How people experience Lake George is changing. That matters for our regional economy.

The newly released 2025 Lake George Recreation Study offers more than insights into boating and recreation. It provides a valuable snapshot of how visitor expectations and the local economy continue to evolve.
A few findings stood out:
• 88% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their Lake George experience, reinforcing the lake’s position as one of the Northeast’s premier outdoor destinations.
• Visitors continue to place the highest value on clean water, natural beauty, and a safe recreational environment.
• Recreation is shifting toward experience-based tourism. Individual boat registrations have declined over the past two decades while charter services, commercial recreation, and paddle sports continue to grow.
• The study projects that much of the lake’s future waterfront development pressure will gradually shift toward the northern communities over the coming decades, creating new infrastructure and planning opportunities.
For economic development, these findings reinforce several priorities we’ve been working toward:
◾ Investing in modern infrastructure, including broadband and mobile connectivity.
◾ Supporting entrepreneurs and recreation-based small businesses.
◾ Helping communities prepare for thoughtful, sustainable growth.
◾ Protecting the quality of place that attracts residents, visitors, remote workers, and employers alike.
Lake George has long been one of our region’s greatest economic assets. Studies like this remind us that protecting that asset and investing in the visitor experience are not competing goals. They are part of the same long-term strategy for a resilient regional economy.
Source: New York State Lake George Park Commission, 2025 Recreation Study: https://lnkd.in/gRjkUAte
Lake George Mirror Story: https://lnkd.in/gGDFEU7R
Photo credit: Carl Heilman