Things To Do
in Glens Falls
Glens Falls is a compact, friendly city in upstate New York situated on the banks of the Hudson River near the southern edge of the Adirondack Park. It blends small-city services, arts and museums like The Hyde Collection, and easy access to outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains and lakes. The downtown has a mix of historic brick buildings, local shops, breweries and year-round community events that draw visitors and seasonal residents.
Its proximity to Lake George and Albany makes Glens Falls a convenient base for exploring the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Chapman Historical Museum to learn about the rich history of Glens Falls. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the historic district, admiring the beautiful architecture. Don’t forget to stop by a local café for a warm cup of coffee and a pastry to fuel your morning.
In the afternoon, head over to Crandall Public Library, where you can explore its unique collection and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Afterward, visit the nearby Glens Falls Civic Center to check out any local events or exhibitions. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the local shops for some unique souvenirs and artisanal goods.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Hudson River, where you can enjoy the tranquil sounds of the water and the beautiful views. Conclude your day by catching a live performance at a local theater, immersing yourself in the local arts scene.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to The Great Escape amusement park, just a short drive from Glens Falls. Spend your morning riding thrilling roller coasters and enjoying family-friendly attractions. Don’t forget to grab a map to plan your route and make the most of your time in the park.
Continue the fun into the afternoon, trying out different rides and attractions, from water slides to live shows. Take a break for lunch at one of the park’s eateries, where you can refuel with a quick bite. After lunch, visit the arcade or catch a few more rides before wrapping up your adventure.
After a fun-filled day, head back to Glens Falls and unwind with a casual dinner at a local pizzeria. Reflect on the day’s excitement while enjoying a slice of your favorite pie. If you're up for it, consider a nightcap at a nearby bar or lounge to conclude your adventure.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short rideshare | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to Adirondack Park and Lake George for outdoor recreation
- Compact downtown with museums, local shops and a friendly community
- Lower costs than larger tourist hubs while still offering cultural events
- Limited late-night and fine dining options compared with larger cities
- Seasonal traffic spikes during summer and fall foliage weekends
- Public transportation options are limited; a car is useful for exploring the region
Places to Visit in Glens Falls
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside views at dawn or dusk capture reflections, bridges and small craft; good for long exposures and seasonal light.
Elegant museum exterior and landscaped grounds provide classic architectural and garden shots.
Brick facades, colorful storefronts and public art create atmospheric street scenes, especially in golden hour.
Panoramic overlooks of Lake George, rolling foothills and the Adirondacks — ideal for wide-angle landscape shots and fall foliage.
Wooded trails, lakeside vistas and marshy inlets offer variety for nature photography and wildlife shots.
Food in Glens Falls
Glens Falls Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally sourced trout or lake-caught fish prepared simply or with lemon-butter and herbs — find it at riverside restaurants and seasonal lakeside eateries.
Must-Try!
Syrup from nearby producers is used in everything from glazing meats to donuts and pies; visit local markets in spring and fall for the freshest products.
Many bistros and cafés update menus seasonally to showcase local produce, root vegetables in winter and lighter salads in summer.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local farmers and producers sell produce, maple products, baked goods and prepared foods — great for picnic supplies and local specialties.
During summer around Lake George and other tourist areas you’ll find food trucks and stalls offering grilled fare, fried dough, and sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally welcoming and conversational — a friendly greeting, please and thank you go a long way.
Follow Leave No Trace principles in parks and trails: pack out what you bring, stay on marked paths and be mindful of wildlife.
Dress practically for weather and activities; winter layering and appropriate footwear for trails are expected.
Respect residential quiet hours in neighborhoods, especially late at night, and follow venue rules for parks and public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Glens Falls
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S.: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $1–2 per bag for hotel porters, and 10–15% for taxi or rideshare drivers; tip service workers for good service as many earn below living wages. Cash is appreciated for small tips but most places accept card tips.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for farmers' markets, small vendors or rural purchases where card readers may be limited.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid with lots of outdoor activity, festivals and lake tourism; bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a light rain jacket for occasional storms. Expect higher traffic on weekends toward Lake George.
Crisp days and spectacular foliage draw many visitors — popular for leaf-peeping, hiking and scenic drives; book accommodations early for peak color weeks.
Cold with significant snowfall; ideal for skiing, snowboarding and winter festivals but prepare for icy roads, shorter daylight and bundled clothing. Local roads and some attractions may have limited hours.
Variable weather with thawing trails and muddy conditions at times; maple sugaring season and quieter trails make spring a good time for lower crowds and fresh local produce.
Glens Falls at Night
Hiking in Glens Falls
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-known hike near Lake George with a relatively short route to a summit that offers sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains; accessible and family-friendly.
A network of trails through forests and around the lake with options for easy walks and more strenuous hikes, plus picnic areas and swimming in summer.
Numerous smaller trails and public lands in the foothills offer day-hike opportunities with varying difficulty, ideal for spring through fall exploration.
Short drives from Glens Falls lead to trailheads for longer Adirondack hikes; plan logistics and check conditions for multi-summit hikes.
Airports
How to reach Glens Falls by plane.
A small regional airport in Queensbury/Glens Falls primarily serving general aviation and some private flights; convenient for small-plane access to the area.
The nearest major commercial airport (about 45–60 minutes by car) with domestic flights, car rental services and frequent connections; common arrival point for visitors to Glens Falls.
Located in Burlington, Vermont (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car depending on route and weather) — an option for visitors coming from the north or combining trips to the Lake Champlain region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longtime residents and families who work locally in healthcare, education, retail and services.
A significant retiree population and seasonal homeowners who come for the recreation and quieter lifestyle.
Students from nearby colleges and community colleges add youth to the community, contributing to local events and services.
Visitors drawn seasonally for foliage, lake activities, winter sports and Adirondack adventures.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is popular locally, with the Adirondack Thunder (ECHL) historically playing at the Cool Insuring Arena and a strong youth and high-school hockey presence.
Skiing and snowboarding in the Adirondacks and nearby resort mountains are major winter activities for residents and visitors.
Summer boating on Lake George and local waterways and fishing are widely enjoyed recreational sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Glens Falls.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and many restaurants offer vegetarian salads, grain bowls and pasta dishes; call ahead for full vegetarian entrées at finer restaurants.
Options are increasing but limited compared with larger cities — seek out cafés and progressive bistros that offer vegan soups, salads and plant-based mains.
Many places will accommodate gluten-free requests (gluten-free bread, salads, grilled proteins); always mention allergies when ordering as cross-contamination can occur.