robert louis stevenson cottage and museum

Stevenson lived here for a few months just as his literary career was taking off. However, the collection of historical memorabilia and artifacts stretches across his whole, albeit short, life. This place is a must for any student of the author, but also for anyone who has been thrilled by his adventure stories. The resident docent is as good as all the contents of the cottage to make the visit an absolutely amazing experience.

The Stevenson Cottage Museum was a great surprise. through a quirk of history and ownership, the Cottage is one of those sites that evoke the actual time in which it was occupied by the author. There is also a significant collection of memorabilia and the curator is extremely knowledgeable, not only about the area and the events during the winter Stevenson spend at Saranac Lake but also about the life and career of Robert Louis Stevenson. Well worth a visit unless you have absolutely no familiarity with Stevenson's works or are not intriqued by visiting a series of rooms accurately representing decor and the manner of living in the Adirondacks in the 1880s.

We found a brochure on this site at the Lake Placid Center. The curator was great. He was informative, enjoyable to listen to. We learned quite a bit. The cottage was well maintained and had great artifacts. The site is a bit off the beaten path but worth the trip.

Couldn't have been more impressed with the place, the collection, and the close connection with Stevenson and his stories. At almost no other museum will one come into such near contact with its primary subject, and in such intensely personal ways. The experience is no-frills, but that's the perfect way to engage with it. But take care because the signage to it is poor and the parking non-existent. Nevertheless, any visitor to Lake Placid or the Adirondacks who is interested in Stevenson, literature, or history in general, should take the short hop to Saranac Lake and this terrific place. See more at http://newyorkhistoryblog.org/2014/08/13/a-good-story-the-lifeblood-of-a-public-historian/

When we visit any historical venue in Saranac Lake it always appears to center on the founder of the TB Hospital. There were many other families who contributed to the significant history of the area. Many of these people were decedents of Irish and Scottish loggers, hunters and guides. There is very little history on the contributions of these families. There were many wealthy people who visited the Adirondacks in the summer because they enjoyed the beauty of the area. it appears that a lot of the true local history is lost.

Lots and lots of history on display. Mike, the live in caretaker, was full of information about the Stevensons and glad to share it. Very enjoyable visit, only $5.00 admission.

If you're interested in Stevenson or authors in general, I highly recommend seeing this unique establishment.I'm mostly writing this to respond to the numerous errors in one of the previous reviews. Anyone who is dissuaded from coming here based on the information in that review is being done a disservice. That review states that RLS wrote nothing of importance while here. First, Stevenson wrote the bulk of The Master of Ballantrae, a 300-page novel while residing at this cottage. It was completed and published the following year however. Of Stevenson's numerous essays, the most highly-acclaimed by critics were written in Saranac Lake as were a number of his funnier humorous shorter works.I've been to this cottage a number of times on many occasions and I was NEVER asked for any admission charge, always a donation, and very low-key at that. On some occasions, there are events held here sponsored by organizations in the local community. Those organizations may have charged for the event, food etc, but any I attended were always a suggested "donation" as well.The integrity of the cottage and its furnishings from 1888 may have something to do with the odors, but they are attempting to preserve the historical location as it was. It's not really a museum as much as a historical site, like the Robert Frost Cabin in Ripton, Vermont. The last time I was at his cabin, the actual soap he left in the kitchen sink's soapdish was still there. I suppose the earlier reviewer would have complained they should have cleaned out Frost's soap dish and put in a brand new bar of soap?Overall the exhibits one can view at a leisurely pace and information presented on the tour are quite comprehensive. There is a lot to be learned from them.As for parking there are two large parking areas behind the building with room for at least a few dozen vehicles, which is way more than would likely be here at any random time. One other error to correct, there is in fact a small bathroom in the museum part of the building.So basically the previous review didn't get anything right at all. Except maybe it was hot. Saranac Lake is well-known as one of the hot spots of the nation, right?

This museum is trying to make someething out of nothing. RLS was just a renter here for a year. He didn't write anything famous here. The 4 rooms are chuck full of stuff. Its hot and smells of old flowers. I cant believe they charge to see this place - should be donation only. No parking and Np facilities.

The museum is so small and adorable that I don't really know how to explain it. It has SO much information and memorabilia that I don't think they could possibly fit anymore. It was so fascinating that I wanted to stay all day. Great little attraction off the beaten path.

If you think you know something about Robert Louis Stevenson, a visit to this cottage will teach you a lot. The curator is extraordinarily knowledgeable and his genuine love of the subject shines through. The impressive collection of artifacts is arranged in a logical way that takes you through Stevenson's life and times. Small but revealing, highly recommended.

Last year (June 2009) we attended an Open House at this interesting little museum in a beautiful setting in Saranac Lake. The Open House was great fun with live Celtic music, a bagpiper, a wild presentation of "the Haggis" (which looked awful, but was actually pretty good) and tours of the museum. The tour was given by the curator of the museum and was extremely interesting (even if you are not a Stevenson fan you will enjoy it). The tour guide was unbelievably knowledgeable and had wonderful anecdotes about all the historic artifacts and answers to every question asked. This is definitely a worthwhile stop if you are in Saranac Lake. The tours were free during the Open House, but are normally $5 - its worth it. The museum has an interesting website (www.robertlouisstevensonmemorialcottage.org)