special events
2024 Events Calendar
santanoni FARM TOURS
Saturdays, july 13-August 10 at 2 pm
Ever been curious about the history and buildings at the Santanoni farm? Join the Santanoni staff at the farm for a free Saturday tour this summer to learn more about the staff, the quackless ducks, and the big idea behind creating this remote, Adirondack farm. Tours meet at the farm at 2 pm.
GATE LODGE TOURS
July 6, September 7
On Saturday, July 6th and September 7th, join us for special tours of the Santanoni Gate Lodge. Since 1905, the Gate Lodge has welcomed visitors to Santanoni Preserve. We will explore its landscape and architecture, learn about the staff, Pruyns, and Melvins who called it home, its early state ownership, and take a peek inside the building, all while enjoying a serenade from Fishing Brook!
Tours meet at the stone arch at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. $10 donation suggested per person. Six-person tour maximum; advance reservations requested. Contact Santanoni@aarch.org to reserve a spot on this limited opportunity.
GATE LODGE COMPLEX TOURS
August 3, October 5
On Saturday, August 3 and October 5, join us for NEW special tours of the entire Gate Lodge Complex. If you’ve ever peeked in the windows of the West Cottage or Gate Lodge, this program is for you. We’ll discuss the layers of history at this gateway to Santanoni and explore its landscape and architecture. After learning more about the Santanoni road’s early history, Art Tummins, who worked at Santanoni for over fifty years, and looking down the Gate Lodge hallways, you’ll never see this area as a simple trailhead again!
Tours meet in the Santanoni Parking lot at 9 am and 1 pm. $15 donation suggested per person. Eight-person tour maximum; advance reservations requested. The tour will require some walking around the landscape and stair climbing within the buildings. Contact Santanoni@aarch.org to reserve a spot on this limited opportunity.
SANTANONI ART AND MUSIC DAY
July 27
From evening songs around the campfire, Ned’s plein-air paintings, and Anna’s photographs and nature terrariums, and drawings in journals and guest books, art and music played a central role at Camp Santanoni. We invite you to join us at Santanoni to celebrate art and music across the historic site. We will have special art and activity tables, guest artists and musicians at the Gate Lodge, and art and music tours at the Main Camp. All skill levels are welcome as we celebrate the interconnection of art, music, history, and nature in the Adirondacks. Mark your calendars and watch for a schedule of events in mid-May!
“THE WORKS” SANTANONI BIKE EXCURSION
August 17
The Santanoni Road has always been a popular mountain bike ride – and now you can pair that ride with a full guided experience of all three of Santanoni’s historic complexes. On Saturday, August 17, meet an interpretive guide at the trailhead for a brief orientation to Camp Santanoni, the only publicly owned Adirondack Great Camp and one of the region’s jewels. The group will explore the Gate Lodge, West Cottage, and surrounding landscape before setting off on the road. We will stop at a few points of interest on the 4.8-mile road, including a full tour of the farm, which historically featured 200 acres of cleared land and was home to several families and a remarkable array of animals. The day will culminate with an extended tour of the Main Camp, with an additional focus on the experience of the Santanoni staff. After the camp tour, visitors can take a short guided walk to the historic bath house for a remarkable view of Newcomb Lake and the mountains beyond. This experience will offer something for new and seasoned visitors to Santanoni!
This special excursion will meet at the parking lot at 9 am. Plan to bring your own bike and a lunch to eat during our stop at the Santanoni Farm. The program will end at the Main Camp during the afternoon and attendees can return at their leisure. $30 donation suggested per person. Ten-person tour maximum. Contact nolan@aarch.org to reserve a spot on this limited opportunity.