View’s House Tour by Boat offers an opportunity to tour the interiors of some of the most fascinating camps on the Fulton Chain. Twenty party barges will depart at 10 am on Saturday, August 13, from the Old Forge lakefront to give passengers an opportunity to tour the grounds and interiors of camps that boaters usually only view from the water.

This year’s tour will include visits to six camps along the Fulton Chain.

The Great Pines Lodge, formerly known as the Northwood Inn and Resort, which came under new ownership and underwent extensive upgrades and renovations in 2016, will offer a preview of its property. Great Pines Lodge has over 100 years of history as a successful business and features an aesthetic inspired by the Great Camp style of the Gilded Age. It sits on over 13 acres with more than 600 feet of waterfront, while also offering views of the surrounding mountains.

Also featured on this year’s tour is Sprucewood camp, located on South Shore Road about three miles from Inlet. The historical camp was built in the winter of 1926 and 1927. Since then, it has undergone at least five additions, one of which has made it fully winterized. Sprucewood sits on the top of a hill, which affords the camp a spectacular view of Fourth Lake.

Camp Yoho, whose name was inspired by the Yoho National Park in British Columbia and is derived from the Cree word for awe and wonder. Initially built in 1989, the camp has undergone many additions and renovations over the past ten years, which have added such luxuries as hardwood flooring, Adirondack railing, and a two-story boathouse.

Camp Lingerwood, which was built in 1902 and 1903 by the founding family of the Stanley Works will also be featured on this year’s tour. Since that time, the camp has passed through many hands and undergone many renovations, the most major done by James and Mabel Wallace between 1928 and 1949. Renovations include wood-paneled walls, a Covey-style fireplace, and a rear addition. Other owners have also added a lean-to and a 2-slip boathouse.

Likewise, Morrow Point, which sits on first lake, will be a part of the tour. The long history of Morrow Point began in the 1860s as a log cabin. The house that guests will be visiting during the house tour was built by James Pullman in 1910. In the 1950s, a hot tub and bomb shelter were both added. The Morrows, after whom the house and adjoining road is named, took ownership of the property 1944, and the camp has been in the family since that time.

Topping off the list of camps is 197 Old Boy Scout Road, which is located on Third Lake. With 110 feet of waterfront, the camp offers panoramic views of Bald Mountain and the north shore mountains of the Fulton Chain. The property features a large porch on the front of the house that opens onto lakefront and mountainside scenery. Along with a boathouse, the camp is also equipped with luxuries such as an elevator.

Owners and representatives from each property will be there to share their history, assist with tours, and answer questions. Party barges will be provided by View volunteers.

View is still searching for volunteers to captain and provide pontoon boats. If you are interested in helping with this one-of-a-kind event, contact events@viewarts.org or call (315) 369-6411.

The tours will take place rain or shine. Due to the popularity of the event, there is limited availability. Participants may bring their own refreshments. Advanced registration is required. The cost is $70 for the general public and $60 for View members. Proceeds benefit View, the arts center in Old Forge. For the full schedule, details on other tour houses, and to reserve a seat, call View at (315) 369-6411 or visit their website.

Photo provided.