I spent many a summer time in Lake Placid throughout my childhood once I was a aggressive determine skater and it has at all times had a magical place in my coronary heart as The Olympic City. There are loads of issues to do in Lake Placid NY be it summer time or winter making for an exquisite weekend getaway.
Located in the guts of the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, Lake Placid is the right year-round mountain getaway – and these are one of the best issues to do in Lake Placid to take advantage of your keep.
Top Things to Do in Lake Placid NY
Recently Dave and I watched the documentary The Making of a Miracle on Ice concerning the American hockey staff that confronted off with Russia in the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid to win gold. This was such an incredible 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 Games in 1932 and 1980. Besides being often called a winter resort, there are various issues to do in Lake Placid in the summer time too. Let’s try all the explanations you must add Lake Placid to your locations to go to in America’s bucket checklist.
Lake Placid Attractions
Lake Placid is a village in New York State positioned in the Adirondack Mountains. It is positioned in what is known as the Tri-Lake Region which incorporates Lake Placid and two different lakes – Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.
Funny sufficient, the city of Lake Placid isn’t positioned on Lake Placid correct, its major road is definitely on Mirror Lake. Lake Placid is 5 hours from New York City and Boston and it’s 2 1/2 hours from Montreal and 5 hours from Toronto, Canada. So, are you prepared to discover Lake Placid NY with us? Let’s go!
1. Live Out Your Olympic Dreams
Lake Placid was residence 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. When you go to Lake Placid, it’s essential to not miss spending a while immersed in Olympic historical past.
Dave and I’ve gone again to Lake Placid in latest years for each summer time and winter actions and I used to be reminded of that Olympic magic whereas strolling by city and exploring the Olympic Sites.
We love the Winter Olympics and one among our favourite issues to do in Lake Placid is reside out our Olympic goals by exploring the websites. There are loads of Olympic websites to discover in Lake Placid, so let’s test them out.
2. Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex
Until you’ve been to the highest of an Olympic ski leap, you’ll by no means really recognize how terrifying it’s. I can not fathom standing on two tiny items of wooden solely to slide 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 a little bit style of what it’s like to expertise the necessity for pace on the Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex.
Try your hand at zip-lining proper beside the 90-meter leap that emulates the sensation of ski leaping at hastens to 30 miles per hour. Check out the Olympic Sky Flyer Jumper Zipline for particulars.
3. Olympic Skyride
If you aren’t fairly up for the heart-racing journey, you possibly can nonetheless discover the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumps by taking the gondola up to the glass elevator 120-meter excessive ski leaping tower the place you’ll experience a glass elevator up to the viewing platform for panoramic views of the mountains.
It is a beautiful scene. (for those who aren’t a skier or snowboarder likelihood is you don’t experience gondolas rather a lot, so this can be a enjoyable factor to do.) See the Olympic Jumping web site for particulars.
4. Stroll the Alpine Village
Lake Placid appears like a little bit Swiss Village with ski chalets, outlets, and picturesque surroundings. Located on Mirror Lake, Lake Placid lives up to its title with its placid waters reflecting the encircling Adirondack Mountains, timber, and swiss-style chalets.
Make certain you’ve a drink on the Big Slide Brewery (Home of the Giant IPA) to get pleasure from a neighborhood brew on the terrace with views of the Olympic Ski Jump. There are many native craft beers to style, and one other advice is a go to Lake Placid Pub & Brewery for a tasting flight or a pint of their domestically brewed beer
Many Olympic websites are positioned in downtown Lake Placid together with the Olympic Center, and the pace skating oval. The Lake Placid Historical Society is a superb place to pop in to be taught concerning the wealthy historical past of the realm, 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 Main Street. I don’t know why, however Dave and I like going to the flicks after we journey. There’s one thing about it that makes you are feeling like a neighborhood.
5. Lake Placid Olympic Center
The Lake Placid Olympic Center and Museum is among the greatest issues to do in Lake Placid for sports activities lovers. When you go to Lake Placid, make sure that to go contained in the Lake Placid Olympic Center and witness the arenas the place historical past was made.
The rinks and museum are positioned proper in the middle of downtown Lake Placid and are simply one of many prime Lake Placid points of interest. The museum showcases memorabilia from the previous Olympics together with highlights from Miracle on Ice. Canadians love arenas, so we felt proper at residence right here.
