One of the Northeast’s Best Family Resorts Is Tucked in the Adirondacks—With Private Island Lake Views, Mini Golf & A Historic Cruise Boat

In a recent roundup by USA Today, one historic Lake George property was named one of the best waterfront resorts in the entire Northeast —and it’s not hard to see why. With over 140 years of history and a postcard-perfect perch on a private island in Lake George , The Sagamore Resort has become a go-to summer destination for families, couples, and city escapees craving a dose of classic Adirondack luxury. From sunset lake cruises on a vintage replica steamboat to morning rounds of mini golf with the kids , it’s a crowd-pleasing blend of timeless and totally family-friendly. And at just four hours from NYC , it makes for the kind of long-weekend getaway you’ll want to book well before Labor Day. Inside the Adirondacks’ most iconic lake resort ----------------------------------------------- The Sagamore isn’t your average lake resort. Originally opened in the 1880s and rebuilt several times after fires, it’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places —but it’s anything but stuck in the past. Today, the sprawling property spans 70 acres on Green Island , complete with elegant rooms in the historic main hotel, private lakeside lodges, and even standalone condos for larger families. The resort feels like a world unto itself, with multiple restaurants , indoor and outdoor pools , a private beach , tennis and pickleball courts , a spa , and even a championship golf course all within walking distance. Families flock here for the massive 10,000-square-foot Rec Center , packed with indoor mini golf, a climbing wall, Xbox and Nintendo Switch gaming stations, ping pong, air hockey, and a basketball court. There are also movie nights and rainy-day activities to keep kids entertained no matter the weather. Younger guests can also join the Sagamore Kids Club , offering creative crafts, scavenger hunts, nature walks, and even educational programming about wildlife and mythology—far beyond your typical hotel day care. Out on the water, guests can enjoy complimentary narrated cruises aboard The Morgan , a 72-foot replica 19th-century touring vessel, or take to the lake with stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing , or swimming right off the dock. Organized programming fills the schedule with build-a-bear workshops , bingo , live music , and s’mores by the campfire , while outdoor enthusiasts can hit the tennis courts , volleyball and basketball courts , or join a guided hike or lakeside yoga session . Adults can unwind at the award-winning spa , complete with a hydrotherapy area and the trendy Salt & Sound Lounge , or enjoy a round at the Donald Ross-designed 18-hole golf course , framed by mountain views. And when it’s time to refuel, guests have plenty of options—from Italian fare at La Bella Vita and cocktails at Caldwell’s Lounge , to casual poolside dining with drinks delivered straight to your chair. What to know before you go -------------------------- The Sagamore books up quickly for summer weekends and especially around Labor Day, so it’s worth planning ahead for a late August or early September visit if you want peak lake weather with a bit more elbow room. 📍 Location : 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 🛌 Rates : Vary seasonally; rooms start around $350–$450/night in peak summer 🏖️ Summer Highlights : Private beach, boat tours, spa, outdoor pool, golf, mini golf, restaurants 🛶 Nearby : Prospect Mountain hiking, Million Dollar Beach, the town of Bolton Landing 🚗 How to get here from NYC: A 3.5 to 4-hour drive from NYC via I-87 N. For public transit, take Amtrak to Fort Edward and grab car for the final 40-minute stretch to Lake George. ✅ Book here or learn more Source: https://secretnyc.co/top-family-resort-hotel-2025-sagamore-resort-near-lake-george/