Charles R Wood Park
A dynamic park in Lake George, NY, transforming seasonally for music festivals, ice castles, and year-round family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & festivals
Charles R Wood Park
Best Time
Live music & festivals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic park in Lake George, NY, transforming seasonally for music festivals, ice castles, and year-round family fun.
"A nice community park overall, with great amenities and close to the Lake George beachfront."
Check Event Schedules
The park hosts many events; check listings for music festivals, winter wonderlands, and craft fairs.
Winter Wonderland Costs
Winter events like Ice Castles can have admission fees ($20/adult) and pricey hot cocoa.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Memorial Meltdown Music Festival
Festival Commons
Experience top musical acts like Dispatch and The Revivalists in a stunning lakeside setting.
Ice Castles & Winter Realms
Charles R Wood Park
Wander through breathtaking frozen sculptures and enjoy ice skating during the winter months.
Lake George Beachfront Proximity
Adjacent to the park
Enjoy the convenience of Lake George's beautiful beachfront, just a short walk from the park's amenities.
Synthetic Ice Skating Rink
Beach Road parking lot
Skate year-round on a synthetic ice rink, regardless of weather, with stunning views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Spectacles
Park Access & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedules
The park hosts many events; check listings for music festivals, winter wonderlands, and craft fairs.
Winter Wonderland Costs
Winter events like Ice Castles can have admission fees ($20/adult) and pricey hot cocoa.
Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are allowed in many areas of the park.
Parking Tips
Pay attention to 'How to Park' signs, as some areas require parallel parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedules
The park hosts many events; check listings for music festivals, winter wonderlands, and craft fairs.
Winter Wonderland Costs
Winter events like Ice Castles can have admission fees ($20/adult) and pricey hot cocoa.
Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are allowed in many areas of the park.
Parking Tips
Pay attention to 'How to Park' signs, as some areas require parallel parking.
Year-Round Skating
Enjoy the synthetic ice rink anytime, no need to wait for freezing temperatures!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Charles R Wood Park for its versatility, hosting everything from major music festivals to enchanting winter ice attractions. The park is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere, dog-friendliness, and convenient location near Lake George's amenities. While some special events can be pricey, the park's general offerings and community feel are highly appreciated.
"amazing shows, great vendors, like minded people, ADK festival 10th anniversary was the best in years! a nice family environment in the heart of Lake George."
Chris Loveless
"Music Venue: Festival Commons~tix required; when stage not in use it's park w/trails & playground, ada rest rooms/parking, dogs allowed, with Lake George beachfront a block away ... a creek runs down the middle of the U-shaped parking lot: bridge is located at the midpoint. Note Parking is unique.. much is parallel parking where you back in to the space; Look for 'How to Park' signs.
Drone Photo: Adirondack Independent Music Festival 30 Aug 2025, Lake George in background; Attribution: CRW Park website"
lake mcdougall
"Adirondak independence music festival was an amazing time. Thank you all for putting this on in this beautiful place"
Devin Yost
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Charles R Wood Park is located in Lake George, NY. It's easily accessible by car, with paid parking available on-site. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring the wider Lake George area.
While specific public transport routes directly to the park might be limited, the Lake George area is served by regional bus services. It's best to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Parking is available adjacent to the property and can be paid. Some areas require parallel parking, so be sure to look for and follow the 'How to Park' signs.
Yes, the park generally offers good accessibility, including ADA restrooms and parking, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Absolutely! The park is conveniently located near the Lake George beachfront and other local attractions, making it a great starting point for exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park grounds is often free, but specific ticket requirements apply for special events like music festivals (e.g., Memorial Meltdown) and winter attractions (e.g., Ice Castles).
Admission for the Ice Castles can be around $20 per adult, with additional costs for items like hot cocoa. It's recommended to check the official Ice Castles website for current pricing.
Yes, the park offers free activities like using the playground and obstacle course, and the synthetic ice skating rink is also free to use.
