Tourism Industry Overview
Warren County is situated along I-87 in New York state roughly equidistant 3.5 hours from New York City, Montreal and Boston. Just 45 minutes north of Albany, NY, Warren County is considered the ‘Gateway to the Adirondacks,’ with historic and beautiful Lake George 10 miles away and the rest of the Adirondacks accessible within a two hour drive. The Adirondack Park features approximately 2,000 miles of hiking trails, 3,000 ponds and lakes, and almost anything else an outdoor enthusiast could look for. In the winter, Lake Placid (the site of the 1980 winter Olympics) boasts a number of winter sports destinations, and skiing is available at several peaks in the region. The village of Lake George is especially popular, with a variety of tourist shops, cruises with the Lake George Steamboat Company, constant concerts and fireworks, and the nearby Six Flags Great Escape. The region also features close by access to Saratoga Springs, which is popular for its thoroughbred horse racing and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. There are also many festivals and events near Glens Falls, such as the Adirondack Balloon Festival, Americade, and LARAC that draw major crowds from all over.
Tourism Economic Impact
- In Warren County total economic impact from tourism totals approximately $628 million dollars annually supporting over 8,800 jobs (direct and indirect) generating $306 million in labor income
- Approximately 40% of tourism spending in Warren County is attributable to lodging
- In Warren County, 16% – or approx 6,100 direct employment jobs are generated by tourism
Major Warren County Based Tourism Companies/Employers
The Sagamore, Bolton Landing
Total Employees: 500
Description: The Sagamore is a Four-Diamond Full-Service Resort. Once again open year round, it offers golfing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, swimming, a spa, and a family-friendly environment for guests.
Six Flags Great Escape, Queensbury
Total Employees: 265
Description: Originally started as Storytown, USA by renowned entrepreneur Charles Wood, the theme park was purchased by Six Flags, Inc. It is a full theme park with water rides, roller coasters, and more. Also features Great Escape Lodge hotel with an indoor water park for year-round use.
Gore Mountain, North Creek
Description: Popular downhill ski destination owned and operated by Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). Gore Mountain has the highest vertical drop in the East Coast.
West Mountain, Queensbury
Description: Downhill skiing venue just off of exit 18 on I-87. Features night (lighted) ski trails. Also hosts series of summer events and festivals.
Lake George Steamboat Co., Lake George
Description: Steamboats have been traveling Lake George since 1817, and the company now operates three steamboats with a variety of lake tours.
Hospitality in Warren County
There are a number of signature hotels in Warren County that include both historical landmark venues as well as modern “flag” accommodations and small independently owned motels. Many of the larger older venues that are popular yearly destinations have undergone significant renovations over the past decade. During the past five years, there have been a number of newer modern facilities added to the local room inventory. Some of the more notable properties include:
The Sagamore Resort, Lake George
Fort William Henry, Lake George
Courtyard by Marriott, Lake George
The Queensbury Hotel, Glens Falls
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, Queensbury
