The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour offers fans a one-of-a-kind chance to dive headfirst into the immersive world of the original “Star Trek” series, bringing the show’s enchantment to life in an exciting way.
It’s become a must-see spot for dedicated Trekkies and sci-fi aficionados who yearn to relive the exploits of Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and the entire USS Enterprise crew.
But what’s the real deal with this set tour, and is it worth the journey, especially if it involves a lengthy road trip to Upstate New York?
Here, I’ll provide you with an in-depth account of my recent visit to the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, giving you all the scoop you need to decide if it’s a worthwhile adventure.
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What is the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour?
The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour is a popular tourist attraction located in Ticonderoga, New York. It is a painstakingly detailed recreation of the original sets used in the filming of the iconic 1960s television series, “Star Trek: The Original Series.”
The tour allows fans of the show to step onto the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) and explore various iconic locations from the series, including the bridge, engineering, sickbay, and the transporter room.
The sets were meticulously designed using original blueprints and thousands of photos to resemble the ones seen on the television show, and they include authentic props, costumes, and interactive displays.
Visitors can take guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the making of the series, share behind-the-scenes stories, and offer interesting trivia about the show and its cast.
Where is the the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour?
The only real gripe that some folks might have about the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour is its somewhat out-of-the-way location. You’ll discover it nestled in Ticonderoga, New York, about 5.5 hours away from New York City.
Of course, you may have heard of Ticonderoga before as it is home to the historic Fort Ticonderoga so this town might already be on your radar.
The venue itself sits smack dab in the heart of downtown Ticonderoga, and they’ve got a decent-sized parking lot reserved for visitors (and parking is free).
Other movie tours:
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Review (Ultimate Guide)
- The Harry Potter London Tour Review at Warner Brothers Studio
Booking the the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour
You can purchase tickets whenever you arrive or book them online.
Here are the different prices broken down as the amount you pay can differ based on your personal situation. Keep in mind these were the prices whenever we visited in the fall of 2023 and they could be subject to change.
- Adult (Ages 14-54): $23.00
- Senior (Age 55+): $21.00
- Child (Ages 5-13): $12.00
- Child (Under Age 5): Free (No ticket required)
- Military, Police, Fire (Active or Retired with ID): $21.00
- Family: 2 Adults, 2 children (Ages 5-13) – Special price: $65.00
- Family: 2 Adults, 4 children (Ages 5-13) – Special price: $90.00
When it comes to bang for your buck, I’d say the price of the tour is quite reasonable given the value of the experience.
Plus, they sweeten the deal by offering an upgraded option to enlist a personal photographer who can capture some top-notch shots for you in the various rooms. It’s a surefire way to snag some professional-quality photographs that’ll make your visit even more memorable.
Now, if you’re not keen on that route, you can always have your guide snap a few photos for you using your phone. But of course those smartphone snapshots might not quite reach the same level of photographic awesomeness you’d get from a dedicated photographer.
My experience at the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour
I’ll start by confessing that I’ve never really been a Star Trek enthusiast.
It’s not that I had any real aversion to it, but I never took the time to dive into the series or its movies.
I guess you could say I leaned more toward the Star Wars camp, and I might’ve harbored a notion that Star Trek was a bit too “nerdy” for my taste – a sentiment that many can probably relate to.
That being said, when I stumbled upon the news of an impeccably reconstructed Star Trek Original Series set, my curiosity got the best of me.
There’s something undeniably fascinating about touring movie sets, whether they’re original or faithful recreations. The sheer amount of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into these creations is a spectacle in itself and definitely worth experiencing.
Given my inherent love for all things related to space, I couldn’t help but think that a visit to the “Desilu Studio” might just ignite a newfound interest in Star Trek – which, I must say, it certainly did!
Now, let’s dive into the actual tour, which lasts about one hour.
I swung by in the middle of a week during the fall, so I reckon it wasn’t peak season. Upon arrival, I expressed my desire to embark on a tour, and they promptly informed me that one would kick off in just a couple of minutes.
