19 Finest Issues to Do in Lake Placid, New York In 2023

I spent many a summer season in Lake Placid throughout my childhood after I was a aggressive determine skater and it has at all times had a magical place in my coronary heart as The Olympic Metropolis. There are many issues to do in Lake Placid NY be it summer season or winter making for an exquisite weekend getaway.

Positioned within the coronary heart of the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, Lake Placid is the proper year-round mountain getaway – and these are the perfect issues to do in Lake Placid to benefit from your keep.

High Issues to Do in Lake Placid NY

Just lately Dave and I watched the documentary The Making of a Miracle on Ice concerning the American hockey crew that confronted off with Russia within the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid to win gold. This was such a tremendous second in American historical past and a visit to Lake Placid is a should for anybody road-tripping by Up State New York.

Lake was America’s first winter trip vacation spot and is thought for internet hosting two Winter Olympic Video games in 1932 and 1980. Moreover being referred to as a winter resort, there are numerous issues to do in Lake Placid in the summertime too. Let’s take a look at all the explanations it is best to add Lake Placid to your locations to go to in America’s bucket record.

Lake Placid Sights

Lake Placid is a village in New York State positioned within the Adirondack Mountains. It’s positioned in what is named the Tri-Lake Area which incorporates Lake Placid and two different lakes – Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.

Humorous sufficient, the city of Lake Placid isn’t positioned on Lake Placid correct, its essential road is definitely on Mirror Lake. Lake Placid is 5 hours from New York Metropolis and Boston and it’s 2 1/2 hours from Montreal and 5 hours from Toronto, Canada. So, are you able to discover Lake Placid NY with us? Let’s go!

1. Reside Out Your Olympic Desires

Lake Placid was dwelling to not one, however two Winter Olympics, the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and it has preserved that historical past with the wonderful Lake Placid Olympic Museum and excursions of the Olympic services. Once you go to Lake Placid, you need to not miss spending a while immersed in Olympic historical past.

Dave and I’ve gone again to Lake Placid in recent times for each summer season and winter actions and I used to be reminded of that Olympic magic whereas strolling by city and exploring the Olympic Websites.

We love the Winter Olympics and one in every of our favourite issues to do in Lake Placid is reside out our Olympic goals by exploring the websites. There are many Olympic websites to discover in Lake Placid, so let’s test them out.

2. Lake Placid Olympic Leaping Complicated

Till you’ve been to the highest of an Olympic ski bounce, you’ll by no means actually respect how terrifying it’s. I can’t fathom standing on two tiny items of wooden solely to slip down a near-vertical ramp that flings me off the top into the air.

Lake Placid’s Ski jumps are nonetheless used for coaching, however even non-jumpers can get somewhat style of what it’s prefer to expertise the necessity for velocity on the Lake Placid Olympic Leaping Complicated.

Attempt your hand at zip-lining proper beside the 90-meter bounce that emulates the sensation of ski leaping at speeds as much as 30 miles per hour. Try the Olympic Sky Flyer Jumper Zipline for particulars.

3. Olympic Skyride

If you’re not fairly up for the heart-racing journey, you possibly can nonetheless discover the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumps by taking the gondola as much as the glass elevator 120-meter excessive ski leaping tower the place you’ll trip a glass elevator as much as the viewing platform for panoramic views of the mountains.

It’s a attractive scene. (in case you aren’t a skier or snowboarder likelihood is you don’t trip gondolas quite a bit, so this can be a enjoyable factor to do.) See the Olympic Leaping web site for particulars.

4. Stroll the Alpine Village

Lake Placid appears like somewhat Swiss Village with ski chalets, retailers, and picturesque surroundings. Positioned on Mirror Lake, Lake Placid lives as much as its identify with its placid waters reflecting the encompassing Adirondack Mountains, bushes, and swiss-style chalets.

Ensure you have a drink on the Massive Slide Brewery (House of the Large IPA) to take pleasure in an area brew on the terrace with views of the Olympic Ski Soar. There are numerous native craft beers to style, and one other suggestion is a go to Lake Placid Pub & Brewery for a tasting flight or a pint of their regionally brewed beer

Many Olympic websites are positioned in downtown Lake Placid together with the Olympic Heart, and the velocity skating oval. The Lake Placid Historic Society is a superb place to pop in to be taught concerning the wealthy historical past of the world, from its Olympic heritage to its Adirondack roots.

