Saranac Lake: Pioneer Health Resort

The history and architecture of Saranac Lake is interwoven with the American health industry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One method of tuberculosis rehabilitation involved long exposure to the fresh, pure mountain air of the Adirondacks. As a result, Saranac Lake was fitted with cure cottages and sleeping porches built to accommodate this new style of treatment. In addition to caring for patients, state-of-the-art facilities were constructed for research, such as the first laboratory to study tuberculosis in the nation by Dr. Edward L. Trudeau.

Explore this 1894 laboratory-now-museum, learn about celebrity patients, visit the grounds of the Trudeau Institute as well as the former Trudeau Sanatorium, and see several cure cottages including the simple cabin where Hungarian composer Bela Bartok poignantly spent his final summer.

This tour will be led by Amy Catania, Executive Director of Historic Saranac Lake.  Please note that this tour is NOT part of the lottery process and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.  Reservations are required.  To register, email AARCH Program Director, Nolan Cool, or call the AARCH office at 518-834-9328.

The tour begins at 10 a.m. and ends around 3 p.m. FEE: $45  Please note that this tour includes sections of uphill walking.