While I waited, I decided to explore the gift shop area, which was a treasure trove of fascinating souvenirs and a trove of memorabilia well worth perusing. Oh, and you can’t possibly miss the imposing USS Enterprise suspended from the ceiling – it’s quite the sight to behold.
At first, it seemed like I might have the privilege of a private tour guide all to myself, but just before we embarked, a couple joined in. Initially, I admit I was a tad disappointed not to have that one-on-one experience, but as it turned out, having them on the tour enhanced the whole experience.
It happened that one of them was a bona fide Star Trek enthusiast, and being on the tour with them helped me gain a deeper appreciation for everything we were about to see. You could tell they were having an absolute blast.
Our journey commenced with some introductory insights into the vast Star Trek universe, covering the various movies and TV shows.
It was abundantly clear that our guide was a font of knowledge when it came to all things Star Trek. There wasn’t a single question left unanswered, and having someone so well-versed and evidently passionate about Star Trek to lead us through the different sections of the USS Enterprise was a real treat.
Upon stepping foot inside the studio, I was instantly struck by the level of craftsmanship and also how the audio helped enhance the experience at different times, utilizing different decibel levels.
While I had caught glimpses of scenes from the original Star Trek series, seeing these rooms up close was a whole different experience. If you’re a die-hard fan who’s followed the show for years, the level of detail will likely blow you away. It’s like stepping right into the world of the series.
The tour’s progression can vary depending on how other groups are moving through the studio, so it’s not always a cookie-cutter experience. This dynamic adds an element of unpredictability to the adventure, keeping things fresh and exciting (and your guide on their toes).
We hopped from room to room, and each one had its own unique tale to share. What truly piqued my interest was the presence of authentic props – some from the original series and others from different entries in the Star Trek universe.
Witnessing these pieces of sci-fi history up close was truly captivating and getting the backstory on how some of these were created was equally interesting. Your guide should be able to point these original props out to you but if you really know your stuff you might be able to find a few on your own.
I won’t spoil the entire tour by revealing every snapshot I took, as I believe in leaving a bit of mystery for your own visit. However, you can expect to explore some of the iconic rooms like the sickbay and the transporter room, which are definite highlights of the experience.
Even as an ultra-casual Star Trek fan, I couldn’t help but recognize the iconic transporter room, and I can only imagine how much super fans must enjoy having their photos taken there.
What also makes the experience special is delving into the behind-the-scenes magic of how the set was crafted.
I soaked up a treasure trove of captivating tidbits about the filming process, and now, when I watch the episodes, it’s hard not to be drawn into those intriguing little details I’ve picked up along the way.
After you’ve meandered through the corridors and explored various rooms, your ultimate destination is exactly what you’d expect – the bridge.
Stepping onto the bridge is like stepping into the heart of the USS Enterprise, and it’s here that you’ll get the chance to do what you’ve probably been dreaming of: take a seat in the captain’s chair. It’s an experience that truly leaves a lasting impression.
For an even more exceptional experience, you might want to try timing your visit to coincide with one of the days when William Shatner himself is on-site.
Our guide shared that occasionally, Shatner himself leads the guided tours, which I can only imagine would be absolutely fantastic.
Additionally, he hosts sit-down talks on the bridge where he shares insights on a wide range of topics – an opportunity that promises to be equally captivating.
So, if you’re a die-hard Star Trek fan or just a curious visitor, catching one of these special moments could make your visit truly unforgettable.
Final word
The Star Trek Original Series Set Tour is undeniably a one-of-a-kind experience.
It falls squarely into the bucket-list category for any level of Star Trek fan, promising an enjoyable and memorable time if you have even a passing interest in the series. However, even if you don’t consider yourself a Star Trek aficionado, the tour is well worth your time purely for the stunning set they’ve meticulously crafted.
In fact, if you’re anything like me, it might just ignite a newfound passion for the series. I now find myself watching an episode almost daily, drawn into the captivating world of Star Trek. It’s an adventure well worth embarking on.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
