New York By Rail 14th ed. | Page 89

Experience 200th Anniversary Lake George Steamboat Bicentennial New York State’s Milestones with Amtrak ® Travel Packages WATeR MuSIC NeW YoRk VIP Access The Lake George Steamboat Company is celebrating its 200th year in operation all year long, with events that can be enjoyed from the docks or the ships. There are three boats to choose from, including the Minne-Ha-Ha, one of the last steam paddle wheelers in America; the Mohican, the oldest continually operated tour boat; and the Lac du Saint Sacrement, the largest cruise ship on the inland waters of New York State. Major events will mark bicentennial celebrations for America’s first commercially successful steamboat service including: Bicentennial weekend (June 16 – June 18); Rock The Dock Festival (Friday, August 25); and Balloon Fest weekend (September 22 – 24). lakegeorgesteamboat.com/200yearcelebration 100th Anniversary 50th Anniversary July 2 – July 8 • Your choice of 2 to 7 day tours Inspired by the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal, Water Music New York brings members of the world-class Albany Symphony orchestra and maestro David Alan Miller by barge to seven upstate canal communities where they will perform works commissioned for the occasion by exciting young American composers. VIP Access follows the barge from its debut in Albany to its finale in Lockport, NY, exploring the historic waterway along the route of this unique journey. on performance night you’ll attend a VIP Reception, enjoy VIP Seating and be privileged with VIP Backstage Access. ALBANY To BuFFALo Legendary Erie Canal Available from May 1-October 1 • 6 Nights, 7 Days Package Journey back in time as we take you to one of the world’s most iconic waterways—the erie Canal. Join us for the exploration of a lifetime, with highlights that include “locking through” locks an working an actual canal lock as well as visiting National Historical Parks and distinctive canal museums in the company of canal experts. CAPITAL ReGIoN-ALBANY AND SARAToGA Creation of the NY State Police The Antique Boat Museum Since the first 232 men rode out of the New York State Fair on horseback to begin patrolling New York’s rural areas in 1917, Troopers have been there to fulfill the law enforcement needs of the people of New York State with the highest degree of professionalism. Numerous public events, including a new State Fair exhibit and open house events at each Troop headquarters, are planned to mark the centennial. The new State Fair exhibit will include an interactive crime scene exhibit, a rappelling tower and State Police Dive Team and Canine Team demonstrations. A special display will focus on the Division’s 100-year history. centennial.troopers.ny.gov The premier freshwater nautical museum in North America is located on the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, in the Thousand Islands Seaway region. The museum’s galleries hold more than 300 beautifully- preserved boats and thousands of artifacts related to recreational boating. The 4.5 acre campus comes alive with speed boat rides, traditional St. Lawrence Skiffs being rowed on the protected waters of French Creek Bay, boat shows and educational programs. Don’t miss touring “La Duchesse,” the luxurious houseboat built in 1903 for hotelier George Boldt, of New York City’s famed Waldorf-Astoria. abm.org Tugboat Roundup September 8, 9 & 10 • 2 Nights, 3 Days Package Experience the beauty and excitement of the erie Canal, America’s most famous waterway, as you visit charming canal towns, operate a canal lock, explore tugboats and “lock through” on a cruise boat. Highlights of the tour include the Tugboat Roundup Festival, with canal experts as your guide, a visit to Saratoga National Historical Park, a local brew tasting and introduction to the music, history and culture of the area. Women of Influence 5-7 Day Tour Immerse yourself in the stories of New York’s Pioneer Feminists—who gave their all for Women’s Suffrage and equal rights for all—on this journey across New York State. experience the 170 th Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and the centennial of its success, as you walk the paths of the fearless suffragettes and learn how their commitment helped shaped our nation. And meet a new era of strong and fierce women who empower others and are making a difference today. Highlights include tours of the Susan B. Anthony Home, Matilda Joslyn Gage Home, Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Harriet Tubman Historical Park and visits to women-owned businesses. For information on individual and group tour packages visit NewYorkByRail.com/TravelPackages iloveny.com/milestones | 87