sagamore national historic landmark tours

Sagamore has been on our list to visit and as a lover of the Adirondack Great Camp era, I certainly looked forward to our visit there recently. We were truly disappointed! Our guide happened to be the man in charge of the place, which made it worse. We learned about his disdain for Syracuse University, the lumber industry, SUV's and Mr. Vanderbilt himself. The slide show was boring, we heard too much about the workers and staff. The kicker was a couple in the group being yelled at for discreetly taking photos (outside) even though there were no other guests on the property and our small, all adult group was not being held up at all. We barely got our foot inside the buildings even though they were basically empty as well. One member in our group inquired if we might see a bedroom and was rudely told it was out of the question. Very hostile atmosphere generated by the staff member and disappointing view of the buildings. We paid to see the historic buildings, not to listen to the guy promote his personal agenda. We won't be back, nor would we recommend the tour to others.

while camping in the ADKs we decided to take a look at the Sagamore. We had heard about it and drove in to view it. Once we got out we decided to take the tour. Our guide was wonderful and knowledgeable. If those walls could talk. Would have been nice to go into more areas but there are restrictions due to people staying and no pics which people didn't like. Otherwise remarkable craftsmanship, unbelievable creativity and a beautiful place.

We lucked out with having Kate as our tour guide. She was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Great Camp Sagamore. It was her analyses, insights, and anecdotal stories about the Vanderbilts, their laborers, and their guests that made the trip worthwhile. (We also enjoyed learning about Adirondack furniture from a skilled craftsman onsite). Without such a talented tour guide, however, we may have been far less impressed with the Great Camp Sagamore tour for several reasons. First, those who don't count the History Channel among their favorite television stations will likely be unexcited for the 30-minute historical video that kicks off the tour. (I myself, being fascinated by the history of the Adirondacks, found it quite interesting). Second, there are limited photography opportunities. (We were granted permission to take a picture of the Main Lodge, but we were asked to otherwise keep our cameras tucked away out of respect to the lodgers). Third, (and this was the greatest disappointment) we saw very few interiors due to the fact that many of the lodge rooms have been converted to guest rooms. These matters aside, if you are interested in the history of the Adirondacks and the "great" American families that enjoyed its "great" camps, you'll enjoy this educational tour. It's doesn't provide the same intimate indoor exploration as the Biltmore, but it is still an intriguing part of the Vanderbilt family history.

We really appreciated Sagamore. Do your research, people - the website clearly indicates that the tours are only at 10 and 1:30, so we timed our visit accordingly. We agree that the half-hour slide show is old and unclear - they should update this with clearer images - but some of the info was still interesting. The tour involves a lot of walking from building to building over uneven ground, which was a bit much for some of the older people on our tour. We did enjoy it quite a bit in spite of the rain, but it's the Adirondacks so we were prepared. The guide had really done her research and showed many interesting details. The tours go into a variety of buildings of both the workers as well as the Vanderbilts - we liked the upstairs-downstairs insights. A highlight was having an opportunity to see the wood canoe craftsman at work - we went back to the workshop after the tour and asked him questions, and he was very enthusiastic about sharing information. For anyone interested in history or craftsmanship, Sagamore is a great place to visit - don't listen to some of the downer reviews!

1. We drove to the 10 minutes down the dirt road to Sagamore, after driving 30 minutes from Olde Forge, but arrived to be informed the tours are ONLY at 10 and 1:30 PM. As we were being informed of this another couple entered the gift shop. They also made the same mistake. Despite this we decided to return the next day before 10 AM. Just in case we could not make it back we purchased an expensive book by Beverly Bridger to learn their history.2. The next day we arrived before 10 AM and paid $48 admission for myself, my wife, my older daughter and my PRESCHOOL daughter. When I pointed out to the gift shop clerk my daughter was free, he said she was a child. I can assure you my daughter is not yet in kindergarten. I was overcharged $8.3. The tour proceeded at such a quick pace there was neither time to read many display plaques nor ask questions of our tour guide. 4. As our tour went through the Wigwam house, and all were allowed to look about, we ventured upstairs not knowing it was forbidden. Our tour guide yelled out we were not allowed to go upstairs and added embarrassingly and sarcastically "come on, people really." I do not recall if she said do not go upstairs. Regardless I apologized for our family.5. Our tour guide repeated many times we should come and stay overnight at Sagamore. Since no accommodations were ever shown to us, I would be more enticed to stay if I had seen something (even a picture) of the accommodations. We never saw the inside of a cabin, cottage or any overnight lodging. I felt I was being sold a time share.6. Part way through the tour the guide said there was a question about pictures. Someone had asked if we could take pictures inside the buildings. The guide said no we could only take pictures outside. Don't you think it would be better to announce this at the beginning of the tour? Were we supposed to delete them from our cameras?While I found Sagamore interesting, I will not recommend such an expensive, limited tour. I brought these issues to managements attention and receive a half-hearted apology. Don't waste your time.

