
Unlocking one of Tupper's best-kept secrets
Step 1: Learning the secret
So I'm going to let you in on a little secret, but shhhhh... we would greatly appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone!
Are you ready?
Wait for it...
Here goes...
Tupper Lake has a beach!
Yes, we have a beach, and not to be biased in any way but I would have to say it's probably one of the nicest, largest, sandiest beaches in the Adirondacks. Some of you may be scratching your head, saying "I knew that." Others may be wondering why on earth we would keep our public beach a secret. Either way, you are now ready to move on to step 2.
Step 2: Learn why it's a secret
The secret sort of happened by default. See, Little Wolf Beach is simply not visible as you drive through town and as a result people often don't realize we have a beach. I will admit that I have had many conversations with people from the next town over that don't believe we have a beach, or mistake it for the "beach-like" boat launch at the Municipal Park. But rest assured, I am not lying to you: there is, in fact, a beach in Tupper Lake.
Step 3: Understand the importance of keeping it a secret
Before we get to the details of what this beach has to offer, I thought I would share why I love our beach's "secret" location.
- Personally, I appreciate that this location offers a sense of privacy—it’s nice to enjoy time with family without the feeling of being on display to passing traffic.
- I love that this beach feels like an escape. Instead of the roar of traffic or the clatter of everyday life, you’ll hear laughter, splashing, and the gentle sounds of nature, the soundtrack of true relaxation.
- I like that it is a little off the beaten path. When my family and I arrive, it feels like we’ve stumbled upon a secret swimming spot that only a lucky few seem to know about.
- Best of all? It’s completely free and open to the public!
In truth, we’re not really trying to keep the beach a secret, and I think it’s time to let you in on how to find this incredible swimming spot. It’s easier than you might think!
Step 4: Find your way to Little Wolf Beach
Note: If you already have insider knowledge and know how to get to Little Wolf Beach, please skip to step 5.
As I previously mentioned, Little Wolf Beach is not along the main roadway, but rather about about a half mile off of Main Street. For detailed instructions on how to get there from just about any direction, follow this link for turn-by-turn directions.
Step 5: Dive in!
As someone whose job is to encourage visitors, I figured I’d start by sharing what others have to say. Every time we post a photo of Little Wolf Beach on social media, the response is overwhelmingly positive. So don’t just take my word for it—hear it straight from the folks who’ve been there:
- "Man this takes me back, makes me wish I was a kid again with my parents at camp!" - RN
- "Great memories!" - GV
- "Yay... Little Wolf Beach! A very important part of my childhood!" - LA
- "Little Wolf Beach, a huge part of my childhood. I learned to swim there and also took my life guard training there. We always stayed at camp 2-3 weeks every summer. Now I bring my son there and he loves it." - DQ
- "Looks familiar! Actually going up next week! Can't wait..." - RM
- "Love hanging at Little Wolf when I come for my yearly visit! Was just there over the July 4th weekend. Beautiful place." - LS
- "One. More. Week!!!!!!" - TD
In addition to having all of the benefits of being located in a more secluded location, Little Wolf Beach has a lot to offer! From a large sandy play area, volleyball net, and playground to a toddler dock, floating swim dock, and Red Cross certified lifeguards, this beach is ideal for families. Guests can enjoy public restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and a snack shack for added convenience. There's also a shaded pavilion, picnic area, basketball courts, boat launch, and access to an adjacent campground with tent and RV sites.
rom playground, campground, volleyball net, two great swimming docks, and large, sandy play area to the shaded pavilion area, food shack, showers, restroom, and changing area, this beach has all of the amenities you would expect to find at a great beach. But it is more than the things it offers—as you can tell from the statements above, it is also about the memories that can be created there.
Plan a beach day!
I know what you are thinking: it's time to grab the sunscreen, towels, and swim trunks. But before you hit the beach, there are still a few pieces of information we forgot to share:
- Little Wolf Beach is known for its spectacular sunsets. If you are swimming later in the day, be sure to stick around for the show.
- Right up the street from the beach you will find the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, which offers free stargazing on Friday evenings.
- For an extended stay, campsites are available at Little Wolf Beach. Prime sites book early, so make sure to reserve yours in advance!
- Hungry? In addition to the large picnic area, Little Wolf Beach also has a food shack with a good-sized menu of tasty eats, treats, and beverages.
That’s everything you need to know—now all that’s missing is you. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to make more memories, Little Wolf Beach is ready to welcome you. See you by the water!