6. Herb Brooks Arena
I’ve had the privilege of ice skating in the entire historic arenas on the historic Olympic Center in Lake Placid. Herb Brooks Arena 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 Team took gold in the 1980 Olympics. They turned often called Miracle on Ice. The Lake Placid Olympic Center is positioned at 2634 Main Street, Lake Placid and guests can skate on the ice to expertise the historic locations.
In the winter, you possibly can even expertise skating on the Lake Placid Olympic Oval. Lake Placid is among the few locations on earth that allows you to really feel what it’s like to skate on an outside oval.
7. Paddle On Mirror Lake
I’ll always remember seeing Mirror Lake for the primary time, its nonetheless waters replicate the encircling surroundings. Mirror Lake is positioned in the guts of Lake Placid Village however feels a world away.
This is a fantastic 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 on the nonetheless waters taking in the views is a serene expertise the place you’ll really feel at one with nature.
In the winter it comes alive with skaters and you’ll even take dogsled rides. Plus, one of many coolest issues to do in Lake Placid in winter is to slide down the Toboggan Chute that empties onto the frozen lake.
Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
When you go to Lake Placid, we extremely counsel staying on the lake. The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa is positioned immediately on the lake. Spend a day on the spa adopted by a stroll on the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails, and wonderful 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 preferred issues to do in Lake Placid is to head out to the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails. It’s a set of 4 trails which might be widespread for mountain climbing and mountain biking in the summer time and cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter.
The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails are only a brief drive from downtown, this lovely spot affords simple strolling trails excellent for fowl watching and appreciating nature. Located on the Brewster Peninsula on the japanese shore of Mirror Lake, this can be a good spot to discover the pure great thing about the realm whereas having fun with outside actions corresponding to mountain climbing, strolling, and birdwatching.
The path system on the Peninsula incorporates a community of paths that wind by the wooded space, offering guests with a peaceable and immersive expertise in nature. The trails are usually well-maintained and supply varied loops of various lengths and problem ranges, accommodating each informal walkers and extra avid hikers.
The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails
The Lake Shore Trail is a stunning scenic stroll across the lake whereas The Ridge Trail takes you up to a scenic ridge.
The Boundary Trail is the longest and The Corridor Trail is a downhill stroll that takes you to the Lakeshore.
As you discover the Peninsula Nature Trails, you possibly can count on to encounter picturesque views of the lake, its surrounding mountains, and the luxurious forests of the Adirondacks. The trails take you thru a mixture of evergreen and deciduous timber, offering alternatives to recognize the area’s pure variety.
9. Ski Whiteface Mountain
We have been snowboarding on Whiteface Mountain and let me inform you it’s at all times a thrill to comply with the footsteps of Olympians. This mountain was used in the 1934 and 1980 downhill snowboarding occasions and is among the prime Lake Placid points of interest 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 in 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 might have considered trying to keep nearer to Whiteface Mountain. Check out this Apartment Stay simply two minutes from the mountain. Sleeps 8 and has a 6-person sizzling tub!
Stay in Whiteface
Whiteface Mountain is positioned half-hour from Lake Placid. If you’re planning on doing a whole lot of outside adventures right here, you might have considered trying to keep nearer to Whiteface Mountain for an evening or two. Check out the Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort Website for Details.
Not visiting in winter? No downside. Whiteface Mountain doesn’t shut down as soon as the snow melts. Take the Gondola up to Little Whiteface Mountain and participate in the Adventure Zone. In the summer time months, it opens up providing disco golf, downhill mountain biking, and loads of mountain climbing. There is even a zipper line right here and like most ski hills world wide.
10. Little Whiteface Mountain – Cloudsplitter Gondola
Not to be confused with Whiteface Mountain, Little Whiteface Mountain is its personal attraction in {the summertime}. In the winter, the Cloudsplitter Gondola is the way in which to rise up to the ski hills of Whiteface Mountain.
If you aren’t snowboarding, you possibly can merely benefit from the experience on the Cloudsplitter Gondola, which takes you from the bottom lodge to the summit of Little Whiteface. From there, you possibly can take in the beautiful views of the encircling Adirondack Mountains and Lake Placid and on a transparent day you possibly can see so far as Vermont and Canada!
In {the summertime}, there are mountain climbing trails and downhill mountain biking. The Cloudsplitter Gondola up Little Whiteface Mountain for panoramic views of its large sister, Whiteface Mountain, and the Adirondacks in {the summertime} and to get pleasure from some mountain climbing.
11. Take a Drive up Veterans’ Memorial Parkway
Chances are you’ll be on a highway journey when visiting Lake Placid, so make sure that to take a scenic drive up the Veteran’s Memorial Parkway beginning in Wilmington at Adirondacks Spruce Lodge.
