John Brown was a celebrated abolitionist leader whose assault on the US Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry in 1859 is noted as the “tragic prelude” to the US Civil War. The John Brown Farm State Historic Site is one of few historical Civil War landmarks in the northeast and our favorite attraction near Wilmington to entertain, exercise, and educate the kids. The historic site is set on 270 acres near the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex in Lake Placid and is home to John Brown’s beautifully restored Lake Placid homestead, his final resting place, and tranquil kid-friendly and pet-friendly trails through the woodlands and fields for hiking, cross-country skiing, or winter snowshoeing.
Whether you’re visiting Wilmington in summer or winter, a ride on the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is a must-do attraction. Embark on a 15-minute scenic journey above the Olympic ski trails at Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort and the lush Adirondack forest to the summit of Little Whiteface Mountain, without the effort of a summit hike! An observation deck and picnic area at the summit reward you with breathtaking birds-eye views of Lake Placid, Lake Champlain, and the famous Adirondack High Peaks. The Whiteface Gondola experience is wheelchair and stroller-accessibl, and kids ages 6 and under travel free!
Only a mile from Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort on Route 86 lies one of the top family attractions in the Adirondacks, High Falls Gorge. During the summer season, the kids can safely explore walkways, steel bridges, and glass viewing platforms overlooking four majestic waterfalls cascading down rugged carved canyons into the Ausable River. Head out on hiking trails through ancient forests, picnic on the river banks, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature with a quiet family picnic on the river banks. As the magic of the winter snowy landscapes appears, High Falls Gorge is a top spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing near Wilmington, NY.