One of my favorite places to hang out in town is the waterfront walkway at Municipal Park. The beautiful scenery of Raquette Pond makes it one of the best spots to ride a bike, take a walk, or just hang out and enjoy the day. I have watched the waterfront at Municipal Park evolve throughout my lifetime, and I love going back to make great use of it. Read on to discover my top five reasons why the waterfront walkway is one of my favorite spots to visit.
1. Sunset Spot
The overlooks on the walkway are two of the best spots in town to watch the sunset. There never fails to be a breathtaking sunset over Raquette Pond if you go at just the right time. Take a walk down the walkway at dusk, find a comfy bench, and catch some of the most amazing artwork put on by mother nature. If you can’t make it down to the park for the sunset, check out our sunset cam through The Wild Center. It is a live stream from the park, so you can see the sunset from your home — but they are better in person.
2. Biking
The paved waterfront walkway makes for a great family biking location. Now you can connect to the junction pass trail and add on a couple miles of easy biking to your ride. By connecting to the Junction Pass Trail, you can reach businesses and restaurants uptown, and in the junction. There is plenty of parking at Municipal Park, so bring the bikes and start right from the walkway. Bring a snack or lunch and enjoy the covered gazebo and pavilion, with their multiple picnic tables and benches. The trail provides an alternative to driving your car through town, when traffic can be a little crazy during the summer.
While you're cycling, keep your eyes out for new interpretive signs for the Crossroads Heritage Trail. You'll learn fun facts about local history while you explore!
3. Little Logger Park
Traveling with kids? Little Logger Park, located at Municipal Park, can keep a child busy all day. This tree fort village allows children to run free and play among three different play areas. Parents can enjoy beautiful views while watching their children have a blast. It is the perfect place to get them out of the car to burn off their energy. Newly renovated, the park has many different activities for kids of all ages. There is also a covered pavilion with picnic tables, making it the perfect spot to take a break and have lunch.
4. Interpretive Signs and Interactive Stations
Recently, The Wild Center teamed up with the village of Tupper Lake to install an interactive log roll, climbing spike, and multiple interpretive signs that tell the history of Tupper Lake’s logging and rail history. The log roll, climbing spike, and other interactive installations are great for teaching kids about the history of Tupper Lake. The signs are very informative — I learned multiple facts about Tupper Lake that I did not know before the signs were implemented. The park has also recently had an Adirondack-style WiFi charging station placed along the walkway so visitors can charge their phones and other devices while exploring the waterfront.
5. Boat Slips/Fishing Areas
The covered overlooks are not only great to watch sunsets from, they are also awesome fishing areas. Now you can stay dry while fishing, rain or shine! The public boat slips are a great spot to pull in to pick up lunch, or anything else you may need during your day boating. They also provide a place for launching kayaks, canoes, or stand up paddle boards. Paddle Raquette Pond and explore the beautiful views I've been telling you about, or access the bigger Tupper Lake by launching in Raquette Pond and following the channel.
BONUS (Updated March 2023):
Work on the Tupper Lake Bandshell, better known as The Sunset Stage, has been completed. Performances such as concerts, kids shows, and plays are happening all summer long! Check out the summer concert schedule here.
Enjoy a baseball game at Municipal Park as you root for the home team, the Tupper Lake River Pigs! Check the team's website for an updated game schedule.
Join Us
The waterfront walkway at Municipal Park is a great asset to our town, and I strongly encourage you to visit and explore it the next time you are in the area. Let your kids play at Little Logger Park, take a bike ride down the walkway, or just relax and take in the incredible sunsets. There is something for every member of your family to enjoy. Check out our lodging options, pick a restaurant, rent a kayak, or bring your bike and explore the Municipal Park waterfront walkway on your next visit to Tupper Lake.