Teddy Roosevelt Weekend: Free Wagon Rides, Historical Tours, and an Adirondacks Presidential Story

In September 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was descending Mount Marcy in the Adirondacks when a messenger arrived: President McKinley had been shot in Buffalo. What followed was a nighttime relay through the wilderness — wagon, then train — to reach Buffalo, where Roosevelt was sworn in as the 26th President on September 14, 1901. Every September, the town of Newcomb marks this story, and the 2026 edition celebrates the 125th anniversary of that famous Midnight Ride.

TR Weekend fills three days with free wagon rides deep into the Great Camp Santanoni preserve, a Midnight Ride Bus Tour retracing Roosevelt's exact route, guided tours of the historic Main Camp and Gate Lodge, a history hike to the Farm, live music, a 5K, a fishing derby, and a reenactment of the presidential swearing-in ceremony. Most events are free and open to all.

Date: Friday–Sunday, September 11–13, 2026 Time: Multiple events throughout each day Location: Overlook Park and Newcomb Central School, Newcomb, NY Cost: Free (most activities)

Visit the TR Weekend Facebook page for the full schedule and to sign up for complimentary wagon rides into Great Camp Santanoni. The camp is 5 miles from the trailhead — the wagon is the way in.