Daily Summer offerings

Experience the magic of Summer 2026 with daily activities on our spacious front porch, down by the peaceful lakeside dock, or tucked away in the heart of the forest.

Adirondack Raptors

Join Mark Manske and his educational birds for an exceptional opportunity to get up and personal with birds of prey. Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Harris’s Hawk, and American Kestrel are just a few of the raptors we’ve seen in Mr. Manske’s unique and informative demonstrations right here on the front porch of our lodge!
Adirondack Raptors is a privately owned business that monitors and studies the local raptor population. Its mission is to nurture a healthy appreciation of nature by using the raptors as an educational platform. Mr. Manske has been studying raptors since 1984; he has been an adjunct professor at Paul Smith’s College since 2007.

Adirondack presentations

Join Jeff Nadler for an engaging and informative presentation exploring the natural wonders of the Adirondacks. Through stunning photography, personal experiences, and expert insight, Jeff brings the Adirondack landscape to life, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the birds, animals, and ecosystems that make this region so unique. Whether you're a lifelong Adirondack enthusiast or discovering the Park for the first time, Jeff's presentations provide an inspiring look at the natural world.

Guided nature walks

Every walk is an opportunity to learn about the natural world. Enjoy an easy, slow-paced walk through the woods while exploring different aspects of the preserve’s environment, encompassing its unique physical features and wildlife.
Our guide, Charlotte Demers is a certified NYS guide and has been working and recreating in the Adirondacks for over 35 years. She has a degree in Environmental Forest Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and has collected long-term ecological data on pretty much everything that has fur, fins, or feathers.

live music on the beach or dock

Get comfortable by the fire and enjoy an evening of live music, from an assortment local artists. Enjoy the view as the water calms, the fire stokes, and the bands tunes help tap those tired toes.

stargazing with jackson

Immerse yourself in all that the Elk Lake night sky has to offer with guided stargazing experiences led by Jackson.
Jackson is a passionate, NY State Certified Hiking Guide who has carried his love for the outdoors up all 46 High Peaks and across the country to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. His deep connection to nature, combined with years of backcountry experience, provides a unique perspective on the landscapes and skies surrounding Elk Lake.
With his appreciation for the complete outdoor experience, the beauty of the night sky, and his certification as a Wilderness First Responder, Jackson will help you confidently and safely explore the wonders above, from identifying constellations to experiencing the breathtaking darkness and serenity that make Elk Lake a premier stargazing destination.

Heilman Nature Photography

September

During the workshop we will cover most all aspects of landscape and nature photography, including wide angle, macro, telephoto, and panoramic photography, and will discuss various creative techniques and the digital workflow - from RAW shooting techniques and HDR enhancement to cataloging and processing image files. The low student to instructor ratio allows time for interaction with each student to address individual questions and concerns. The numerous photo options found on the Elk Lake Preserve, range from wonderful lakeshore panoramas to spectacular mountain vistas and details at the edge of crystal clear ponds and rivers. We'll do some kayaking, and walking to reach photo locations, with very little driving needed to get to destinations.
Photographer, Carl Heilman, has been photographing the Adirondack High Peaks since the mid 1970s and has been working with digital image files since 1997, and DSLR cameras since 2007. He has written 3 books on nature photography techniques, Contemporary Landscape Photography, The Landscape Photography Field Guide, and 101 Top Tips for Digital Landscape Photography. Join Carl for an intensive 4 day workshop, photographing in one of the most spectacular locations in the Adirondacks. Experiment with various techniques and equipment, and enjoy interacting with fellow participants through critique sessions, informal discussions, and photo shoots. While the workshop is for photographers of all levels you can learn much more if you have an understanding of basic camera techniques.
Please contact us for pricing.

Past Events

Spring Birding

June

Join us for a truly unique experience birding in the heart of the Adirondacks in one of the most spectacular tracts of forest. Elk Lake covers a 12,000-acre privately-owned forest preserve ringed by Dix, Macomb, Nippletop, and the Colvin Range. The area has been designated by Audubon as an Important Bird Area because of the exemplary forest habitat and birds.
The weekend will involve bird walks and presentations by Audubon New York and Cornell Lab of Ornithology staff. The walks will immerse you in the forests and birds of the Adirondacks and the presentations will take you around the world to see rare birds and remarkable bird behavior.
The weekend package price is $1,071.50 - $1,252.30 per person and includes lodging for two nights and all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Dinner on arrival and lunch on departure. Beer and Wine are available for purchase. Taxes ARE included in the above price.
It is sure to be a memorable experience.

Ice Out Fishing

May & June

What’s Included:
Main Lodge accommodations: Newly renovated, private room with private bath.
Share your fish stories around the fieldstone fireplace in our large, comfortable, living room and/or enjoy some solitude in our thought-provoking library fully stocked with Adirondack classics, puzzles, board games, and more. Enjoy the large covered porch, which has great views of Elk Lake and the surrounding mountains. The Main Lodge is a stone's throw from the boat dock and beach.
Hearty made-to-order, Adirondack-inspired breakfast and dinner, plus your choice of a trail lunch each day. Includes dinner on the day you arrive and breakfast on the morning you depart.
Trolling from one of our provided row boats, kayaks, or canoes works well. Bring your electric motor, the only type of motor allowed on our protected waters.
Keep your catch or ask our experienced kitchen staff to cook your cleaned fish for you. (The Branch River is catch and release only.)
Mid-week: $225 per adult per night
Weekend: $255 per adult per night
Rates listed are for Main Lodge only, please call for cottage rates. Taxes are NOT included. All meals included.