Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest
Expiration: After selected date
Dive into history and adventure as you explore history. Perfect for history buffs and explorers of all ages, this interactive trail allows you to earn points at each location by simply checking in!
Collect points and unlock exclusive commemorative prizes, including posters, badges, and more, as you delve into the stories that shaped a nation. Whether you’re on a solo adventure, a family outing, or a fun weekend with friends, this quest is your ticket to experiencing history like never before.
Start your journey today and make history come alive—one check-in at a time!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Gateway Park
Gateway Trail System: The Entrance to Essex County's Pioneer Settlement. The Gateway Trail System offers an immersive journey through history, tracing the roots of Essex County’s earliest settlement and pivotal military events. This trail traverses the significant geographic locations tied to William Gilliland’s pioneering settlement in 1765, the Burgoyne Proclamation and Encampment of June 20, 1777, and the Battle of the Boquet in 1812.
To get there: Beginning at the Gateway Park located on NYS Route 22 overlooking the Boquet River and Willsboro Falls, the trail takes travelers down to the Boquet River front via Mill Lane, connects to Gilliland Lane via the Main Street Bridge and follows a meandering trail through the Gilliland Park and Willsboro Preserve (owned by the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy). This path take visitors past several historic sites, as well as tremendous fishing access-ways.
Adirondack History Museum
Kick off your Revolutionary Quest at the Adirondack History Museum, the perfect launch point for diving into the rich heritage of the Adirondacks! Located in Elizabethtown, this fascinating museum offers an in-depth look at the region’s role in American history, from its early settlers to its strategic significance during the Revolution. Explore the "History of the Adirondacks" exhibit to get a sense of the landscapes and communities that shaped the area, then dive into the special 250th anniversary exhibit celebrating key events and figures of the Revolutionary era.
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Ausable Chasm
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and hidden history of Ausable Chasm on your Revolutionary Quest! Known as the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks," this breathtaking natural landmark offers dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and thrilling trails—but it’s more than just a scenic wonder. During the Revolutionary War era, Ausable Chasm served as a key passage for military movements and witnessed skirmishes that marked the region’s strategic importance. Explore its rugged terrain and imagine the soldiers who once navigated these same paths. A visit to Ausable Chasm combines adventure with a glimpse into the hidden stories of America’s fight for independence!
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Westport Main St
In Westport, a stop along the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest, history and charm blend perfectly. Established in 1765 by William Gilliland, Westport was originally named “Bessboro” after his daughter—a tribute carried on today by the local Bessboro Shop on Main Street. Stop in for unique finds, then take in the town’s Revolutionary past. Though the original settlement was destroyed during British General John Burgoyne’s march, it likely supplied wood to Benedict Arnold’s troops. And here’s a hometown invention: Westport is also famous for the patented “Westport Chair,” a classic Adirondack style!
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Big Hollow/Coot Hill Trailhead
On the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest, the Big Hollow/Coot Hill Trail offers more than just a beautiful hike—it’s a journey back in time with stunning views of Lake Champlain. This scenic overlook sets the stage for a story about Lake Champlain’s role in the American Revolution, where its waters once carried soldiers, supplies, and strategies that shaped the nation’s fight for freedom. Thanks to Champlain Area Trails (CATS), visitors can now explore this historic landscape on well-maintained paths, merging natural beauty with revolutionary history along every step.
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Crown Point State Historic Site
Discover a captivating blend of jaw-dropping views and revolutionary heritage at Crown Point State Historic Site, a must-see on the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest! This impressive site, once home to massive stone forts built by the French and later the British, tells the story of the fierce battles and shifting alliances that shaped early America. Stroll through the fort ruins, explore scenic overlooks of Lake Champlain, and imagine soldiers from centuries past defending this crucial stronghold. It’s a perfect place to explore the past while enjoying some seriously scenic sights!
