Durant Days
Still Great: Learn about the man at the fore of the Adirondacks’ enduring architecture
Oh, the irony: William West Durant, the man synonymous with Great Camp architecture, himself plunged into bankruptcy at the turn of the 20th century. He lived out his life carrying out far more plebian tasks - managing hotels, mushroom farming, title searching. His monuments to rustic extravagance, though, live on: Camp Uncas, Camp Pine Knot and Sagamore Camp are archetypes of the form, and all are on the National Register of Historic Places. The exposed logs, the tiny details – the Great Camp owners may have retreated to these calm shores to escape city life, but they didn’t leave any of their luxuries behind. Celebrate Durant’s legacy on this weekend, when you can tour Pine Knot and Sagamore and imagine being a robber baron for a little while.
At a glance
- Half-price tour of Sagamore
- Once-a-year vesper service offered at Church of the Good Shepherd, built by Durant, during the weekend.
- Keep an eye out for Durant himself (or a re-enactor, at least.)
Address
Calendar
Visitor Information
Additional Information
Pine Knot tour, $59
Includes water taxi, lunch and guide.
Reservations required.