Saratoga Lake dock and beach for swimming area.

The name "Saratoga" is said to derive from the native Se-rach-ta-gue, meaning "hillside country of the great river"; however, several completely different interpretations have been proposed.[5]: 11–12 

Archeological evidence shows Native American occupation dating back to 7000 BC.[6]

The first European to visit the lake may have been the Jesuit Isaac Jogues in 1642.[5]: 30  The Saint Isaac Jogues Chapel, on the lake in Stillwater, commemorates his mission.