This paved highway winds its approach all the way in which alongside Highway 431 up to 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 constructed in 1932. This isn’t a free drive-through, in your approach up, you’ll have to pay a toll at an alpine-style gatehouse constructed in 1934. But the drive is price it should pull-offs and scenic views. Cost: $20 per car plus $20 per passenger. (Kids 6 and below are free)
Once you attain the car parking zone, you’ve a couple of selections of issues to do like have a chew on the Castle Cafe, you possibly can experience the elevator up 27 tales, or hike the attractive lovely path to the summit. It’s only a brief 15-minute hike (.2 miles) to the summit however it’s price it for the view. Plus, you get to see beautiful views of Lake Placid.
12. Visit High Falls Gorge
One of essentially the most lovely locations to go to in Lake Placid is High Falls Gorge. Take a stroll alongside the mountain climbing trails, glass flooring walkways, and bridges by this 22-acre nature park to see its lovely waterfalls alongside the Ausable River.
High Falls Gorge has it’s title for good cause. There are 4 falls cascading down the mountain, the Main 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 executed shorter, however Dave and I like to take images.
Spend a day right here mountain climbing to its spectacular waterfalls like Main Falls with a cascade of 60 ft. There is Climax Falls and Mini Falls as nicely. To guarantee one of the best views, there are metal bridges with glass flooring positioned at key factors. This permits guests to get a improbable view of the waterfalls and the gorge beneath.
You can go to in the winter in addition to High Falls Gorge transforms right into a winter wonderland. Marvel at frozen waterfalls that freeze into lovely ice formations. Snowshoeing can be accessible 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 individuals who’d like to get pleasure from a meal in the good outdoor.
Since it’s privately run, there may be an admission charge to entry High Falls Gorge
13. Adirondack Experience
Lake Placid is in the guts of the Adirondack Mountains and has capitalized on that location. ADKX is an exercise heart devoted to the outside. With 120 acres sprawling alongside Blue Mountain Lake, there are many issues to do for outside 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 plenty of actions. This is a superb weekend escape for the entire household.
14. Olympic Bobsleigh Experience
If there may be a 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 an expert driver.
The sliding heart observe was up to date in 1999 from the unique however I see that it’s present process reconstruction once more, so I’d test to see if excursions are open. You can go to the Website right here.
15. Cliffside Coaster
If the bobsled appears like a little bit an excessive amount of (or whether it is closed), an ideal possibility is to hop on the Cliffside Coaster as a substitute. You have management over your personal pace on this slide experience down the mountain alongside the 1980 bobsled observe. We’ve executed 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 the United States. Check for particulars and availability on the Cliffside Coaster at Mt. Voevenberg.
16. Go Cross Country Skiing
If cross-country snowboarding is extra of your factor, make your approach to the Cascade Cross Country Center. With 14 miles of groomed trails, it has one thing for everybody.
Cascade Cross Country Center additionally affords cross-country ski leases and what’s actually cool is that you would be able to attempt your hand on the Lake Placid Olympic cross-country ski trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. If you go to Lake Placid in winter this can be a actually enjoyable factor to do. Get extra particulars on the Cascade Ski Center.
17. John Brown Farm State Historic Site
For historical past buffs, a go to to the John Brown Farm State Historic Site is a should. He was part of the underground railroad and moved to the Adirondacks to set up a neighborhood the place slaves might reside freely.
Unfortunately, he was captured and hanged in 1859. He was buried at his residence and it has now been changed into a museum that has been preserved in time displaying the private belongings of the Brown household. See extra on the New York State Park web site.
18. Mount Jo
Being located in the Adirondacks, one of many prime issues to do in Lake Placid is to get outdoor to get pleasure from its many mountain climbing trails. Mount Jo is positioned simply exterior of Lake Placid and has some simple hikes to the two,876-foot-high summit.
The trails are just one.1 miles and 1.3 miles lengthy however supply lovely views of the excessive peaks of the Adirondacks they usually overlook Heart Lake.
19. Saranac Lake
Though Lake Placid affords lots to do inside its borders, a brief drive away lies one other gem in the guts of the Adirondacks – Saranac Lake.
By venturing out a bit additional to Saranac Lake throughout your keep in Lake Placid, you’ll give you the chance to expertise much more of the beautiful magnificence, wealthy historical past, and cultural allure that the Adirondacks have to supply.”