At evening, head over to The Palace Theatre and catch a film at this classic cinema proper on Essential Avenue. I don’t know why, however Dave and I really like going to the films after we journey. There’s one thing about it that makes you’re feeling like an area.

5. Lake Placid Olympic Heart

The Lake Placid Olympic Heart and Museum is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Lake Placid for sports activities lovers. Once you go to Lake Placid, make certain to go contained in the Lake Placid Olympic Heart and witness the arenas the place historical past was made.

The rinks and museum are positioned proper within the middle of downtown Lake Placid and are simply one of many prime Lake Placid sights. The museum showcases memorabilia from the previous Olympics together with highlights from Miracle on Ice. Canadians love arenas, so we felt proper at dwelling right here.

6. Herb Brooks Area

I’ve had the privilege of ice skating in the entire historic arenas on the historic Olympic Heart in Lake Placid. Herb Brooks Area is essentially the most well-known and was constructed for the 1980 Olympics.

It’s historic as a result of it was on this ice that The US Group took gold within the 1980 Olympics. They grew to become referred to as Miracle on Ice. The Lake Placid Olympic Heart is positioned at 2634 Essential Avenue, Lake Placid and guests can skate on the ice to expertise the historic locations.

Within the winter, you possibly can even expertise skating on the Lake Placid Olympic Oval. Lake Placid is without doubt one of the few locations on earth that permits you to really feel what it’s prefer to skate on an out of doors oval. 

7. Paddle On Mirror Lake

I’ll always remember seeing Mirror Lake for the primary time, its nonetheless waters mirror the encompassing surroundings. Mirror Lake is positioned within the coronary heart of Lake Placid Village however feels a world away.

It is a lovely lake to discover by paddle boats, kayaks, or canoes or just taking a leisurely hike round its shore. (no motorized autos are allowed on the water). It was our favourite factor to do in Lake Placid. To sit down on the nonetheless waters taking within the views is a serene expertise the place you’ll really feel at one with nature.

Within the winter it comes alive with skaters and you may even take dogsled rides. Plus, one of many coolest issues to do in Lake Placid in winter is to slip down the Toboggan Chute that empties onto the frozen lake.

Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa

Once you go to Lake Placid, we extremely counsel staying on the lake. The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa is positioned instantly on the lake. Spend a day on the spa adopted by a stroll on the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails, and superb eating at evening at The View Restaurant. All rooms have a personal balcony with mountain and lake views. 

8. Hike The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails

One of the widespread issues to do in Lake Placid is to go out to the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails. It’s a set of 4 trails which might be widespread for climbing and mountain biking in the summertime and cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing within the winter.

The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails are only a quick drive from downtown, this lovely spot provides straightforward strolling trails good for chicken watching and appreciating nature. Positioned on the Brewster Peninsula on the jap shore of Mirror Lake, this can be a great spot to discover the pure fantastic thing about the world whereas having fun with out of doors actions resembling climbing, strolling, and birdwatching.

The path system on the Peninsula includes a community of paths that wind by the wooded space, offering guests with a peaceable and immersive expertise in nature. The paths are usually well-maintained and supply numerous loops of various lengths and issue ranges, accommodating each informal walkers and extra avid hikers.

The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails

The Lake Shore Path is a stunning scenic stroll across the lake whereas The Ridge Path takes you as much as a scenic ridge.

The Boundary Path is the longest and The Hall Path is a downhill stroll that takes you to the Lakeshore.

As you discover the Peninsula Nature Trails, you possibly can count on to come across picturesque views of the lake, its surrounding mountains, and the luxurious forests of the Adirondacks. The paths take you thru a mixture of evergreen and deciduous bushes, offering alternatives to understand the area’s pure variety.

9. Ski Whiteface Mountain

We’ve got been snowboarding on Whiteface Mountain and let me let you know it’s at all times a thrill to comply with the footsteps of Olympians. This mountain was used within the 1934 and 1980 downhill snowboarding occasions and is without doubt one of the prime Lake Placid sights in winter drawing snow lovers from world wide.

At 1.483m (4,865ft) excessive, it has the best vertical drop east of the Rockies, that is the premier place to hit the slopes within the U.S. East Coast. Whiteface Mountain has 90 trails for all ranges of snowboarding spanning 22 miles of terrain.

If you’re planning on hitting the slopes, you could wish to keep nearer to Whiteface Mountain. Try this Condo Keep simply two minutes from the mountain. Sleeps 8 and has a 6-person sizzling tub!

