Summer is approaching very quickly, which means camping, hiking, and beaching! It is one of the best times of year here in the Adirondacks, and we are just busting at the seams with things to do. Restaurants and shops are coming out of hibernation and so are the museums!
The Adirondack Experience 
The Adirondack Experience museum opening is just around the corner on May 20th. Along with the many favorite permanent exhibits that are here to peruse, there are new things popping up all the time! One of the biggest projects currently in the works won't be completed this year, but you might be able to catch a sneak peak of the brand new "Adirondack Experience" exhibit!
Officially opening in May of 2017, the Adirondack Experience exhibit will span 19,000 square feet and hold five galleries: "The Call of the Wilderness" will showcase what drove visitors to the Adirondacks; "A Peopled Wilderness" will give the history of the regions Native American background; "Roughing It: Life in the Wilderness" will show you the everyday obstacles faced by residents and visitors; "Adirondack Tough: Working in the Wilderness" will cover outdoor occupations in the Adirondacks; and "Our Adirondack Park: An American Story" will educate visitors on the creation of the park and ongoing battles to preserve it.
This year you will also be able to take walks (guided or not) along the historic trail to Minnow Pond. On Thursdays in July, August, and September, Adirondack Guide Ed Kanze will lead informative walks along the trail.
Birding
A favorite past time of residents and visitors to the Adirondacks is birding! A new, interactive exhibit coming to the museum this year is called "Feathered Friends: Birder's Byway" and it will highlight all of the different birds here in the Adirondacks. If you enjoy birding, don't miss out on the Adirondack Birding Festival taking place from June 11th to 13th this year!
Adirondack Events
Each year the Adirondack Museum is host to some great festivals. On July 23rd, the museum will host its third annual Made in the Adirondacks Fair, showing off crafts, foods, demonstrations, and more! 
September will feature the 29th Annual Rustic Furniture Fair (September 10th and 11th) and the Antiques Show and Sale (September 17th and 18th) with dealers from all across the United States. 
The Adirondack Museum is open from May 20th through October 10th from 10am to 5pm. This year, Hamilton County also celebrates its bicentennial so make sure to check out the Bicentennial Bash happening at the museum on October 8th!
Local Museums
While you are in town check out all of the great stuff the Adirondack Museum has to offer, don't forget to check out the local town museums! The Speculator and Lake Pleasant Historical Museum is open on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm from June to August.
The Indian Lake Museum has a great collection of Native American items as well as memorabilia from early settlers. They are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4pm and Fridays from 7-9pm between mid-June and October. The Morehouse Historical Museum is open in July and August on weekends from 11am-3pm. Here you can not only visit the inside of the church that was built in 1835, but there is a great collection of old photographs.
With so many great museums to visit, why not make a weekend of it? Don't forget your dining and lodging reservations!
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