Beat the heat in Tupper Lake

It’s no surprise; summer this year is going to be hot, hot, hot! For cityfolk; this is a major bummer. For the Adirondacks? Endless possibilities to get outside and play! Tupper Lake is the perfect place to beat the heat; surrounded by water bodies perfect for paddling, fishing, and boating, you can spend your days lakeside.

Indoor attractions are the perfect escape, and you don’t have to get wet! With bowling and arcades, educational oases like The Wild Center, or catching a movie, you can take a break from the sun and still have fun. And don’t forget about nighttime! When the sun sets, the party keeps going with sunset hikes, stargazing, and music by the water. Discover how you’ll cool down in Tupper Lake this summer. 

Get on the water

The fastest route to cooling down? A day spent on the water. And if you weren’t already aware, Tupper Lake is home to a perfect lakefront beach, making for sweet summer memories spent on the lake. Little Wolf Beach runs nearly the entire length of Little Wolf Pond's eastern shoreline, offering families the chance to sit and unwind while the little ones play and swim, with lifeguards on duty of course! Besides being one of the longest beaches in the Adirondacks, this well-maintained, town-run facility offers amenities that will have you staying all day. Here you'll find Red Cross-certified lifeguards, docks, snack shack, playground and basketball courts, shaded pavilion, and picnic area. 

Bog River Falls

Just south of Tupper Lake, in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest in the Town of Piercefield, the Bog River pours into the southern tip of Big Tupper Lake via a beautiful set of falls. What’s so great about these falls? They’re primed for swimming! Little pockets descending down the sloping falls make the perfect splash pads, where you can tan on the rocks or take a dip when you’re feeling hot. 

Paddling

If your legs need a break from all that swimming, try paddling! Although the beautiful Tupper Lake gave this town its name, there’s plenty more water to be found all around. Tupper Lake is centrally located in the heart of the “10 Rivers Region.” Combining ten rivers with a vast assortment of hidden ponds, winding streams, and pristine lakes, makes for days spent paddling to your heart’s content. 

Need a helping hand (or oar) when it comes to paddling around the region? Raquette River Outfitters has just the fix. They offer a wide range of rentals, from canoes, kayaks, and SUPs to camping gear like sleeping bags, bear canisters, tents, and cooking supplies. Which means your next paddle-up camping experience will be a breeze! The company also offers guided trips, ranging from one day to four and up, it's up to you how you’ll experience the Adirondacks. Spend your days paddling the waters of the Adirondacks alongside an expert guide of the region, giving you the knowledge you need to immerse yourself completely in the unspoiled wilderness surrounding Tupper Lake.

Boating - Boat Rentals/boat slips 

Because we’re surrounded by water, boating around Tupper Lake is a huge hit, with the locals and visitors alike! Towing a boat all the way up to the Adirondacks may be a bit too much work for most however. That’s why Tupper Lake is home to boat rental outfitters amply stocked, ensuring you get out on the water during your trip! Rent from the Red Top Inn or Sunset Park Motel. And if you did decide to bring your own, park at the Blue Jay Marina with a boat slip rental!

Cool down indoors

The Wild Center

If you need to escape the sun but don’t want to give up on having an exciting day, The Wild Center is the perfect place to chill out and explore. Inside, you’ll find the brilliant world of the Adirondacks displayed in interactive exhibits. Discover as otters play, turtles glide through tanks, and nature comes to life right before your eyes- no grand expedition required! If you do decide to venture outside, the shaded Wild Walk takes you high into the treetops where the breeze is cooler and the views are unbeatable! Whether you’re escaping the heat with the kids or just need a refreshing day out, mix nature, education, and fun in all the right ways. 

The Adirondack State Theater

A trip to Tupper Lake wouldn’t be complete without at least one night (or two) spent catching a movie at the Adirondack State Theater. With comfy seats, cold drinks, and that unbeatable small-town movie magic, the State Theater isn’t just a break from the heat—it’s a unique experience that can't be found anywhere else!

Lakeview Lanes and arcade

Lakeview Lanes and The Foul Line Sports Bar is the ultimate summertime hot spot. Whether you’re bowling with friends, challenging the kids to a round in the arcade, or just soaking up the chill vibes with a cold drink and some snacks, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat without missing out on summer fun. 

Music by the water

Once that hot sun tucks behind the mountains, the music starts bumping on Raquette Pond. Every Monday and Wednesday night, grab your lawn chairs or a blanket and make your way over to Tupper Lake Bandshell in Flanders Park for the Summer Sunset Series. Free and open to the public, spend cool summer evenings cozied up  live music on the Sunset Stage, with one of the most picturesque backgrounds in the Adirondacks. The season is jam-packed with a wide variety of performances, so make sure to keep your eyes on our events calendar; you never know who might be performing!

Out after dark

Summer days in Tupper Lake may bring the heat, but the real magic happens after the sun starts to dip. Sunset hikes here are pure Adirondack gold—cooler temps, glowing skies, and trails bathed in soft light make for an unforgettable way to end the day. And once the sun sets, don’t pack it in just yet; Tupper Lake is one of the best spots in the Northeast for stargazing. Tucked away from brightly-lit cities and busy skies, the Adirondacks rank at a 2 on the Bortle Scale, a measure of night sky brightness. This makes us one of the darkest areas in the eastern United States, which means you’re getting an unspoiled view of all those stars and planets! If you’re really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis painting the sky. 

Cool down with us!

Tupper Lake has this summer covered, even in the midst of record temperatures. With fun on land and off, you’ve just unlocked the secret to an easy breezy season in the Adirondacks. Just don’t forget your bug spray!