Keep in Whiteface

Whiteface Mountain is positioned half-hour from Lake Placid. If you’re planning on doing plenty of out of doors adventures right here, you could wish to keep nearer to Whiteface Mountain for an evening or two. Try the Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort Web site for Particulars.

Not visiting in winter? No drawback. Whiteface Mountain doesn’t shut down as soon as the snow melts. Take the Gondola as much as Little Whiteface Mountain and participate within the Journey Zone. In the summertime months, it opens up providing disco golf, downhill mountain biking, and loads of climbing. There may be even a zipper line right here and like most ski hills world wide.

10. Little Whiteface Mountain – Cloudsplitter Gondola

To not be confused with Whiteface Mountain, Little Whiteface Mountain is its personal attraction within the summertime. Within the winter, the Cloudsplitter Gondola is the best way to stand up to the ski hills of Whiteface Mountain.

If you’re not snowboarding, you possibly can merely benefit from the trip on the Cloudsplitter Gondola, which takes you from the bottom lodge to the summit of Little Whiteface. From there, you possibly can take within the gorgeous views of the encompassing Adirondack Mountains and Lake Placid and on a transparent day you possibly can see so far as Vermont and Canada!

Within the summertime, there are climbing trails and downhill mountain biking. The Cloudsplitter Gondola up Little Whiteface Mountain for panoramic views of its massive sister, Whiteface Mountain, and the Adirondacks within the summertime and to take pleasure in some climbing.

11. Take a Drive up Veterans’ Memorial Parkway

Likelihood is you’ll be on a highway journey when visiting Lake Placid, so make certain to take a scenic drive up the Veteran’s Memorial Parkway beginning in Wilmington at Adirondacks Spruce Lodge.

This paved highway winds its manner all the best way alongside Freeway 431 as much as the summit.

The scenic 7.96 mi (12.81 km) lengthy drive is a should when visiting Lake Placid. It’s a steep 8% grade which is spectacular contemplating it was in-built 1932. This isn’t a free drive-through, in your manner up, you’ll need to pay a toll at an alpine-style gatehouse in-built 1934. However the drive is price it is going to pull-offs and scenic views. Price: $20 per car plus $20 per passenger. (Children 6 and below are free)

When you attain the parking zone, you could have a couple of selections of issues to do like have a chunk on the Fort Cafe, you possibly can trip the elevator up 27 tales, or hike the attractive lovely path to the summit. It’s only a quick 15-minute hike (.2 miles) to the summit however it’s price it for the view. Plus, you get to see attractive views of Lake Placid.

12. Go to Excessive Falls Gorge

One of the lovely locations to go to in Lake Placid is Excessive Falls Gorge. Take a stroll alongside the climbing trails, glass flooring walkways, and bridges by this 22-acre nature park to see its lovely waterfalls alongside the Ausable River.

Excessive Falls Gorge has it’s identify for good purpose. There are 4 falls cascading down the mountain, the Essential Falls, Mini Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Climax Falls which you’ll be able to hike out to. It’s only a half-mile round-trip stroll (that’s accessible) and it takes about 45 minutes to an hour. (it may be carried out shorter, however Dave and I like to take photographs.

Spend a day right here climbing to its spectacular waterfalls like Essential Falls with a cascade of 60 ft. There may be Climax Falls and Mini Falls as effectively. To make sure the perfect views, there are metal bridges with glass flooring positioned at key factors. This permits guests to get a unbelievable view of the waterfalls and the gorge beneath.

You possibly can go to within the winter in addition to Excessive Falls Gorge transforms right into a winter wonderland. Marvel at frozen waterfalls that freeze into lovely ice formations. Snowshoeing can also be out there on the character path. There’s a present store that sells native arts and crafts, a café serving snacks and heat drinks, and picnic areas for many who’d prefer to take pleasure in a meal within the nice outside.

Since it’s privately run, there may be an admission price to entry Excessive Falls Gorge

13. Adirondack Expertise

Lake Placid is within the coronary heart of the Adirondack Mountains and has capitalized on that location. ADKX is an exercise middle devoted to the outside. With 120 acres sprawling alongside Blue Mountain Lake, there are many issues to do for out of doors lovers.

Take a hike out to the Whiteface Mountain hearth tower, lease a canoe to discover the shore, or go on a guided nature stroll. There are artists in residence and many actions. It is a nice weekend escape for the entire household.

