Raquette is a scenic lake in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. A long-time getaway for well-to-do New Yorkers, the lake is a popular summer cool-down spot with boatloads of outdoor recreation, including swimming, boating, scenic cruises, fishing, and hiking. With 99 miles (160 kilometers) of shoreline, Raquette is the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks.
The best way to explore the lake is by cruising the W.W. Durant, a working replica of steamboats that patrolled the lake in the 19th century. In summer, cruises run daily and range from traditional sightseeing to brunch, dinner, and moonlight cruises—they depart from the town of Raquette Lake on the lake's southwest side. Come winter, abundant snowfall makes the area a prime spot for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Scenic cruises usually require reservations, especially in summer when the lake fills with visitors.
There are several campgrounds around the lake, including Tioga Point Campground, Tioga Point Campground, and Brown Tract Pond Campground,
The End of the Line Caboose Gift Shop sells handicrafts near the cruise ferry.
Driving is your best bet: To reach Raquette Lake from New York, drive via I-87 North (Adirondack Northway) to Warrensburg. Then, follow Route 9 North to Route 28 West to the lake—roughly a 5-hour drive. There's limited public transportation in this remote part of New York, though it is possible to take a bus to Saratoga Springs or Glen Falls and arrange private transportation.
Raquette Lake is a year-round destination—it's full of visitors in summer and grows quiet in winter, though it remains popular for snow activities. Summer, from July to August, is the high season, offering prime swimming weather and more frequent lake cruises. The scenic lake cruise season officially runs from June to October.
Scenic lake cruises on a replica 19th-century steamboat are some of the most popular ways to explore Raquette Lake. Before booking a reservation for a cruise, consider your options: There are various dining cruises, with some serving traditional meals and others "reinventing brunch," serving pizza and root beer floats and providing romantic dinners ideal for couples.