Crown Point State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the ruins of two fortifications from the colonial wars between the British and French. Long before the American Revolution these colonial powers both laid claim to the Champlain Valley and this strategically important peninsula known as Crown Point. The French built Fort St. Frederic here between 1734 and 1737 and used it as a base for raids on British settlements in New York and New England. As a result, the British mounted various expeditions to take control of Crown Point, and in 1759 they were finally successful. They immediately began construction of new fortifications that they called "His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point". Enclosing over seven acres this was one of the largest built by the British in North America.
In 1775, at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the American colonists captured the fort and secured sorely needed cannons and heavy ordnance. Crown Point was occupied by General John Burgoyne's army in 1777 after the American evacuation to Mount Independence and remained under British control until the end of the war. The ruins of Fort St. Frederic, "His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point," and surrounding lands were acquired by the State of New York in 1910.
Today, visitors can explore the preserved ruins of these forts and tour the museum which includes a multimedia orientation program, large scale models, and an exhibit of original artifacts recovered from the site by archaeologists. Additionally, the site offers access to the historic Crown Point Pier, the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, the walking paths on either side of the newly constructed Lake Champlain Bridge, and fantastic views of Lake Champlain. Tours for school and adult groups, as well as outreach programs, are available by reservation.
Crown Point Campground, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation: Open May 18 - Oct 9. Reserve through Reserve America. Information can be found on the campground website or 518-597-3603.
Pet Policy
Dogs on a leash - not exceeding six feet in length. Not permitted in buildings, camping, and picnic areas except where needed as a seeing eye, guide dog (service dog). Proof of license, tags, and a valid rabies vaccination must be demonstrated. Carry in/carry out policy for dog waste
Hours of Operation
- Grounds are open from Sunrise to Sunset, Year-round, free of charge.
-
- The Crown Point State Historic Site Museum is open from 10 AM to
5 PM, Wednesdays through Sundays between May 15, 2024 – October 20, 2024. Please call (518) 597-3666 for more
information.
-
- The Picnic Pavilion at Crown Point State Historic Site is open and
available for reservations from May 18, 2024 through October 14, 2024. Reservations must be made through ReserveAmerica.com.
-
- Guided Walking
Tours of Crown Point State Historic Site are offered at 1:00 PM, Wednesday
through Sunday, weather and conditions permitting, from mid-May through late
October. Pre-registered groups and special events may
affect tour schedules and availability. Tours gather at the site
museum, and explore the earth and stone ruins of two 18th century
forts and highlight the strategic importance of the Crown Point peninsula in
the 18th century, all against the scenic backdrop of Lake Champlain
and the eastern Adirondacks.
-
Fees & Rates
- Admission
-
- $5 Adults
$4 Seniors/Veterans
Children 12 and under free
$35 Buses
-
- Empire Pass
-
Empire Pass is NOT sold here
-
- Pavilion Information
-
- Crown Point has one pavilion. Accommodate up to 50 people. ADA accessible (2 tables). 3 charcoal grills available/10 picnic tables. Carry in, carry out policy in place. $50/day plus $7.25 reservation fee. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica.com. Please contact the site with questions or special requests.
To make a reservation within seven days of your arrival date, please call the site directly at 518-597-3666
-
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Key BCA Criteria:
- Migratory concentration site
- Diverse species concentration site
- Bird research site
Since 1976, a bird banding
station has operated at Crown Point, during which time over 126,000 birds
across 110 species have been recorded. The Crown Point Bird Conservation Area
is part of the Crown Point State Historic Site. Over 200 species have been
observed at the Crown Point BCA. Many of these are spring migrants with 47
species of Neotropical migratory songbirds and 18 species of forest dwelling
Neotropical migrants having been observed in spring.
Due to the location under the Atlantic Flyway, the site
is a premiere location for viewing birds migrating north for the season. Watch
as this experienced team of citizen scientists net hundreds of birds, identify
species and record their songs. Viewing tables are set enabling the public to
observe the banders at work. Stop by and see nature at its most mysterious in
action.
Download a copy of the BCA map.
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Crown Point State Historic Site
Join us at Crown Point State Historic Site for a First Day Hike highlighting historic landscape features and winter wildlife set against the natural beauty of Lake Champlain. This hike will take visitors across the flat peninsula, and may include some moderate inclines and rocky terrain. Hikers should dress for the weather and wear warm, waterproof boots appropriate for winter hiking. Meet-up Location: Crown Point State Historic Site Museum, Approximate distance of hike: 1.5 Miles Leashed pets welcome.