Escape games a Ticonderoga - OddballTrip

New York · United States

TiconderogaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Where American independence was forged

1 escape game·From 12€

What to do in Ticonderoga, this iconic town in New York State? Dive into the heart of American history, where decisive battles shaped the nation. Ticonderoga is world-renowned for its majestic Fort Ticonderoga, a historic fortress that played a crucial role during the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War. But beyond museums and guided tours, Ticonderoga offers a unique and interactive way to discover its heritage. Our outdoor escape games transform the town into a giant playground, inviting you on a real-life treasure hunt. It's the perfect unusual activity to explore the shores of Lake Champlain and the areas around the fort, solving puzzles that will lead you in the footsteps of heroes of yesteryear. Discover our trail in Ticonderoga below.

Escape game Ticonderoga — Dawn Assault Secrets - Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, United States

Historical

🎯Scavenger hunt

Difficulty

📍 Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, United States

Ticonderoga — Dawn Assault Secrets

Decipher the hidden codes and secret signals behind the daring dawn assault that captured Fort Ticonderoga, altering the American Revolution's fate.

Start :Fort Ticonderoga Entrance, 100 Fort Ti Rd, Ticonderoga, NY 12883

🕐 2h – 2h30📍 ~2.5 km👥 From age 1212€

Landmarks of Ticonderoga

Monuments and sites covered by our escape games across the city.

Unusual things to do in Ticonderoga

For an unusual activity in Ticonderoga, our escape games are an excellent option. Off the beaten path, you'll explore the historic corners of the town and the surroundings of Fort Ticonderoga in a completely new way. Imagine deciphering hidden messages on the ramparts or searching for clues along the shores of Lake Champlain, where major events unfolded. Each puzzle plunges you deeper into local history, transforming your walk into a true quest. It's an original outing for those looking to live an immersive and memorable experience, combining adventure and cultural discovery.

Things to do in Ticonderoga with kids

What to do with the family in Ticonderoga? Our outdoor escape games are perfectly suited for a kids' and teens' activity. Accessible from age 8, they transform a historical visit into a fun adventure where everyone has a role. Younger children will love searching for hidden visual clues, while teenagers will enjoy solving complex puzzles. The trails are designed to be safe, with GPS guidance leading you from point to point without risk of getting lost. It's a teen-friendly outing that differs from classic tours and allows the whole family to collaborate and share an unforgettable outdoor moment, while learning about Ticonderoga's history.

Ticonderoga for couples

For a couple's outing or a romantic getaway in Ticonderoga, our outdoor trails offer a unique experience. Away from the crowds, you'll share an intimate adventure exploring the picturesque landscapes around Fort Ticonderoga and the serene shores of Lake Champlain. The unexpected romantic activity: collaborating to solve puzzles, discovering fascinating historical facts together, and enjoying breathtaking views. It's an original way to strengthen your bond, create lasting memories, and see Ticonderoga from a new perspective, getting lost (just a little!) in its history and natural beauty.

What to do in Ticonderoga when it rains

What to do in Ticonderoga when it rains? Although our escape games are primarily outdoors, Fort Ticonderoga itself offers historical structures and buildings that can provide temporary shelter. You can explore the barracks, indoor museums, and exhibits while progressing through your scavenger hunt. A wet-weather activity can even add a special atmosphere to your historical exploration, transporting you further into the past. Bring an umbrella and suitable clothing, and Ticonderoga will reveal its secrets, even in the rain.

Where is Ticonderoga, and where do the routes start?

Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.

Route starting points

1Fort Ticonderoga Entrance, 100 Fort Ti Rd, Ticonderoga, NY 12883

Places in Ticonderoga

Near the entrance of Fort Ticonderoga
The French defense lines to the North
Lake Champlain Shoreline
Outer walls of Fort Ticonderoga (south side)
Fort esplanade
King's Garden (from the accessible perimeter)
Cannons and artillery area (from an accessible path)
Panoramic viewpoint over the lake and surroundings

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The history of Ticonderoga

A Strategic Narrows

Ticonderoga, a name from an Iroquois word meaning "between two waters," is at a portage between Lake George and Lake Champlain. This location made it contested ground for centuries. French explorer Samuel de Champlain documented the area in 1609. The French recognized its military importance and began constructing Fort Carillon in October 1755. Designed by French-Canadian military engineer Michel Chartier de Lotbinière, the star-shaped fort was largely completed by 1757. It was intended to block British advances up the Hudson River Valley.