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Essex Inn
Savor history and flavor at the Essex Inn’s renowned restaurant, a culinary gem nestled within this 200-year-old landmark. Originally built in 1810, the Inn has stood witness to centuries of Champlain Valley heritage, including its role as a waypoint during the Revolutionary War era. Today, the restaurant continues the tradition of welcoming travelers, offering a menu inspired by local ingredients and regional flavors. At the Essex Inn, history and hospitality come together for an unforgettable dining experience.
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Fort Ticonderoga
Get ready to storm the walls of history at Fort Ticonderoga! This thrilling stop on the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest plunges you right into the action of the Revolution's first victory. Picture yourself alongside Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys as they take the fort by surprise, igniting a turning point in America's journey to independence. With interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and epic views of Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga is where you can relive the excitement and bold spirit that helped spark a nation!
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Hancock House
The Hancock House in Ticonderoga is a must-see stop on the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest. This replica of John Hancock’s Boston home houses an impressive collection of Revolutionary War artifacts and exhibits, bringing the era to life in a unique setting. With its role as a museum and research library, the Hancock House offers a deep dive into the region’s history and the figures who shaped America’s fight for independence. Whether you're geeking out over the past or diving deep into the figures who helped shape America's independence, the Hancock House is the perfect place to do both. History buffs, this one’s for you.
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The Deer's Head Inn
Take a delicious detour on your Revolutionary Quest at the Deer's Head Inn Restaurant in Elizabethtown! Known as the oldest tavern in the Adirondacks, this historic inn has been welcoming travelers since 1808. With a cozy, rustic atmosphere and a menu showcasing local flavors, it’s the perfect spot to recharge and savor the region’s culinary heritage. Enjoy dishes crafted from fresh, regional ingredients as you relax where past generations of adventurers once gathered. A stop at Deer's Head Inn Restaurant isn’t just a meal—it’s a taste of Adirondack history!
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Essex Main St
Stroll down Main Street in Essex, a charming stop on the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest, where history meets small-town beauty. In 1765, William Gilliland acquired this land on Lake Champlain, envisioning a bustling community. Though the Revolutionary War forced farmers to abandon their fields, Essex emerged from the conflict with a booming agricultural scene. By the 19th century, the town was flourishing, known for its hay and apples that fed markets near and far. Explore Essex’s historic Main Street and imagine the resilient spirit that transformed it from a war-torn settlement into a vibrant agricultural hub.
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Town of Moriah Iron Center
The Moriah Iron Center in Port Henry is a hidden gem on the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest, showcasing the region’s rich industrial past and its impact on the American Revolution. In 1776, Port Henry provided the iron ore needed for fittings on Benedict Arnold’s fleet, built to challenge the British in the Battle of Valcour. As you explore this unique stop, you’ll discover how local iron helped shape a turning point in America’s fight for independence—proving that even small towns played a big role in history!
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War Cannon Spirits
As you make your way along the Revolutionary Quest, stop to raise a glass to history at War Cannon Spirits in Crown Point! Located near the storied grounds of Crown Point’s historic forts, this local distillery crafts whiskey and spirits that pay tribute to the area’s bold revolutionary past. Sip on expertly distilled whiskey and imagine the soldiers who once defended this land, or toast to the spirit of independence as you savor flavors inspired by the region's rugged character. With its welcoming atmosphere and heritage-inspired drinks, War Cannon Spirits brings a fun, flavorful twist to your revolutionary journey.
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Whallonsburg Grange Hall and Whitcombs
Take a detour to Whitcomb’s on the Boquet River, the perfect spot for a picnic along the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest! Kick back by the river, enjoy the stunning views, and imagine this peaceful waterway buzzing with Revolutionary War history. It once played a crucial role for British General Burgoyne’s troops as they marched south, carrying supplies and soldiers. Now, you can soak up the beautiful scenery and reflect on the river’s role in the past while enjoying the best of both history and nature—what could be better?
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