Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Malone, NY

  • Published 2023/03/15

Malone is a town of more than 14,000 people in Franklin County, New York, that people have overlooked for so long.

The Adirondacks and the Canadian border surround the town, which means that there are countless things to do in and around Malone.

While other nearby towns are home to big-name colleges, Malone is a town filled with small-town charm.

From hiking or biking trails to local festivals, there’s always something going on in Malone.

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway and want to see some of America’s natural beauty at the same time, book a room at one of the many bed and breakfasts in Malone.

If you want to spend your days closer to home, Malone also offers excellent shopping downtown and a variety of events every month.

Here are the best things to do in Malone, NY:

Tour the Wilder Homestead

Front view of Wilder Homestead

Kyle Flint, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wilder Homestead, also known as the Boyhood Home of Almazano Wilder, was once the home of James Mason and Angeline Day Wilder.

The farmhouse is where the story of “Farmer Boy” took place.

The writer Laura Ingalls Wilder, Almazano’s wife, wrote the story.

It’s now a museum that offers a glimpse into the past, providing much more.

Visitors can go on guided tours through the home, explore the museum and gift shop, and even enjoy a picnic in their scenic garden.

The main attraction at this site is the home itself, which includes a log cabin originally built in 1843, painstakingly restored to its original glory.

The museum has pictures and information about the family who lived there and a complete account of what life was like back then.

The grounds are home to several hiking trails that take you through beautiful forests and meadows.

If you love history, you’ll love touring this site and learning all about life in America during that period.

Follow the Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway

If you’re a fan of beautiful scenery, keep Malone on your list of places to visit.

The Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway will take you through some of the most fantastic scenery in New York, and it’s easy to reach wherever you are in the state.

Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway begins in Fonda, NY, and ends in Malone, NY.

The trail stretches for 180-miles.

The Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway mostly follows Route 30.

The road winds through plains dotted with trees, lakes and ponds, and mountains that tower over it on both sides.

It’s gorgeous during sunset or sunrise.

Enjoy the views of this part of northern New York if you head out early enough.

You can drive along bridges that span crystal clear streams, take a stroll along the lakefront, or go on a whitewater rafting trip down one of the rivers.

There are so many beautiful spots to stop at along the way.

You can easily spend weeks driving around and never run out of things to do.

Book Tee Time at Malone Golf Club

Malone Golf Club in Malone is the perfect place for golfers of all abilities.

The driving range and putting green are excellent ways for novice players to get started.

If you want to sharpen your skills, head over to the Robert Trent Jones-designed 36-hole golf course, which offers stunning views.

Take a break from golfing and enjoy a bite at the Malone Golf Club restaurant, which serves delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients.

The unique location of this facility makes it an ideal place to host a variety of events.

Whether planning an intimate dinner party or a corporate retreat, this club has everything you need.

It also features a beautiful patio where you can enjoy a relaxing meal outdoors with friends or colleagues after one of your events.

Discover History in the Franklin County House of History

Malone, New York, is home to a historical treasure: the House of History, a living museum that preserves the history of Franklin County.

The House of History is a small, non-profit museum in Malone.

It contains exhibits on the history of Franklin County, and visitors can see everything from pictures to documents of the past.

Built in 1864, the House of History has stayed in its current location since its incorporation in 1903.

It is a Tuscan-style brick building that houses historical artifacts from all areas of Franklin County life.

The museum includes old photos and mementos from years past, but it also features interactive exhibits that give you a better feel for the way people lived in Franklin County.

While it’s not an extensive exhibit, it has a lot of charm and history in an intimate space.

The Franklin County Historical House of History is a museum in the heart of town that goes over the area’s history and minor details you couldn’t find in a textbook.

Grab Some Ice Cream at Bokie’s Drive-in

When you’re in Malone, try not to miss Bokie’s Drive-in.

It’s a 1950s diner experience that makes you feel like you’ve transported yourself to a simpler time.

The old-fashioned signage and the quaint pink and white-striped awning are charming in their own right.

However, its interiors will keep you coming back.

The food is just as good as any other restaurant in town, but there’s no place elsewhere you can order onion rings and watch them fry in front of your eyes.

It serves a wide variety of burgers, fries, milkshakes and other classic American food at very affordable prices.

Whether in a car or at a picnic table, enjoy an unforgettable experience at this family-friendly restaurant.

Enjoy the Outdoors in Titus Mountains Family Ski Center

The Titus Mountain Family Ski Center is a winter wonderland for the whole family.

Since 1959, the Titus Mountain Family Ski Center has become a popular spot for outdoor recreation.

The main attraction is the ski slope with two tow-ropes, but they also offer snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

There’s even a tubing hill and a cross-country ski trail.

Titus Mountain Family Ski Center has excellent food options as well.