We love the Adirondacks and all this region has to offer especially the landscape, swimming, kayaking, sailing and hiking. While visiting The Great Camp Sagamore, it is interesting to realize how similar the uber wealthy are to the rest of us - we all enjoy nature and require an escape from daily commitments. The Vanderbilt' s accomplished this on a grand scale! Our docent was fabulous and never flinched from the onslaught of black fly bites incurred by the rest of us! Remember your insect repellent!

It starts with a 30 minutes really old slide show. Next we stood in the rain and listened to the tour director tell us about the workers quarters (while standing in the rain). When we finally got to go INTO a building we were told they were doing a music program and to respect the privacy of the people staying there and DO NOT look into any windows, or open any doors. We stood in the middle of a banjo class for about five minutes, then out into the rain again. An hour into the "tour" we finally made it to the great lodge... and into the middle of a music class. The tour guide talked about the fire place for about five minutes then out into the rain. Getting the picture? We've done many house tours and this was a bust. Don't go.

Two hour guided tour of the Vanderbilts' "Great Camp" Sagamore, where they typically stayed through August each Summer and perhaps Christmas as well. You see where the "man-cave" was, you visit inside the main hall, the dining hall, and a few other buildings. The guide was very knowledgable, being a degreed historian who studied this. If you have seen other places the rich enjoyed, like San Simeon Hearst Castle or the Newport RI "Cottages," etc., then this is a must.

Enjoyed listening to how the Vanderbilts lived but disappointed we were not able to tour the inside of the buildings.

Find out how the super rich lived at the turn of twentieth century. Very interesting, long tour but did not see much inside the buildings. Lot of walking from building to building, friendly guode.

My friend and I thought we would see the famous Adk Great Camp and learn of its rich history. I enjoyed that part of the tour but because they don't let you mingle or go into any of the guest areas, you really don't see that much of the individual structures except for the old workers quarters on that side of the property. I feel like what I learned from the tour I could have done myself by reading a book or in photographs. I think to truly experience the camp you would need to stay there. Photos were only allowed in certain areas as well and they stresssed that to protect the privacy of the guests. I felt rushed through parts of the tour and the entire camp was a lot smaller than I had expected. A film was shown at the beginning of the tour which was approximately 30 mins long. If you go in May or June, you can expect to be attacked by black flies but they give you netting and plenty of bug spray to use! (Thank Goodness), I am not sure about the mosquitoes. They do have some items on display as well ~ ie: an old sled, an Adk guide boat, etc.... The tour guide seemed nice, she wasn't that familar with the area but seemed to learn fast. Our group was very small, only about 10 of us with older children included. I am afraid that younger children would be bored to death. My favorite place was the indoor/outdoor bowling alley. The gift shop was limited and the hard packed dirt road leading back to Lake Sagamore & the camp is long, dusty but suprisingly smooth for an unpaved road.

We signed up for the Sagamore Tour at the Adirondack museum, an hour or so away in Blue Mtn. Lake. We arrived about five minutes after the appointed starting time of 1:30.As the second-to-last one in the door of the, ahem, gift shop, I let the screen door close behind me. The gift shop attendant said, rudely, "Close the door!" I returned and closed the screen door. She uttered, "Not that door [idiot], and proceeded to come from behind the counter to close the outside door (in mid-July) herself. I mention that I was second-to-last, only because my cousin, the laggard of our party, entered the "gift shop," only to receive the same welcoming treatment as I had.Thusly prepared for the two hour (closer to 3.5 hours) tour, we proceeded downhill to the somewhat interesting facts, and many speculations, about the historical figures (Durant, the Vanderbilts, the Morgans) who inhabited the buildings and grounds of Sagamore.Buggy in the summer, not cheap, and a long way from population centers (part of its charm, I suppose). Caveat emptor.

I have toured Sagamore several times. I got the true feel of living at this Great Camp and during the Gilded Age. Each time our young guides were very informative and knowledgeable of life with the Vanderbuilts and their extensive staff that kept this camp running. This tour is a must for anyone in the area June to October. Yes call to verify the tour days and times.

This "great camp" on Sagamore Lake in the Adirondacks, is located in the township of Raquette Lake. Built by William Durant, it was bought by the Vanderbulit family in 1901, and became the rural Adirondack vacation spot for high society. The tour of this "camp" is set on a beautiful peninsula stretching into a beautiful mountain lake with architecturally interesting buildings. But the real interest is in the lesson of a divided American society of an elite upper class and a hardworking lower class. The tour guide, a bubbly, well-informed recent St. Lawrence University college grad, made the lessons come alive and provided a delightful and informative fall afternoon's outing.

We visited on Sunday, Oct. 2. There is only one tour scheduled in the fall, at 1:30 pm. Our guide was absolutely wonderful!!!! It was a bit pricey at $14 a person, but the tour was over two hours, so we got our money's worth. The lodge was smaller than I expected, but the history is so interesting. Be prepared to walk a lot. I don't think I would stay there, though. The prices are so high, and you can't pick your room. The majority of the rooms have separate shared baths in the hallway, which is something I would have a problem with. But definitely worth a visit.