Park hours can vary depending on the season and any ongoing events. For specific event times, like Winter Realms or music festivals, it's best to check the park's official schedule or event pages.
For major events like music festivals, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Charles R Wood Park hosts a variety of events, including major music festivals like the Memorial Meltdown, stunning winter attractions like Ice Castles and Winter Realms, and local craft fairs.
Yes, the park is considered a nice family environment with a kids' play area, obstacle course, and proximity to the beach.
Good news for pet owners: dogs are allowed in many areas of the park, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry companion.
The park offers clean bathrooms, ADA restrooms and parking, a playground, and trails. It also has good cell service (e.g., 4 bars of Verizon 4G LTE).
During winter, you can enjoy ice skating at events like Winter Realms. Additionally, there's a synthetic ice rink available year-round in the Beach Road parking lot.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Adirondack Mountains, the lakefront, and the unique seasonal attractions like the Ice Castles. Drone photography is also popular, especially during music festivals.
Yes, while not directly on the water, the park offers great views from higher vantage points, allowing you to capture Lake George in the background of your photos.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for capturing the park's scenery. For events like Ice Castles, evening light with the illuminations is magical.
While general photography is encouraged, check specific event rules regarding drone usage. Some festivals may have restrictions.
Yes, photographing the intricate Ice Castles is a highlight. The illuminated sculptures at night create a particularly enchanting scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak times or for events specifically geared towards families. While major music festivals can be high-energy, the park's general amenities and the winter attractions like Ice Castles (though potentially pricey) offer magical experiences for children. Remember to check the park's event calendar for family-friendly programming.
❄️ Winter Enthusiasts
Be prepared for winter weather and potential admission fees for these special attractions. While the experience is often described as magical, some reviews suggest it might be more geared towards families with younger children, and costs for extras like hot cocoa can add up.
🎶 Music Lovers
Beyond the Memorial Meltdown, the park has hosted other musical events, contributing to its reputation as a music venue. Visitors often highlight the great community vibe and the beautiful Adirondack setting as major draws. Remember to check event schedules and secure tickets in advance for these popular music gatherings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seasonal Transformations: From Summer Beats to Winter Wonders
As the weather cools, the park undergoes a magical metamorphosis into a winter wonderland. It has become renowned for hosting the spectacular Ice Castles, intricate frozen architectural marvels that draw visitors from afar. Alongside this, events like Winter Realms offer immersive icy experiences, complete with ice skating and dazzling light displays. This seasonal adaptability makes Charles R Wood Park a year-round destination with distinct attractions for every visitor.
Year-Round Appeal: Beyond the Big Events
Even outside of major festivals and winter spectacles, Charles R Wood Park offers consistent appeal. The park features a kids' play area and obstacle course, making it a great spot for families. Furthermore, a unique synthetic ice skating rink is available in the Beach Road parking lot, offering the chance to skate regardless of the weather. Its proximity to the Lake George beachfront also provides easy access to water activities and scenic views, ensuring there's always something to enjoy.
Community and Accessibility: The park is noted for being a dog-friendly environment, welcoming pets in many areas. It also prioritizes accessibility with ADA restrooms and parking, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. The presence of amenities like clean bathrooms and good cell service further enhances the overall visitor experience.
The Music Festival Experience at Charles R Wood Park
Attendees often praise the community feel and the quality of the performances. The park's location, while not directly on the water, provides great views and is just a block away from the Lake George beachfront, adding to the overall appeal. Planning for these events involves understanding the ticketing requirements, as the main stage area requires admission, but the surrounding park amenities remain accessible.
Practicalities for Festival-Goers
For those attending a music festival, understanding the parking situation is key. Much of the parking is parallel, and visitors are advised to look for 'How to Park' signs. While the park itself offers amenities like clean bathrooms and good cell service, attendees should be prepared for the specific needs of a festival environment. The Adirondack Independent Music Festival is another example of a major event that leverages the park's scenic location, often with Lake George visible in the background, making it a picturesque setting for live music.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit