Best College Towns In The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York form one of the most picturesque landscapes in the nation. Along with the beautiful mountains, forests, and lakes, the Adirondacks are home to numerous friendly and charming small towns, some of which are also college towns. We are not talking about big, bustling college towns with large universities, but rather smaller communities that have much to offer to students who attend the local college or university. So, next time you take an Adirondacks road trip, add a few of these seven great college towns to your list of must-see stops!
Canton
The community of Canton, located only about a 20-minute drive from the border with Canada, is a charming village of about 7,100 that boasts not one but two universities. Both St. Lawrence University (founded 1856, 2,400 students) and SUNY Canton (founded 1906, 3,200 students) call Canton home, giving it a vibrant small, college-town feel. Canton boasts a lively and lovely little downtown area, offering local students fun and affordable options for socializing and hanging out. Canton also has a pair of historic districts for students and visitors who enjoy stepping into the past and numerous surrounding options for hiking, biking, boating, and outdoor recreation.
Paul Smiths
So how did the hamlet of Paul Smiths (population 400), found on the shores of Lower St. Regis Lake, get its name? The village was named for Paul Smith, owner of one of the region's wilderness resort hotels. After the hotel burned down in 1930, it was replaced with Paul Smith's College, which has only about 1,000 students but also, at 14,000 acres, one of the largest college campuses in the world. Both the village and the college are ensconced in the surrounding natural beauty, with stunning lake views and forests all around. Paul Smiths is an ideal place for finding a place to relax after dealing with the stress of a tough midterm exam!
Plattsburgh
With nearly 20,000 residents, Plattsburgh (which is designated as a city) is one of the largest communities in the Adirondacks. Plattsburgh's historical importance (including the site of the 1814 Battle of Plattsburgh), French Canadian connections (many local signs, and residents, are bilingual), and natural beauty (it is located on Lake Champlain) all add to its regional importance and vitality. The city is also home to SUNY Plattsburgh and its 5,200 students, with a campus incorporated into downtown Plattsburgh's heart. These factors make Plattsburgh one of the most diverse and vibrant parts of the Adirondacks and a great draw for both students and visitors alike.
Potsdam
The village of Potsdam (population 8,300), the main part of the town of Potsdam (population 15,000), sees its population roughly double when Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam are in session. One of the oldest communities in the area, Potsdam has a nice collection of historic structures, including examples from both university campuses. Locals are proud of the catchphrase "All Roads Lead to Potsdam," indicating the draw of its charming downtown and friendly locals. Students at Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam experience a lively and affordable community that is also well-situated for exploring the greater Adirondacks region. That must be why so many students take the road to Potsdam!
Queensbury
Bordered by Lake George to the north and the Hudson River to the south, the town of Queensbury is one of the gems of the southeastern Adirondacks. Home to about 28,000 residents, Queensbury draws in regional crowds with attractions like the Six Flags Great Escape amusement park and West Mountain Ski Area. In addition to these summer and winter amusements, the nearly 4,000 students at SUNY Adirondack get to enjoy Queensbury's many other charms as well. Numerous recreational trails, most notably the Warren County Bike Path, crisscross the community and offer spectacular vistas of Lake George and other natural wonders. Additionally, the charming small city of Glens Falls is adjacent to Queensbury to the south.
Saranac Lake
The village of Saranac Lake (population 4,900), not to be confused with the three lakes that are near it (the Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lakes), is actually situated along the Saranac River and Lake Flower. The village has long been a nature getaway, boasting famous vacationers like Mark Twain and Albert Einstein, and has numerous historic structures such as the grand Hotel Saranac. It was named the best small town in New York in 1995 and continues to draw in tourists with its historic charm and natural beauty. The 1,800 students at North Country Community College, located in the village, get to enjoy what must be one of the most picturesque college settings in the country.
Saratoga Springs
Named for the mineral springs found in the area, Saratoga Springs (population 28,000) has been a vacation getaway for more than two centuries. Visitors were once drawn mainly to the presumed health benefits of the springs, then later to Saratoga Race Course, a horse track opened in 1863 (making it the oldest active sporting venue in the U.S.). Saratoga's motto, "Health, History, and Horses," also points out the nearby Battle of Saratoga (1777) during the Revolutionary War. Along with educational and cultural amenities like the renowned Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs is home to Skidmore College, a highly-rated liberal arts institution, and Empire State University (SUNY Empire).
If you are a prospective student or are just a fan of a great college town atmosphere, the Adirondacks deserve to be on your travel list. The region's collection of fun, friendly, welcoming towns is tough to match anywhere else in America. When you add in the surrounding natural beauty and an endless supply of outdoor activities awaiting visitors, you end up with a must-see region. So pull on your favorite college sweatshirt and plan your trip to the Adirondacks!
