If there ever was an animal popularity contest in the Adirondacks, the moose would almost certainly win. Moose sightings are rare, but nonetheless amazing. Hamilton County is one of the best places to see a moose in the Adirondacks - from the aptly named Moose River Plains to the boreal forests near Long Lake - moose sightings delight travelers and Adirondack residents alike. One place where the moose spirit never dies is Indian Lake, where a special festival happens each year to celebrate the moose! 

The Great Adirondack Moose Festival is held in September every year, and is a fun event for the whole family. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should mark your calendar for the festival on September 23-25, 2022.

1. The moose are loose!

No, no. There are not wild, rampant moose running around town, causing havoc and raising alarm. By nature, moose are elusive creatures and prefer the solitude of the Adirondack wilderness. But that doesn’t mean your chances of seeing one are zero. During the festival, you can join a whitewater rafting excursion or attend a guided wilderness hike. Maybe you’ll see a moose on the banks of the Hudson River or you’ll find a track in the dirt. If guided trips aren’t your speed, take a cruise through the Moose River Plains at your own pace, exploring backcountry ponds and quiet trails.

Better yet, take a helicopter tour of the area! That’s right. After a COVID hiatus, helicopter rides are back in 2022! Take in the beautiful scenery from above and increase your chances of spotting a moose roaming through the forest.

There will be one moose around town, though. Bruce the Moose, accompanied by his good buddy Smokey Bear, won’t be sitting this one out! You’ll find them posing for selfies or maybe just taking in the beautiful autumn colors.

2. You can sing and dance! (And shop and gaze in awe!)

The best part about the Moose Festival is the range of activities. By morning you can hike through the woods searching for signs of moose, and by 2 p.m. you can be jamming with a local New York band. A Band Called E.R.I.E., from Albany, has been captivating audiences with catchy tunes and energetic live performances. Don’t miss the music on Saturday, September 24 at 2 p.m. at the Town Center Park.

As tradition goes, there will also be crafters and vendors in the Big Moose Tent. This is your chance to take home a souvenir from the Adirondacks!

Moose are great, but so are classic and antique cars! Stop by the car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2022. You never know what kind of awesome old cars you'll see! 

3. Good eats are not hard to find!

Moose might be hard to find here in the Adirondacks, but food is not! Your mouth is probably already watering for classic BBQ food. The Fall Feast Pig Roast and BBQ will surely delight your taste buds!

In Indian Lake, and throughout the Adirondacks, delicious restaurants will keep you fueled for an eventful weekend!

4. There will be TONS of fun activities!

Whether you’re a young moose enthusiast or a seasoned naturalist, you’ll find something fun to do at the Great Adirondack Moose Festival. Here are some of the exciting and always entertaining activities planned:

• Moose calling contest
• Moose Lab 101 activities
• Turkey trap shoot
• Count the moose scat contest (a fan favorite!!)
• Moosterpiece children’s games and activities 

Which event do you think Bruce the Moose likes best?

5. It’s your chance to learn something new!

During the Moose Festival, the Indian Lake Museum will be open. Stop by to learn about the history of Indian Lake and the people who lived/live here. 

But you don’t have to come to the festival empty handed. Here are a few quick facts you can share with your group to teach everyone a thing or two:

• 2022 is the 12th annual Great Adirondack Moose Festival
• Adult male moose can weigh up to 1,543 pounds and stand close to 7 feet tall!
• Moose are well adapted to the cold: they have thick sick and a dense, heat-retaining coat
• Only males grow antlers, which can grow to have a width of 5 feet
• An adult moose can eat 40-60 pounds of food per day!
• As of 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that there are between 600-700 moose in the state

Moose are smart. You are, too!

Plan your trip today!

So, there you have it. Five reasons to attend the Great Adirondack Moose Festival. There are many more, but you’ll have to come check it out for yourself! Come for the ever-favorite Moose Calling Contest. Stay for the stunning fall foliage and small town Adirondack atmosphere. Start planning your trip today so you don’t miss a second of the action from September 23-25 in Indian Lake!