Shifting Hands of War

Fort Carillon became the site of a battle of the French and Indian War on July 8, 1758. A French force, led by Major General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, defeated a British army of 15,000–16,000 men. The British captured the fort the following year in 1759, renaming it Fort Ticonderoga. During the American Revolutionary War, Fort Ticonderoga was the first offensive victory for American forces, captured by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold's Green Mountain Boys on May 10, 1775. The cannons seized from the fort were transported to Boston by Henry Knox to aid in the Siege of Boston. The fort changed hands again in July 1777 when the British, under General John Burgoyne, placed artillery on Mount Defiance, forcing the American garrison to withdraw. After Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga, the British abandoned and dismantled the fort. The fort was left in ruins until its reconstruction began in the early 20th century, funded by the Pell family, who acquired the property in 1820. This reconstruction aimed to restore the fort to its 1758 appearance, making it a significant historical site today.

What to see in Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga — See the reconstructed 18th-century star fort, originally built by the French as Fort Carillon. Visitors can walk the defense lines, view the barracks, and see the collection of 18th-century artillery.
Mount Defiance — Drive or hike up this 840-foot hill for views of Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, and the surrounding landscape. It was a strategic point during the Revolutionary War.
King's Garden — This restored 18th-century colonial garden is within the Fort Ticonderoga perimeter. It shows historical horticulture.
Lake Champlain Shoreline — Walk along the lake near the fort to see the waterway that shaped Ticonderoga's history. Boat cruises offer views of the fort and the lake.
Ticonderoga Ferry — Board the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry, a cable ferry operating since 1759, crossing Lake Champlain to Shoreham, Vermont. It offers a seven-minute ride with views of the lake.
Downtown Ticonderoga — Walk through the downtown area to see 19th-century architecture, remnants of the town's industrial past, and local shops.

When to visit Ticonderoga

The best time to visit Ticonderoga for outdoor activities and comfortable weather is from mid-June to early September. Daily high temperatures average above 70°F, with July being the warmest month at an average high of 80°F. August typically offers clear skies. Late spring through fall provides good weather and more attractions are open. Peak fall foliage occurs in early to mid-October. Avoid visiting from December to March, as it is the cold season with average daily high temperatures below 39°F and January being the coldest month, with an average low of 14°F.

Getting around Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga is in the southeastern corner of Essex County, New York. There is no major airport directly in Ticonderoga. Visitors often fly into Albany International Airport (ALB), about a 2-hour drive south. Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont is another option, accessible via the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry across Lake Champlain. The town itself is walkable, especially the downtown area and the Fort Ticonderoga grounds. For exploring beyond the immediate fort area, a car is recommended. Free parking is available, including at the Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market. The Fort Ticonderoga Ferry transports vehicles and passengers, operates seasonally from May through October, with crossings every 20 minutes and a travel time of about 7 minutes.

The Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from mid-July through the end of September, from 9 AM to noon, downtown behind the Glens Falls National Bank at the intersection of Champlain Avenue and McCormick Street.

Things you probably do not know about Ticonderoga

Verified details most visitors walk straight past.

Mount Defiance: What made Mount Defiance so strategically important yet initially overlooked by military engineers? Mount Defiance, once known as Sugar Loaf, was deemed inaccessible for artillery by French engineers when Fort Carillon was built in 1755. However, in 1777, British General William Phillips famously stated, "Where a goat can go, a man can go, and where a man can go he can pull a gun up after him." The British then built a road and hauled cannons up the mountain, forcing the Americans to abandon Fort Ticonderoga without a fight.
Fort Ticonderoga: The name "Carillon" for the original French fort has a melodic origin, but what was it? The French named the fort "Carillon," which is commonly attributed to the sounds made by the rapids of the La Chute River. These sounds were said to resemble the chiming bells of a carillon.
Dixon Ticonderoga Company: What surprising connection does Ticonderoga have to a common school supply? The famous yellow No. 2 Ticonderoga pencil, found in classrooms across America, was named after the graphite mines near Lake Champlain in upstate New York. The Joseph Dixon Crucible Company acquired the Ticonderoga, New York-based American Graphite Company in 1873, and the well-known yellow pencil was introduced in 1913.
Fort Ticonderoga Ferry: How long has a ferry been crossing Lake Champlain at Ticonderoga? The Fort Ticonderoga Ferry has been operating in some form since 1759, making it one of the oldest continually operating ferries in North America. Regular operation, however, began in 1823.
French Defense Lines (Carillon Battlefield): What makes the Carillon Battlefield particularly significant in North American military history? The Carillon Battlefield, particularly the French Lines, is considered one of the most important 18th-century military sites on the continent. The Battle of Carillon on July 8, 1758, was one of the bloodiest battles in North America until the Civil War, with approximately 21,000 combatants involved.

