake Champlain region history bus tour to debut this October
The Crown Point State Historic Site, along with the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), in partnership with Essex County, have developed the Lake Champlain Region History Bus Tour in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026. The bus tour is taking place on Saturdays from October 4 – October 18, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The bus tour takes place throughout the eastern Adirondack region, offering information about the history of the Lake Champlain region and its contributions to the birth of the nation. The four-hour, guided tour is available for $9, per person; registration is available here.
The narrated journey through the Lake Champlain region’s history offers stories of industry, revolution, and landscape that helped to shape America. It begins at the Crown Point State Historic Site, where participants will meet interpreters who will lead the tour, beginning with the history of the Crown Point State Historic Site.
The shuttle departs from Crown Point at 11:00 a.m., traveling to the town of Moriah. The group will visit the Moriah Iron Center to learn how the region’s iron ore industry grew to be the largest pre-war producer of iron ore in the nation, significantly impacting American history through the establishment of railroads, shipping ports, modern industrial operations, and overall economic impact of the local mining operation.
The bus tour also visits the lakeside town of Westport to learn about the community’s role in the Revolutionary War and its ultimate destruction as troops moved through on their way from Canada to Saratoga. Participants will have the opportunity to have a picnic lunch at Ballard Park, overlooking the lake. Interpreters will share Westport’s growth, evolving from a small settlement to its role in the Revolutionary War and its renaissance as a resort community. Participants will learn about Westport’s modern link to the arts with its local theater, music school, and concerts along with its collection of buildings featured on the National Register of Historic Places.
The tour will then visit the hamlet of Whallonsburg where participants will learn about the Whallonsburg Grange Hall, Whitcombs Garage, and the Boquet River. The Whallonsburg Grange Hall is a former social hub for commercialism and community, restored and reclaimed as a year-round community center, hosting all manner of events, bringing its purpose full-circle. Whitcombs Garage, located adjacent to the grange hall has been repurposed as an artists’ studio and craftmakers’ space, with a gallery hosting occasional art shows. Both of these buildings are located on the shore of the Boquet River, a vital waterway for early explorers, Civil War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 troops; now a vital source for local farms and recreational opportunities.
Throughout the tour, interpreters will share information about various points of interest along the route before the group makes its way back to the Crown Point State Historic Site, where participants will be encouraged to continue exploring.
According to Sam Huntington, site manager at the Crown Point State Historic Site, the bus tour is something that could be extended throughout 2026, depending on its success this fall. “We hope this tour will take place during the height of the 250th celebration next year,” he said. “Our partnership with ROOST and the generous support of Essex County, which has provided the buses, has made this program possible. I’d love to see it continue.”
According to Isabelle Bureau, ROOST’s Lake Champlain regional manager, ROOST is encouraging communities, organizations, and businesses to plan for the 250th Anniversary of the United States. As part of that planning, ROOST has developed the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest – a self-guided tour challenge marking contributions of the Adirondack region to the nation’s history. “This bus tour aligns perfectly with the quest; participants can do both at the same time,” she said. “The quest invites participants to visit various locations within the Lake Champlain region; many of which are showcased during the bus tour. Those who sign up for the quest will receive information on their mobile device via text and email, allowing them to receive “points” for checking in at each attraction.” The Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest can be accessed here.
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