FULL: Loon Lake
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Explore the remarkably intact resort community of Loon Lake in the Town of Franklin, which was originally developed during the late 19th century by Ferd and Mary Chase. Their resort, the Loon Lake House, was a destination for wealthy families, including a United States president, for vacations and getaways. Before that, the community boasted connections to the “scheme of justice and benevolence” that brought early Black pioneers to the Town of Franklin to access the vote from which they were barred during the mid 19th century. Our tour will take us to several buildings and storied sites throughout this unique Adirondack community including The Inn at Loon Lake; the 1895 Loon Lake Golf Course (one of the earliest golf courses in the Adirondacks) and its clubhouse and artfully-restored Caddie House; the “President’s Cottage;” several historic private camps, cottages, boathouses; and even a stunning log cabin synagogue. This outing offers a wonderful opportunity to see one of the region’s most special and overlooked places.
This tour is led by Loon Lake preservationists Karl Beckwith Smith III and Patricia Cogswell, as well as several passionate property owners. The tour begins at 10 AM and ends at 3:30 PM.
The fee is $70 for AARCH members and $85 for non-members.
Please note that this tour includes about a half mile of walking on pavement and a dirt road.