Located Just 20 minutes from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake is a vibrant neighborhood identified 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 in the realm. It’s an ideal place to discover a domestically made memento.
In the winter, it hosts the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival famed for its Ice Palace, a large construction constructed from blocks of ice harvested from Lake Flower.
Saranac Laboratory Museum was the primary lab constructed for the analysis of tuberculosis. Today, it serves as a museum educating guests concerning the historical past of the illness and the village’s function in its remedy.
Wild Center: Although it’s a bit additional away, positioned in Tupper Lake, the Wild Center is a must-visit for nature fanatics. This pure historical past heart features a museum, a planetarium, and the Wild Walk—an elevated path among the many treetops.
Where to Stay in Lake Placid
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa – Located immediately 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 is only a brief 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 cherished it.
Lake Placid Inn Boutique Hotel – positioned simply exterior of Lake Placid, this boutique lodge is positioned immediately on Lake Placid. It affords free non-public parking.
Whiteface Lodge – One of the grandest properties in the Adirondacks evokes a sense of the decadence of the nineteenth century. Boasting a movie show, bowling, canoeing, and ice skating in the winter. There is a spa, a number of eating choices, and an indoor-outdoor pool.
Where 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 beautiful lake views, providing a menu impressed by native and seasonal elements.
The View Restaurant on the Mirror Lake Inn: As the title suggests, this place is thought for each its high-quality meals and its improbable views of the lake.
Lisa G’s: A neighborhood favourite for wings, burgers, and different traditional American consolation meals.
Top of the Park: This tapas and wine bar is thought for its nice number of small plates and its beautiful rooftop views.
Smoke Signals: If you’re in the temper for hearty BBQ and luxury meals, this restaurant ought to be in your checklist.
How to Get to Lake Placid
Lake Placid is positioned in the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. However, your actual route will rely upon the place you’re coming from. Here are a couple of basic instructions:
From New York City: Lake Placid is a few 5-hour drive north from New York City. You can take the I-87 N (Northway) in 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 often takes between 6 to 7 hours. you’ll take the Queen Elizabeth Way (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. Follow 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’re driving from Boston, you possibly can take I-90 W. Continue on I-90 W to Schroon. Take exit 30 from I-87 N. Follow U.S. 9 N and NY-73 W to Lake Placid.
From Montreal: If you’re driving from Montreal, you possibly can take Autoroute 15 S. Continue onto I-87 S (indicators for Albany) getting into the United States (New York). Take exit 34 for U.S. 9 towards Keeseville/Au Sable Chasm/Port Kent. Follow U.S. 9 S and NY-73 W to Lake Placid.
By Plane: The closest airports to Lake Placid are Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont, and Albany International Airport (ALB). From there, you possibly can lease a automobile or take a shuttle to Lake Placid.
By Train: Amtrak affords service from NYC’s Penn Station to Westport, NY, on the Adirondack Line. Upon arrival in Westport, a shuttle service could be organized to Lake Placid.
About Lake Placid
Lake Placid is an enthralling village positioned in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Known for its lovely landscapes and wealthy historical past, let’s check out some key details about Lake Placid: You might also like 15 Fun Facts about New York City
Winter Olympics: Lake Placid is notably one among solely three locations in the world 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 staff defeated the closely favored Soviet Union staff through the Cold War period. Ironman Triathlon: Lake Placid is residence to an annual Ironman Triathlon, which is a significant occasion drawing opponents and spectators from world wide. High Peaks Region: Lake Placid is located in the High Peaks area of the Adirondack Mountains, with 46 peaks over 4,000 ft, making it a preferred vacation spot for mountain climbing, climbing, and tenting. Whiteface Mountain: Nearby Whiteface Mountain is the fifth-highest mountain in New York, and its ski space has the best vertical drop in the japanese United States. Water 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. Population: 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 will possibly swell with guests throughout peak vacationer seasons. Wildlife: The area round Lake Placid is wealthy in wildlife, with potentialities to spot animals like black bears, deer, bobcats, and all kinds of birds. John Brown Farm State Historic Site: This is the house and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown. The website is now a New York State Historic Site. Seasonal Activities: Lake Placid affords a variety of outside actions year-round, from snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter, to mountain climbing, biking, and water actions in the summer time.
Photo credit score: John Brown Mwanner at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 , through Wikimedia Commons
And now you’ve the knowledge you want to take a highway journey to Lake Placid, NY Have you been to Olympic City? What are your favourite issues to do in Lake Placid?