You can go to the on-site restaurant, Moon Valley Grill, which serves hot meals and drinks, and a snack bar serving hot chocolate, coffee, and other snacks.

Titus Mountain Family Ski Center also offers lessons for anyone interested in skiing and snowboarding.

They have private lessons for one or two people and group lessons for families or small groups.

If you’re looking for something fun to do with your family this winter, check out the Titus Mountain Family Ski Center!

Bring Your Family to the Franklin County Fair

If you’re trying to do some seasonal touristy things, you should stop at the Franklin County Fair in Malone, NY.

The Franklin County Fair is a longstanding tradition of its namesake county, held yearly.

It’s a small festival with a lot of heart, and it has all the appeal of the county fairs of old.

Check out livestock competitions, rides and games for kids, live music playing on an open-air stage, and vendors selling homemade fried foods and crafts.

You can get your face painted, eat fried food on sticks, and see all sorts of animals up close.

Plus, it’s an opportunity to learn about the history of this area, and there are tons of vendors with handmade goods for sale.

A trip to the Franklin County Fair is a whole experience, not just a dull day of eating junk food and riding tedious carnival rides.

Browse Classic Cars in ANB Classics

You can find most iconic and historic cars at auctions.

However, if you can’t afford the astronomical prices of a massive piece of history, you might want to visit a local collector instead.

At AB Classic Cars, you can check out some of the most beautiful classic cars across history.

This specialty shop is home to hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles for sale, including a large variety of models and years.

Whether you’re looking for something fast and sleek or something that’ll help out with all your hauling needs, this place has it all.

They’ve been operating for over 28 years, so they have a lot of experience finding the right vehicle for the right person.

They have plenty of options available for drivers of any age group, which is excellent news if you want to spend some time with your kids or grandkids.

If a road trip isn’t quite what you’re looking for, they also have some great bikes that are perfect for cruising around town and getting exercise while enjoying the scenery!

Admire the Artworks in Downtown Artist Cellar

Downtown Artist Cellar is a gem hidden in the center of Malone, New York.

As the name suggests, it is an art gallery and exhibition area.

It’s the place to find a one-of-a-kind piece of art, a beautiful antique, or just an exciting souvenir from Malone.

You could spend hours browsing the gallery and its collection of everything from paintings, photography, and pottery to sculptures and jewelry.

Besides being home to many established artists, Downtown Artist Cellar provides a venue for up-and-coming local talent.

It hosts monthly exhibitions featuring the work of new artists, giving area students and young professionals a chance to gain exposure in the art community.

If you want new home decor or want to support local artists in their work, stop by the gallery and see what they offer.

Have a Picnic at Malone Village Memorial Park

Malone Memorial Recreation Park is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the middle of Malone’s chaos.

At its heart is a small pond, around which a village of ducks, geese, and swans have made their home.

Surrounding the pond are winding trails with benches to sit and reflect.

Though passersby might not see its beauty immediately, the park will reward patient guests with a quiet place to relax, read, or think.

If you want more action, you can go fishing, skating, jogging, and baseball fields.

There’s also fishing in Lake Malone, which is part of the park.

If you are lucky enough to catch a big fish, you can either keep it or release it into the water.

You can also bring food to make a picnic because the park has tables and grills.

Get Your Balls Rollin’ in Lucky Strike Lanes

Located in the heart of Malone, Lucky Strike Lanes is the perfect place for a night out with friends.

The atmosphere at Lucky Strike helps create an exciting and energetic feel, so you will always have a good time there.

Bowling is something that everyone likes to do—it’s fun for all ages, and it’s open to various group sizes.

If you’re not interested in bowling, they also have Glow bowling.

It’s just like regular bowling except that the lanes light up with black lights and glow sticks.

You can watch all the pins you knocked down get swept up and then grab a drink at the bar while you wait for your next turn.

They have a full bar, so you can order your favorite drink while hanging out with your friends.

They also have live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Catch a Show from the North Franklin Theater Group

If you are looking for something fun to do, North Franklin Theater Group is a great place to start.

They do a wide variety of performances, from musicals to plays to readings, and they have all kinds of events during the year.

Since they are a community theater, they rely on donations and grants to keep the company running.

The staff and volunteers dedicate an enormous amount of time and effort to put on these shows.

Most of them are very family-friendly so that you can bring the whole gang!

Whatever you decide to do, North Franklin Theater Group will provide you with one of the best nights out possible in Malone!

Chill Out at Mo’s Pub & Grill

Beer, sports, food, and great company are what Mo’s Pub & Grill is good at, and that means, it’s your place to be!

With a cozy ambiance, it’s certain that you can chill out at the pub with your family and friends.

There are 24 brews on tap and all these are from local and national breweries you can imagine.

Stouts, pilsners, IPAs, lagers, and everything you like are here to give you company while enjoying your favorite sports on the pub’s screens.

