This Revolutionary War Town in Upstate New York Was Just Named One of the Best Places To Visit in 2025

Forget Boston—this Upstate New York town was the site of the first American victory in the Revolutionary War , and it’s just been named one of the best small towns to visit in 2025 [by the Smithsonian](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-15-best-small-towns-to-visit-in-2025-180986681/) . Celebrating two major anniversaries this year, Ticonderoga, NY is stepping into the spotlight—and for good reason. From battlefield reenactments to boat cruises through one of America’s most strategic waterways , this lakeside town is bringing history to life in a big way. Nestled in between Lake George and Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks, this charming small town is steeped in Revolutionary War history —especially at Fort Ticonderoga , the star-shaped stronghold overtaken by Americans in 1775. Back in May 1775 , just weeks after the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired at Lexington and Concord, military officer Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys , joined by Benedict Arnold , staged a daring dawn raid on the British-held Fort Ticonderoga . With only a small British garrison defending the site, the surprise attack was swift—and successful. It became the first offensive victory for American forces , giving the Continental Army control of a crucial stronghold and access to a massive supply of cannons and weapons. (Fun fact: many of those cannons were later used to force the British evacuation of Boston.) This year marks the 250th anniversary of that capture—and the 175th anniversary of Fort Ticonderoga as a historic site—bringing a full calendar of immersive programming to life. From “Real Time Revolution®” war reenactments to boat cruises along Lake Champlain , the fort offers a vivid time-travel experience into 18th-century America . Visitors can even witness demonstrations in everything from musket firing to tailoring and shoemaking . Inside the fort’s museum, don’t miss the new “A Revolutionary Anthology” exhibit featuring rare and never-before-seen artifacts that shaped the American Revolution—including a French officer’s coat, early American Army drill manuals, and a uniform from the Boston Corps of Cadets. But history isn’t the only draw. Nature is bountiful, and you can hike to stunning lake views from Mount Defiance , swim at Black Point Public Beach on Lake George, or stroll the La Chute River Walk , which links both lakes with waterfalls, industrial history, and an easy scenic loop through town. The town’s walkable downtown along Montcalm Street also has fun surprises like the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour , quirky shops, and Burleigh’s Luncheonette , a 1950s-style diner slinging milkshakes and all-day breakfasts. 🗺️ Distance from NYC: About 4 hours by car 📍 Location: Ticonderoga, NY (Adirondack Park) 📅 Events: Fort Ticonderoga’s Event Calendar Source: https://secretnyc.co/revolutionary-war-town-ticonderoga-new-york-best-places-to-visit-in-2025/