Lake Colby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Colby |
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Location | Franklin County, New York |
Coordinates | 44°20′35″N 74°09′12″W / 44.34306°N 74.15333°W |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 310 acres (1.3 km2) |
Surface elevation | 1,555 feet (474 m) |
Lake Colby is a beautiful lake in Franklin County, New York. It covers about 272-acre (1.10 km2) of water. You can find it right next to NY-86, just outside the village of Saranac Lake. This area is part of the amazing Adirondacks. Water from Lake Colby flows into Lower Saranac Lake. There is also a small community called Lake Colby hamlet located north of the lake.
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Fun Things to Do at Lake Colby
Lake Colby offers many fun activities for visitors. The village of Saranac Lake has a public beach right on the lake. It's a great spot for swimming and enjoying the sun.
Boating and Fishing
New York State provides a special area for boats and fishing. You can launch your boat here and enjoy the water. There's a rule for motorboats: they can't have more than ten horsepower. This helps keep the lake peaceful and safe.
Latour Park
The town of Harrietstown manages Latour Park on the shore of Lake Colby. This park is perfect for a picnic with friends or family. You can also enjoy fishing from the shore here. Most of the lake's shoreline is not privately owned, so there's plenty of public access. There are even two approved campsites if you want to stay overnight.
Camp Colby: A Place to Learn
On the western side of Lake Colby, you'll find Camp Colby. This special camp is for young people aged 11 to 13. It focuses on environmental education, teaching kids about nature and conservation.
History of Camp Colby
Camp Colby has an interesting past. It was first a private estate owned by a famous theatrical agent named William Morris. He invited his clients there to relax. Back then, it was known as Camp Intermission. In 1963, it became a conservation education camp for boys. Later, in 1971, it welcomed both boys and girls.
Adirondack Medical Center
On the eastern shore of Lake Colby, you'll find the Adirondack Medical Center hospital. This important facility provides healthcare services to the community.