14. Olympic Bobsleigh Expertise

If there may be one method to actually really feel like an olympian it’s to get on the Olympic Bobsleigh observe. The Lake Placid Olympic Bobsleigh expertise at Mt. Van Hoevenberg permits you to cruise down the Olympic observe with knowledgeable driver.

The sliding middle observe was up to date in 1999 from the unique however I see that it’s present process reconstruction once more, so I might test to see if excursions are open. You possibly can go to the Web site right here.

15. Cliffside Coaster

If the bobsled appears like somewhat an excessive amount of (or whether it is closed), a fantastic choice is to hop on the Cliffside Coaster as an alternative. You may have management over your individual velocity on this slide trip down the mountain alongside the 1980 bobsled observe. We’ve carried out a couple of of those slide rides and they’re a blast for the entire household. Cool truth, it’s the longest mountain coaster in america. Verify for particulars and availability on the Cliffside Coaster at Mt. Voevenberg.

16. Go Cross Nation Snowboarding

If cross-country snowboarding is extra of your factor, make your method to the Cascade Cross Nation Heart. With 14 miles of groomed trails, it has one thing for everybody.

Cascade Cross Nation Heart additionally provides cross-country ski leases and what’s actually cool is you can attempt your hand on the Lake Placid Olympic cross-country ski trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. If you happen to go to Lake Placid in winter this can be a actually enjoyable factor to do. Get extra particulars on the Cascade Ski Heart.

17. John Brown Farm State Historic Web site

For historical past buffs, a go to to the John Brown Farm State Historic Web site is a should. He was part of the underground railroad and moved to the Adirondacks to determine a neighborhood the place slaves might reside freely.

Sadly, he was captured and hanged in 1859. He was buried at his dwelling and it has now been changed into a museum that has been preserved in time displaying the non-public belongings of the Brown household. See extra on the New York State Park web site.

18. Mount Jo

Being located within the Adirondacks, one of many prime issues to do in Lake Placid is to get outside to take pleasure in its many climbing trails. Mount Jo is positioned simply exterior of Lake Placid and has some straightforward hikes to the two,876-foot-high summit.

The paths are just one.1 miles and 1.3 miles lengthy however supply lovely views of the excessive peaks of the Adirondacks they usually overlook Coronary heart Lake.

19. Saranac Lake

Although Lake Placid provides lots to do inside its borders, a brief drive away lies one other gem within the coronary heart of the Adirondacks – Saranac Lake.

By venturing out a bit additional to Saranac Lake throughout your keep in Lake Placid, you’ll have the ability to expertise much more of the gorgeous magnificence, wealthy historical past, and cultural appeal that the Adirondacks have to supply.”

Positioned Simply 20 minutes from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake is a vibrant neighborhood recognized for its cultural and creative scene. Pop into the Adirondack Artists Guild which is a Co-op artwork gallery representing the artists residing and dealing within the space. It’s an ideal place to discover a regionally made memento.

Within the winter, it hosts the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival famed for its Ice Palace, an enormous construction constructed from blocks of ice harvested from Lake Flower.

Saranac Laboratory Museum was the primary lab constructed for the analysis of tuberculosis. Right this moment, it serves as a museum educating guests concerning the historical past of the illness and the village’s position in its remedy.

Wild Heart: Though it’s a bit additional away, positioned in Tupper Lake, the Wild Heart is a must-visit for nature lovers. This pure historical past middle features a museum, a planetarium, and the Wild Stroll—an elevated path among the many treetops.

The place to Keep in Lake Placid

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa – Positioned instantly on the lake with a full-service spa, eating, and balconies with lake and mountain views.

Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid – We stayed on the Hampton Inn and Suites in Lake Placid positioned on Mirror Lake. It’s only a quick stroll to the primary road and the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum. We stayed right here throughout our first go to to Lake Placid and liked it.

Lake Placid Inn Boutique Resort – positioned simply exterior of Lake Placid, this boutique resort is positioned instantly on Lake Placid. It provides free personal parking.

Whiteface Lodge – One of many grandest properties within the Adirondacks evokes a sense of the decadence of the nineteenth century. Boasting a movie show, bowling, canoeing, and ice skating within the winter. There’s a spa, a number of eating choices, and an indoor-outdoor pool.

The place to Eat in Lake Placid

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery: A go-to for craft beer lovers, providing a variety of beers brewed on-site and a scrumptious meals menu to accompany them.

Artisans on the Lake Placid Lodge: Upscale eating with gorgeous lake views, providing a menu impressed by native and seasonal components.

