Whiteface Mountain in New York's Adirondack Mountains.
Looking to explore the area? There is so much to see and do!
Welcome to Fort Drum and the North Country!
Fort Drum is located in a uniquely diverse area, with Canada just 30 miles to the north, the Great Lakes to the west, the Adirondack Mountains to the east, and the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands in between.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, you have come to the right place! Lakes and rivers abound in the region surrounding Fort Drum, and some of the best sites for enjoying the local waters are found within the New York State Park system. With 180 state parks – 28 of which are located in the Thousand Islands region alone – there is something for everyone.
Just a short drive away, the Adirondack Park – spanning 6 million acres – is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. It’s bigger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks – combined! The 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks are close to or top 4,000 feet in elevation and offer breathtaking views of nature at her finest.
There are outdoor activities to keep you busy through all four seasons in Northern New York, including hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, birdwatching, camping, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, apple picking, hunting, downhill skiing, cross-county skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and much more. Indulge in your favorite activity or try a new one during your stay in the North Country.
If you want to go exploring, there are many opportunities that await you. Enjoy a scenic boat tour of the Thousand Islands, shop at a local farmers market for fresh produce and handmade crafts, or visit local wineries, craft brew pubs, and distilleries.
The Thousand Islands
region is home to not one, but two castles, each with its own unique history, in addition to several lighthouses. You can find museums that showcase antique boats, art, science, agriculture or local history, including the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum on the installation.
Boldt Castle on Heart Island off the shore of Alexandria Bay.
Military history lovers, visit nearby battlefields where reenactors in authentic period clothing offer a glimpse of life as a Soldier during the War of 1812. Watch as they defend against British ships firing cannons on the shore in Sackets Harbor!
Sports lovers can cheer for semi-pro football and ice hockey teams, or take a trip to Lake Placid, host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, and see where world-class athletes train for national and international competition.
If you love the arts, you can enjoy the talents of local theater groups – and occasionally Broadway performers – as well as regionally and nationally acclaimed artists in more than one concert series.
For more information about the many things to do in the area, check out these websites:
Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce: https://www.visitalexbay.org ⚠
Finger Lakes: www.fingerlakes.org ⚠
Jefferson County: http://www.co.jefferson.ny.us ⚠
Lewis County: https://www.lewiscounty.org ⚠
Need more ideas? Check out these websites:
Adirondack Mountains: http://visitadirondacks.com ⚠
Adirondacks’ Tug Hill Region: https://adirondackstughill.com ⚠
I Love New York: https://www.iloveny.com ⚠
Lake Placid: www.lakeplacid.com ⚠
Sackets Harbor: http://sacketsharborny.com ⚠
St. Lawrence County: http://visitstlc.com ⚠
Thousand Islands Region: https://visit1000islands.com ⚠
Thousand Islands – Clayton Chamber of Commerce: www.1000islands-clayton.com ⚠
⚠ = Link to a nongovernmental site. IMCOM is not responsible for the content of links outside of home.army.mil.