Durant Days
Celebrating the Birth of Great Camps Architecture in Raquette Lake, NY
This is a weekend of activities celebrating William West Durant, the inventor of the Great Camps Style of Architecture, which was started right here in Raquette Lake.
Stay tuned for 2026 details, but here's a glimpse of what happened in 2025:
Schedule
Friday, August 1
Historic Long Point Visit 8:30-1:45 time (Boat access only)
8:30-9:00 a.m. Board the WW Durant for water taxi ride to St. Williams
9:00-9:20 Cruise to St Williams, built in 1890 by William West Durant, dock, tie up
9:30-10:00 Tour the 100+ year old church; National Register of Historic Sites, 2005; site of the original village of Durant, NY www.stwilliamsonlongpoint.org
10:00-10:20 Walk through the meadow to Pine Knot, situated on the south shore of Long Point
10:30-12:00 Guided tour of Pine Knot, the first Great Camp and home to Collis P Huntington of Southern Pacific RR fame Camp Pine Knot
12:00-12:10 Board the WW Durant, tied up at Pine Knot dock
12:10-1:45 Lunch cruise with historic narration
$85 pp inclusive of cruise, meal, tax, gratuity, guided tours & water taxi service
Reservations required. Book on line www.raquettelakenavigation.com or call 315-354-5532. Max of 64.
Saturday, August 2
Great Camp Sagamore
- 10 am & 1:30 pm 1/2 price tours
- Reservation Required
- MUST mention Durant Days at time of purchase.
Live Music
Boat Parade
- 6 pm start at Village Dock
Fireworks
Sunday, August 3
Great Camp Sagamore
- 10 am & 1:30 pm 1/2 price tours
- Reservation Required
- MUST mention Durant Days at time of purchase.
Luncheon @ Great Camp Sagamore
- Must reserve in advance
- Visit sagamore.org
Annual Vespers Service
- 3 pm
- St Hubert's Church
- 2 pm free boat taxi at Village Dock- courtesy of Burke's Marine