Battlefield Park: Room to run in Lake George

Bloody Colonial-era battles have been replaced by children playing soccer; all that remains of the smallpox hospital is a historical marker. The grounds at the Southern tip of Lake George, defended by Colonial William Johnson and his Mohawk allies against Baron de Dieskau and his French troops during the Battle of Lake George, now offer a peaceful escape from the clamor of Lake George Village.

Battlefield Park is a 35 acre State day-use area along Beach and Westbrook roads in Lake George. The grassy sloped grounds provide open space for Frisbees and kites; on higher ground, picnic tables and barbecue pits, shaded by white pines, are available for public use. A system of interpretive signs and public monuments form a self-guided historical interpretive path through the park and include the remains of Fort George.

The park officially opens for weekends Memorial Day weekend, and beginning mid-June is open 7 days a week; the park closes after Labor Day. The park may be accessed off-season and is the site of several events throughout the year. In season, public restrooms and water taps are available. There is a pavilion in the picnic area. Visitors will not find garbage cans; the park has a carry in – carry out policy.

Admission to the park is free; in season, off-street parking is available at the Beach Road parking lot by Million Dollar Beach, fee: $10 for cars ($6 after 5 p.m.)

New York State residents who are age 62 or older may park for free on non-holiday weekdays under the NYS Golden Park program. On-road parking is metered, $1 per hour, May through October. November through April parking is free.