NEWSLETTER
Offering access to 2000-acres of Historic Adventure, Boat Tours, Breathtaking Gardens, Family Programs, New Exhibits, and More
The Campaign of 1776: May 2-October 25, 2026 Tuesday-Sunday
Ticonderoga, N.Y. - Fort Ticonderoga is a must-see destination, a center of learning, and an interactive, multi-faceted experience. Daily programs bring to life our nation’s founding history and the many signature stories that unfolded here through interactive programs and world-class museum exhibits, boat tours on Lake Champlain, a powerhouse lineup of signature events, premium behind-the-scenes programs, curated group experiences, lush historic gardens, Mount Defiance tours, hands-on family activities, & more!
"As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Fort Ticonderoga stands at the forefront of the commemoration, recognized by USA Today, Smithsonian Magazine, and other national publications as a premier America 250 destination," said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. "Through our REAL TIME REVOLUTION® initiative, we are moving beyond static history to capture the raw contingency of war as it unfolded in 1776. By bringing history to life in the moment—day by day—we allow our visitors to experience the immense pressure, the difficult choices, and the uncertain outcomes faced by those who secured our independence. We are thrilled to welcome guests to this season of discovery, where the power of the past meets the vibrant beauty of our 2,000-acre landscape."
In 2026, Fort Ticonderoga’s innovative REAL TIME REVOLUTION® initiative highlights the iconic year 1776 through the untold struggle and success of the Continental Army at Ticonderoga. As popular 250th anniversary commemorations celebrate July 4, 1776 as the birth of the United States, Fort Ticonderoga spotlights the larger story of our nation’s struggle to secure independence.
Through one-of-a-kind museum collections and internationally renowned living history team, Fort Ticonderoga is uniquely poised to reveal the service of Continental Army soldiers, day by day, bringing to life REAL TIME REVOLUTION® in 2026. Through dynamic events, Fort Ticonderoga invites visitors to experience the real human drama of retreating to Ticonderoga in July, even as news of the Declaration of Independence traveled northwards.
As a leader in delivering a premium historic destination experience, Fort Ticonderoga is thrilled to welcome visitors for the daily visitation Campaign Season, May 2-October 25 – building family memories, fostering enjoyment in our site’s beauty, and inspiring visitors to ignite their imagination and discover the power of the past and its meaning to us today.
2026 Highlights Include:
REAL TIME REVOLUTION®: This unique Fort Ticonderoga initiative brings the critical year of 1776 to life, offering visitors an immersive day-by-day, moment-by-moment experience of the people and events that defined the fight for independence. During this multi-year campaign, visitors will experience, in real time, the unsung construction of the Northern Department of the Continental Army, pulled from primary sources that detail our understanding of the period.
2026 Must-Attend Signature Events:
- July 3-5 Return of an Army - Watch the catastrophic retreat of the Northern Continental Army to Ticonderoga that occurred as delegates to the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
- July 28 “Today We Are a Nation Among the People of the World” - Experience the first reading of the Declaration of Independence to the troops at Ticonderoga exactly as it occurred 250 years ago.
- September 19-20 “Lodging as the Nature of the Campaign will Admit” - See American ingenuity in action as soldiers use boards, posts, and beams to build new shelter as they guard Ticonderoga into the fall.
- October 24-25 Hold the Line for Liberty - This reenactment will dramatically recreate one of the greatest Continental Army victories of 1776 that occurred at the same time as one of its greatest defeats. The very moment soldiers and militiamen at Ticonderoga held the line for liberty—and perhaps secured independence—will come to life.
Carillon Boat Cruises: Aboard the Carillon cruise boat, enjoy gorgeous, sweeping vistas of Vermont's Green Mountains and New York's Adirondack Mountains during a 75-minute narrated tour on Lake Champlain. An assortment of beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are available for purchase onboard. Daily cruises are available starting Memorial Day weekend. Private charters and group outings are available, inquire today by calling 518-585-1023!
Museum Exhibitions: Explore one of North America’s finest collections of 18th-century military material culture. NEW and on-going exhibitions featuring art, weapons, and equipment from North America to Europe highlight Ticonderoga’s signature stories and document warfare in Colonial and Revolutionary America and the broader Atlantic world.
- FEATURED EXHIBIT: A Revolutionary Anthology: Revolutionary Possibilities – The third chapter in a multi-year exhibit series explores the electrifying potential of this watershed moment in history. Best known for the independence of the United States, the period between 1775 and 1783 was more than just a march toward nationhood, other nations emerged while a world wrestled with the fallout of a global conflict. Dozens of objects from across the Atlantic Ocean drawn from Fort Ticonderoga’s collections narrate this pivotal moment in world history. This exhibit is on display through October 25.
Lush Historic Gardens and Friendly Animals: Immerse your senses in the colors and scents of a unique American country estate and explore Ticonderoga’s story after the Revolution. Visit the King’s Garden or make memories with your family in a NEW garden designed especially for children. Discover our heritage breed animals including oxen duos, Mick & Mack and Joe & Jack! Watch for sheep grazing uneven terrain as part of our stewardship of this historic landscape today.
Breathtaking Views: Visit Mount Defiance to witness a birds-eye view of Fort Ticonderoga’s epic historic landscape. Whether you hike up the mountain in the footsteps of General Burgoyne’s troops or make the easy drive to the top in your car, you’ll savor the spectacular beauty of America’s most historic landscape. Discover how this summit shaped America’s history during the “Mount Defiance: Witness to History” guided tour offered Tuesday-Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
NEW Family Program Adventures: In July and August, build family adventures by helping soldiers with their daily duties. Receive awards for completing the tasks. Take a guided tour designed especially for families to discover all the exciting things to do together during your visit! Mark your calendars to tackle the 6-acre Heroic Corn Maze with a NEW 2026 design, August-October.
Summertime Premium Experiences & Tours: Enhance your Fort Ticonderoga experience this summer and enjoy exclusive premium opportunities led by museum experts, attend a behind-the-scenes program with our curator, or experience the magic of Fort Ticonderoga before or after hours. Featuring NEW offerings and programs back by popular demand!
Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance are open for visitation Tuesday-Sunday May 2-October 25, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4:30 p.m.). Tickets are encouraged to be purchased online in advance by visiting www.fortticonderoga.org or can be purchased the day of at the Admission’s Booth. General admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days!
About Fort Ticonderoga:
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga is a major cultural destination, museum, historic site, and center for learning. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about North America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 visitors each year with an economic impact of more than $16 million annually. Presenting vibrant programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits, Fort Ticonderoga and is open for daily visitation May through October and special programs during Winter Quarters, November through April. Fort Ticonderoga is owned by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a 501c3 non-profit educational organization, and is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. To view Fort Ticonderoga’s electronic press kit, click here.
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Photo: Credit and copyright Fort Ticonderoga