Escape to the Adirondacks

Tour Highlights

This tour begins with a cruise along Lake Champlain, taking in the stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains while learning about the history of Fort Ticonderoga. From there we will set out for Camp Fowler, in beautiful Lake Pleasant, New York. Camp Fowler has long been a favorite destination for both Hope students and alumni. This scenic location offers hiking trails and many natural areas to explore. Over the course of our three days here, Steve will lead the group in hikes, paddles across the lake and other adventures. You will also have the option to relax or explore on your own!

Upon leaving Camp Fowler, we will travel north to beautiful Lake Placid. In this phase of the trip, we will tour the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex where we will hop on an elevator ride to the top of the 128-meter ski jump for fantastic views of Lake Placid and the Adirondack Mountains.

Next, we will visit Fort Ticonderoga on the shores of Lake Champlain. We’ll have a chance to experience living history exhibits and have a guided tour highlighting the role of Ticonderoga within both the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War. We will be immersed in Ticonderoga’s 2,000-acre historic site and its stunning scenic beauty through garden strolls and a hike or ride to the top of Mount Defiance for a birds-eye view of Ticonderoga’s epic military landscape. 

On Wednesday, we will visit High Falls Gorge, a natural area highlighting the unique landscaping of the Adirondack region. There are several hikes to choose from, each offering different views of the park’s waterfalls and mountains. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to go on a birding tour with a local ornithologist.

The following day, we will visit Ausable Chasm and take a one-mile hike through its heart, traversing bridges and stone pathways. That evening, we will travel north via a quick ferry ride across Lake Champlain, back to Burlington, Vermont.

For our final full day, we will join a walking tour of downtown Burlington. The remainder of the day will be enjoyed at your discretion! Perhaps you will stroll through Church Street Marketplace, tour the ECHO Science and Nature Museum or wander the campus of the University of Vermont. In the evening, we will reconvene for a farewell dinner cruise.

Tour Leaders

Dr. Steve Bouma-Prediger ’79
Steve Bouma-Prediger joined the faculty at Hope College in 1994 and is currently a professor of religion. He served from 2006–2013 as chairperson of the Department of Religion and from 2013–2017 he was the associate dean for teaching and learning. He also oversees the Environmental Studies minor and chairs the Campus Sustainability Advisory Committee, otherwise known as The Green Team. Steve spends as much time as possible outside. For 40 years he taught a three-week Hope May Term course called Ecological Theology and Ethics, which included canoeing and backpacking in the Adirondacks.

Katie DeKoster ’06

Katie DeKoster is Hope College’s director of family engagement and your co-leader on this adventure. This particular program feels especially exciting as Katie grew up at Camp Tecumseh YMCA in Indiana and spent every summer there until her sons were born. Over the past decade, Katie has served Hope College students as a member of the Student Life team and as an FYS professor. She is in her second year on the Alumni and Family Engagement team and relishes the opportunity to walk alongside current families throughout their student’s time at Hope. Katie can’t wait to get to know you as you travel together through the Adirondacks!

Tour Fee

The program fee is $3,699 per person. Based on double occupancy, it includes:

• Roundtrip flights from Grand Rapids to Burlington, Vermont
• Hotel accommodations for five nights, plus three nights at Camp Fowler
• Breakfast daily, two lunches and four dinners
• Land transportation by deluxe motorcoach and ferry ride across Lake Champlain
• Sightseeing admissions in accordance with the itinerary
• Tour manager from depart until return

For single occupancy, add $1,150.

TAKE ACTION

• Register and make an initial deposit
• View full the itinerary, policies and resources document