Preservationist Tour Guide: A Weekend in Saranac Lake
New York’s Adirondack Park comprises an enormous stretch of land that includes 3,000 lakes, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and of course the Adirondack Mountains. Within the Park’s six million acres there are also many towns and villages to explore. Please allow us to suggest Saranac Lake as one such village that is well worth a weekend trip.
The village of Saranac Lake developed primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as it became a destination for tuberculosis patients who were seeking the fresh air cure of Dr. E. L. Trudeau. Dr. Trudeau’s treatment became famous, and serving TB patients became a cottage industry for the village — literally, “cure cottages” sprang up to host people year-round who came to the area for the cool mountain air. Over the years, the League has been lucky to be involved with several projects in the Saranac Lake area. From the Art Deco Hotel Saranac (an Excellence Award winner) to the Helen Hill Historic District (the National Register nomination was made possible thanks to a Preserve New York grant in 2012), there is a lot for a preservationist to love about Saranac Lake.
Speaking of Hotel Saranac, it’s a lovely place to stay, full of beautifully restored elements. The second floor Great Hall features restored plaster beams with decorative hand painting (these were designed to look like heavy timber beams!) and an outdoor terrace with mountain views. Original terrazzo floors were restored, as were original windows — the storefront transoms are especially beautiful.
Friday
Get the lay of the land by exploring downtown’s Berkeley Square Historic District. Currently containing just over 20 buildings, this historic district covers parts of Main Street and Broadway, including the Town Hall building and its iconic clocktower. In 2016, the League funded a survey (managed by Historic Saranac Lake and written by Adirondack Architectural Heritage) to expand this district to include more of downtown’s historic storefronts and associated buildings. It’s less than a mile to take it all in, with river views along the way.
Saturday
Start the day with breakfast and a very good coffee at Origin Coffee Co.
Next, learn more about Saranac Lake’s history with a visit to the Saranac Laboratory Museum. The museum is around the corner on Main Street and it helps tell the story of Dr. Trudeau’s tuberculosis research and the role this scientific inquiry played in shaping the village. Historic Saranac Lake (HSL) restored the laboratory and opened it as a museum in 2009. They host exhibits that contextualize the scientific history with cultural touchstones and contemporary parallels. Next door you’ll see the Trudeau House, which HSL is also in the process of restoring to further expand their museum campus. This project received a grant from the League in 2020 through the Northeast Heritage Economy Program, and we are very excited to follow along on their progress.
Now that you have some background on the cure porches of Saranac Lake, wander west from the museum to the residential Helen Hill neighborhood to see how this tuberculosis treatment literally shaped the architecture of the village. The Helen Hill Historic District was listed on the National Register in 2015. Many of the houses in this residential district operated as cure cottages in the early 20th century, and the porches can still be seen around the neighborhood.
In the afternoon, take advantage of Saranac Lake’s local hiking destination. The summit of Baker Mountain is just shy of a mile from the trailhead north of downtown. The trailhead is located right on Moody Pond, so if you aren’t up for hiking, you could enjoy a casual walk around the water instead.
Sunday
Paul Smith’s Electric Light & Power & Railroad Company Building, seen across Lake Flower. The League provided a Preserve New York grant to the Village of Saranac Lake in 2016 to complete a Building Condition Report for this 1927 building.
Assuming you’re in town during the spring, summer, or early fall, embrace Saranac Lake’s watery name and rent a kayak (or a canoe, SUP, or your watercraft of choice) at Lake Flower, south of downtown. You’ll get great views from the water and you can choose your own adventure — paddle around the lake, head up along the Saranac River through downtown, or head south to Oseetah Lake for stunning mountain views.
Before heading home, add a stop to check out the the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center (this is about 20 minutes north in Onchiota). The Adirondack region was home to indigenous people for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. Take some time to learn about this rich history, and the history of Native Americans in general thanks to the center’s collection and corresponding lectures. The Cultural Center has over 3000 artifacts with an emphasis on the culture of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee), as well as a gift shop. Make sure to check their website for their current hours.
Honorable Mentions
Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation: Right on Main Street, stop in to learn about the Adirondack Loon and support their conservation efforts. The Center has “engaging exhibits, unique loon gifts, and friendly staff to answer all of your questions!”
Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center: About 20 minutes northwest of Saranac Lake, you’ll find Paul Smith’s VIC with 25 miles of trails across 3,000 acres and art exhibitions within the visitor center building. Free!
Lake Placid is only 15 minutes away by car!
The St. Regis Canoe Area, with 50 ponds totaling 1,621 acres, is 30 minutes west — it’s the only designated canoe area in the state.