Crown Point & Chimney Point

Friday, September 4, 2026

Dominating a large peninsula on the shores of Lake Champlain, the Crown Point State Historic Site and its 18th-century French and British fortifications offer a window into the Champlain Valley’s defining military history. Built between 1734 and 1737, the French Fort Saint-Frédéric served as a major defensive position in the Champlain corridor and for raids on British settlements. During the French and Indian War in 1759, the British took control of the site and constructed “His Majesty’s Fort of Crown Point,” the largest of its kind in North America at the time. On this outing, we will embark on an expert-led exploration of the remains of both forts and discuss the peninsula’s strategic importance and exemplary 18th-century military engineering. We will also visit a related quarry site, a military redoubt, and a 19th-century lime kiln. Lastly, we will take a walk across Crown Point’s scenic bridge over Lake Champlain and stop at Vermont’s Chimney Point State Historic Site to visit its historic inn and learn more about this long-visited crossing.

This outing is led by Crown Point Historic Site Director Sam Huntington and Chimney Point State Historic Site Administrator Elsa Gilbertson. The tour starts at 10 AM and ends at 3 PM.

The fee is $60 for AARCH members and $75 for non-members.

Please note that this outing will feature roughly two and a half miles of walking on uneven and unpaved terrain.