And if you need food, there are more than 20 varieties of burgers and sandwiches to choose from, and other delicious comfort food to enjoy.

Mo’s Pub & Grill is located just off Highway 11.

Read a Book at the Wead Library

Nestled in a beautiful old stone building, the Wead Library keeps a great selection of books and other resources for the community and visitors alike.

Traveling bookworms can take solitude in the comfort of the library’s reading nooks and choose any genre that the library holds.

From e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, and many other resources, the library offers a little bit of everything to all ages.

The Wead Library was established in the late 1800s when the late Mrs. Mary Kasson Wead offered an endowment to establish a library to honor her husband and son who died during the Civil War.

You can find it off Elm Street.

Buy Souvenirs at The Market Barn & MB Deli

Before heading back home, drop by The Market Barn & MB Deli to get yourself or your loved ones some cute souvenirs and gifts.

There are lots of handcrafted products at the store that you can choose from, as well as antiques and collectibles.

You can also enjoy the delicious sandwiches at the shop after browsing through the interesting products you may find.

Different vendors make it even more tempting!

The Market Barn & MB Deli is located on Highway 11.

Hike the Elephants Head Trail

Malone never ceases to amaze tourists and locals when it comes to the great outdoors.

If you’re a lover of scenic hikes, the Elephants Head Trail on Titusville Mountain State Forest is a perfect spot to soak in nature and enjoy the amazing views around.

It’s a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail on Route 30 in Malone overlooking Lake Titus.

The trail is covered by lush trees, which offer amazing colors in the fall.

The Elephants Head Trail is an easy hike perfect for all skill levels, especially those who only want to take in nature and relax.

Dine at Riverside Steak & Seafood

No matter the occasion of your visit to Malone, a meal at Riverside Steak & Seafood is a must-try!

Staying true to its name, the restaurant is popular for its mouthwatering steaks and fresh seafood served in a family-friendly setting.

Don’t miss out on its tasty crab cake, lobster, scallops, and Italian dishes that customers are also raving about.

Also, its delicious garlic olive oil dip is to be had, so don’t forget to ask for it when you dine.

Riverside Steak & Seafood is located off West Main Street.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Explore the Wilderness in Chateaugay Chasm

Chateaugay Chasm is one of a few gaping cracks in northern New York State, ten minutes away from Malone.

The chasm is a beautiful series of waterfalls built into the side of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs that make it feel like you’re walking inside a cathedral.

The water passes through large boulders and rushes down 120-foot cliffs before it reaches the pool at its base.

You can easily spend an hour exploring the area.

Even better, you can explore little nooks and crannies for some private time while still seeing other people meandering around in the distance.

Once you’ve explored everything within the chasm itself, take a moment to explore the surrounding areas.

The trails circling the chasm are beautiful in their own right.

They are covered in greenery along most of their length.

You should also keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.

Hang Out with Friends at Township 7 Brewing Co.

Visiting The Township 7 Brewing Company in Dickinson, New York, is one of the most underrated things to do in the area.

The place is 21 minutes away from Malone, conveniently located near tons of other fun destinations in Malone and beyond.

If you’re looking for something fun to do today with friends or family, look no further than Township 7.

This brewery has everything you could want from an afternoon’s worth of activities.

The taproom has a relaxed feel to it.

There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your beer and snacks while catching up with friends or reading a book.

The cozy atmosphere allows for a very relaxing time with your friends, family, and even your canine companion.

Township 7 Brewing Co is one of the many breweries in the county, but it’s already making waves in the craft beer market by offering unique flavors you can’t find anywhere else.

In addition to their standard line of beers—flavored ales and lagers—they also offer specialties like the House-made Sugar-Free Ginger Ale soda only available in the taproom.

Township 7 offers some delicious beer and an equally welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for anyone to feel comfortable there.

Whether you want to hang out with friends or family or are just looking to try something new, Township 7 always has something going on.

Ride a Horse in Mayville’s Relax and Ride Stables

It’s not every day you get to go horseback riding in your backyard.

But, if you live in Malone, NY, you don’t have to travel far to experience the rush of riding a horse at full gallop.

Drive 18 minutes to Brushton, New York, to reach the Relax and Ride Stables, where you can replenish your youthful exuberance.

The stable offers a variety of options to meet the needs of beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

You can try trail rides on the property’s trails, which feature breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

If you want to experience some of the most beautiful scenery around Malone and ride at your own pace, this is the place to go.

Final Thoughts

The town of Malone, New York, is a quaint, traditional town with a lot of history and many opportunities to have a fun day.

It’s the place where you can get lost in the winding streets and never feel like you have to rush anywhere.

It’s not exactly the most exciting place in the world, but it rewards people who look beyond the surface.

There are plenty of things to do in Malone, and it’s worth making the trip to taste this charming little town amid stunning scenery.

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