The View Restaurant on the Mirror Lake Inn: Because the identify suggests, this place is thought for each its high-quality meals and its unbelievable views of the lake.

Lisa G’s: A neighborhood favourite for wings, burgers, and different traditional American consolation meals.

High of the Park: This tapas and wine bar is thought for its nice collection of small plates and its gorgeous rooftop views.

Smoke Alerts: If you happen to’re within the temper for hearty BBQ and luxury meals, this restaurant must be in your record.

Get to Lake Placid

Lake Placid is positioned within the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. Nonetheless, your precise route will rely on the place you’re coming from. Listed here are a couple of basic instructions:

From New York Metropolis: Lake Placid is a couple of 5-hour drive north from New York Metropolis. You possibly can take the I-87 N (Northway) in the direction of Albany and proceed on I-87 N to Exit 30. From there, take Route 73 towards Lake Placid.

From Toronto: If you’re driving from Toronto it’s 500 kilometers (or 310 miles) and normally takes between 6 to 7 hours. you’ll take the Queen Elizabeth Method (QEW), heading to Niagara and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge border crossing. After crossing the border, take Interstate 190 South after which merge onto Interstate 290 East to Tonawanda and merge onto Interstate 90 East then north on Interstate 81. Observe NY-342 East, and switch proper onto US-11 North. In Malone, flip proper onto NY-30 South. At Paul Smiths, take NY-86 East to Lake Placid.

From Boston: If you happen to’re driving from Boston, you possibly can take I-90 W. Proceed on I-90 W to Schroon. Take exit 30 from I-87 N. Observe U.S. 9 N and NY-73 W to Lake Placid.

From Montreal: If you happen to’re driving from Montreal, you possibly can take Autoroute 15 S. Proceed onto I-87 S (indicators for Albany) coming into america (New York). Take exit 34 for U.S. 9 towards Keeseville/Au Sable Chasm/Port Kent. Observe U.S. 9 S and NY-73 W to Lake Placid.

By Aircraft: The closest airports to Lake Placid are Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh Worldwide Airport (PBG), Burlington Worldwide Airport (BTV) in Vermont, and Albany Worldwide Airport (ALB). From there, you possibly can lease a automobile or take a shuttle to Lake Placid.

By Practice: Amtrak provides service from NYC’s Penn Station to Westport, NY, on the Adirondack Line. Upon arrival in Westport, a shuttle service might be organized to Lake Placid.

About Lake Placid

Lake Placid is an enthralling village positioned within the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Identified for its lovely landscapes and wealthy historical past, let’s check out some key info about Lake Placid: You might also like 15 Enjoyable Information about New York Metropolis

Winter Olympics: Lake Placid is notably one in every of solely three locations on this planet which have hosted the Winter Olympics twice, first in 1932 after which once more in 1980. Miracle on Ice: The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid is most well-known for the “Miracle on Ice” the place the U.S. hockey crew defeated the closely favored Soviet Union crew throughout the Chilly Conflict period. Ironman Triathlon: Lake Placid is dwelling to an annual Ironman Triathlon, which is a significant occasion drawing opponents and spectators from world wide. Excessive Peaks Area: Lake Placid is located within the Excessive Peaks area of the Adirondack Mountains, with 46 peaks over 4,000 ft, making it a well-liked vacation spot for climbing, climbing, and tenting. Whiteface Mountain: Close by Whiteface Mountain is the fifth-highest mountain in New York, and its ski space has the best vertical drop within the jap United States. Water Our bodies: The village of Lake Placid is positioned close to two main our bodies of water, Mirror Lake and Lake Placid, offering loads of alternatives for water sports activities, fishing, and scenic enjoyment. Inhabitants: As of the final census knowledge earlier than my coaching cut-off in 2021, the inhabitants of Lake Placid was round 2,500 residents, however it might probably swell with guests throughout peak vacationer seasons. Wildlife: The area round Lake Placid is wealthy in wildlife, with prospects to identify animals like black bears, deer, bobcats, and all kinds of birds. John Brown Farm State Historic Web site: That is the house and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown. The location is now a New York State Historic Web site. Seasonal Actions: Lake Placid provides a variety of outside actions year-round, from snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter, to climbing, biking, and water actions in the summertime.

Photograph credit score: John Brown Mwanner at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 , by way of Wikimedia Commons

And now you could have the data it’s worthwhile to take a highway journey to Lake Placid, NY Have you ever been to Olympic Metropolis? What are your favourite issues to do in Lake Placid?