Tupper Lake, NY, Adirondacks

Tupper Lake is located in Upstate New York, in Adirondack Park, and was founded by Native Americans in the 16th century. The first white man to see the region was Ansel Tupper, a land surveyor. Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid are the three villages that make up the Tri-Lakes Region.

At one time, Tupper Lake was the top lumber producer in the State of New York. (This was what my maternal grandfather did for a living.)

The Woodsmen's Days festival dates back to the 1930s. It is a weekend long festival celebrating the history of logging and lumberjacking in the region.

The activities at the Woodsmen's Days festival consisted of:

The Gala Parade, and opening ceremonies, which kicks off the entire weekend.

The Night Games includes Tug of War and the Greased Pole Climb, heavy equipment demonstrations and competitions, chainsaw carving competitions, and lumberjack shows.

For kids, there were activities, such as:

Jr. Woodsmen's Obstacle Course, Water Balloon Toss, 3 Leg Races, Splish, Splish, Splash, Egg spoon races, and Kids' Greased Pole.

Memorable weekend for the entire family.

This is a relatively new attraction that was added about 11 years ago or so.

It’s all part of an outdoor and indoor experience on 81-acres that’s earned praise from around the world for how it lets visitors of all ages get closer to the natural world.

The Wild Center has swimming with live exhibits, including river otters, multimedia shows and hands on experiences. There are walking trails, guided canoe trips on the river that runs through the facility's center, and staff ready to show you around, answer your questions about things having to do with the wild life of the Adirondacks.

The Wild Walk on Wild Center day adds a new dimension, by taking visitors up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest. The Walk includes a four-story twig tree house and swinging bridges, a spider’s web where people can hang out, and chances to just sit and observe the forest below. Talk about peaceful. There is an over-sized bald eagle’s nest at the highest point where you can perch and watch the life of the forest below.

I am very much into learning more about my family heritage, and I have some fond memories of some places. Tupper Lake is one such place - as my mother's siblings graduated high school here, as well as my mother and father getting married in the Catholic Church here.

No matter the time of year, it is always beautiful. There are actually a few lodging facilities, with cabin like units, that match the scenery. If you need "grounding" or "earthing," this would be a great place to go. If you enjoy photography, imagine the art you can create. (I have taken some great shots of the area myself.)

Camping options vary widely. You can enjoy the remote wilderness campsites and boat access only sites, to full amenity, waterfront campgrounds and handicap accessible lean-tos. If you enjoy nature.