Questions about visiting Ticonderoga

How many days should I plan for a visit to Ticonderoga?

To experience Fort Ticonderoga and its surrounding historical sites like Mount Defiance, plan a full day. If you wish to explore the town, enjoy Lake Champlain, and visit other local attractions, a two-day trip allows for a more relaxed pace.

What are the best ways to get around Ticonderoga?

While the immediate area around Fort Ticonderoga is walkable, a car is recommended for exploring the broader Ticonderoga region, including Mount Defiance and other points of interest. The Fort Ticonderoga Ferry can transport vehicles across Lake Champlain to Vermont.

Are there options for families with children in Ticonderoga?

Ticonderoga offers several family activities. Fort Ticonderoga provides living history programs and demonstrations. During the fall, the fort often features a corn maze. The area also has mini-golf courses and opportunities for outdoor recreation on Lake Champlain.

What is the typical budget for a trip to Ticonderoga?

A trip to Ticonderoga can be tailored to various budgets. Entrance fees for Fort Ticonderoga are a primary expense. Accommodation options range from hotels to vacation rentals. Dining can vary from casual eateries to more formal restaurants. Packing a picnic is a way to save money, especially when visiting the fort grounds or Mount Defiance.

What kind of events or festivals happen in Ticonderoga?

Ticonderoga hosts various events, particularly during the warmer months. The Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from mid-July through September. Fort Ticonderoga also holds seasonal events like the Heritage, Harvest & Horse Festival in the fall, which may include reenactments.

What are the local transportation options for visitors without a car?

For visitors without a car, getting to Ticonderoga typically involves private transport or regional bus services to nearby towns, followed by a taxi or ride-share if available. Once in Ticonderoga, walking is feasible for the downtown area and Fort Ticonderoga. The Fort Ticonderoga Ferry is also an option for crossing Lake Champlain.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an outdoor escape game in Ticonderoga cost?

Our outdoor escape games in Ticonderoga start at €12 per team (for 1 phone). If you are a group and wish to play with multiple phones simultaneously on the same trail, it's €19 for 2 phones and €25 for 3. The price is fixed per team, making it a very affordable activity for a family or group of friends.

Are the Ticonderoga escape games suitable for children / families?

Absolutely! Our trails in Ticonderoga are designed to be accessible from age 8. It's an excellent family activity where everyone can contribute: children love searching for visual clues, teenagers are passionate about solving puzzles, and adults appreciate the historical aspect and discovering the town. The step-by-step GPS guidance ensures smooth and safe progress, with no risk of getting lost.

How long does an outdoor escape game in Ticonderoga last?

Allow between 1h30 and 2h30 to complete an outdoor escape game in Ticonderoga, depending on your pace and your ability to solve the puzzles. Our games are self-guided, meaning you can start whenever you want and take your time to explore the locations. This is ideal for fitting into your schedule, whether it's for a morning, an afternoon, or a break between two visits.

Do I need to book in advance for an escape game in Ticonderoga?

Online booking is not strictly mandatory, but it is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer) or on weekends. By booking online, you instantly receive an activation code by email, which you can use whenever you wish, with no expiry date. This guarantees you total flexibility to start your adventure in Ticonderoga.

What else to visit in Ticonderoga beyond the escape games?

Ticonderoga is primarily famous for Fort Ticonderoga, a major historical site offering reenactments, museums, and breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. Don't miss Mount Defiance either, where the view of the fort and the lake is spectacular. Our escape game trails naturally incorporate these iconic locations, allowing you to discover them from a fun and interactive perspective.

What is the best season to visit Ticonderoga?

The best season to visit Ticonderoga and fully enjoy our outdoor escape games is spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October). Temperatures are pleasant, the landscapes are magnificent with blooming flowers or autumn colors, and crowds are smaller than in summer. Summer (July-August) is also a great time, but it's best to play early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and peak crowds. The outdoor aspect of our games is an asset, even in cooler weather.

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