Borrow a Boat
The ADKX boathouse is open July – September
Experience the Adirondacks from the water at Minnow Pond, our serene “gem in the wilderness” suitable for the entire family. Our boathouse features a premier collection of historical watercraft, including iconic Adirondack guideboats. While boating experience is required to row a guideboat, visitors can also enjoy our vintage wood-canvas canoes, traditional skiffs, and modern pack boats.
Our staff will assist in selecting the best boat for your skill level, from novice to expert. Because these boats require specialized restoration and care, availability is limited and subject to change.
Admission to the museum is required to access the boathouse; however, this experience is included with the cost of your admission.
Boathouse Basics
- ADKX Boathouse is open from 10:30am – 4:30pm daily from early July to late August (weather, trail, and safety conditions permitting).
- The last boat out will be at 3:30pm each day.
- Visitors ages 6 and above can be in boats on Minnow Pond.
- Boats are available for up to 30 minutes.
- All boaters are required to wear a pfd (provided at the boathouse).
- ADKX Boathouse staff will move boat to dock for you.
- Please paddle within marked area on Minnow Pond. Please do not paddle beyond the buoys.
- Self-guided paddling experience; staff will assist you launching and returning but are not in the canoe with you during paddle.
- Boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The ADKX Boathouse may close without notice.
Enjoy our ADKX Boat Safety Video!
The Adkx Boathouse livery includes:
Boat availability is subject to change without notice.
Guideboats
Ashera Guideboat
A 15’ guideboat built by J.H. Rushton, ca 1906.
Blanchard Guideboat
A 15’ guideboat built by John Blanchard, ca 1920.
Dolloph Guideboat
A 15’ strip-built guideboat built by enthusiast Christopher Dolloph, ca 1990.
Skiffs & Other Rowboats
Skaneateles Skiff
A 15’ rowboat built by the Skaneateles Boat & Canoe Co., ca 1900.
Canoes
Rushton Indian Girl
An 18’ wood canvas canoe built by John Henry Rushton, ca 1911 – 1916.
Old Town Canoe (Guide Model)
An 18’ wood canvas canoe built by the Old Town Canoe Co., ca 1950.
Red Old Town Canoe
An 18’ wood canvas canoe built by the Old Town Canoe Co., ca 1950.
Green Old Town Canoe
An 16’ wood canvas canoe built by the Old Town Canoe Co., ca 1950.
Thompson Hiawatha Canoe
An 17’ wood canvas canoe built by the Thompson Brothers Boat Manufacturing Co., ca 1921.
Dragon Cedar Strip Canoe
An 18’ cedar strip-built canoe, ca 1990.
Modern Pack Canoes
(for expert paddlers ONLY)
Wee Lassie
An 10’ kevlar & carbon hybrid canoe built by Slipstream Watercrafts, 2025. This boat is a faithful shape replica of the John Henry Rushton original Wee Lassie.
St. Regis 12
An 12’ kevlar & carbon hybrid canoe built by Slipstream Watercrafts, 2025. This boat is a John Henry Ruston inspired design that was modified in the 1950s by Bart Hauthaway.


