Friends Lake
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Our most requested outing from the last two years is back! Quietly tucked in a serene corner of the Town of Chester, Friends Lake hosts a range of historic buildings, scenic views, and Adirondack stories. Sandwiched between the Hudson River to the west and the charming hamlet of Chestertown to the east, Friends Lake has long been a vibrant destination for Adirondack visitors and played a role in the earlier history of the area’s tanning and logging industries. A cross-section of the buildings sited along its shores highlights the intersection between the area’s industrial past and its entry into the era of tourism. Join AARCH, local experts, and homeowners to experience some of the places that this quaint and private community has to offer. We will enjoy lunch at Friends Lake Inn, which was built as a boarding house for tannery workers in the 19th century and later reimagined as an inn and hotel. Additionally, AARCH has been granted special access to visit several historic camps, cabins, and former hotels on the lake.
This outing is led by Town of Chester Historian Donna Lagoy, AARCH members Frank and Linda Cappabianca, and several generous homeowners, local businesses, and residents. This tour starts at 10 AM and ends around 3 PM.
The fee is $70 for AARCH members and $85 for non-members. Lunch provided by the Friends Lake Inn is included.