The Adirondacks, a huge mountainous region in upstate New York, is a gorgeously rugged area. The mountain range has 40 peaks over 4000 feet (1219 meters) high and wilderness in between. The vastness of the region makes it the largest protected area in all of continental United States. As such, the Adirondacks feels like a return to the wild. You can go for miles without seeing evidence of humans and truly appreciate the area’s natural beauty. The Adirondacks aren’t just rural–at the heart of the region is Lake Placid, a bustling and quaint town that sits on the edge of a picturesque lake. The town’s claim to fame is being a two-time host to the Winter Olympics, and the city is rich in winter sports activities and museums. However, it is just as much of a destination in the summer, when you can enjoy all of the lakes and hiking and outdoor dining! Take a peek at this list of things to do in Lake Placid, New York and see if you can resist the call of the Adirondacks.
1. Enjoy boating at ADK Aquatics
Inverted Views On #LakePlacid • Call To Book - (518)524-9767
Posted by Adk Aquatics on Friday, 24 May 2019
There is no better way to enjoy Lake Placid than by getting out on the water yourself. Whether you prefer an active experience like water skiing or a relaxing tour of the lake by boat, ADK Aquatics will have you covered. ADK Aquatics offers lessons in wakeboarding, water skiing, water surfing, and even tubing! Whether you are a beginner or advanced, you can book an hourly lesson for up to two people and increase your time by half-hour increments. Lessons include the instructor and all the equipment. If you’d rather sit back and take in the scenery while someone else drives, book a boat tour. A private tour of the lake usually lasts around an hour and is priced for a minimum of four people, though more riders can be added.
ADK Aquatics
Address: 35 Victor Herbert Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: ADK Aquatics
Opening hours: Reservations can be made by phone 8am - 11pm
Price: 200 USD/hour for lessons
2. Try skiing at Cascade Cross Country Center
Photo courtesy of James M--we just love to see the beginnings of a lifelong love for skiing, the outdoors, and the ADK!
Posted by Cascade X-C Ski Center on Saturday, 13 December 2014
The Adirondacks are famous for their downhill ski slopes, but why not try out cross-country skiing for a change? Cascade Cross Country Center has everything you need to check out this invigorating yet relaxing sport. The full-service Nordic ski center has 12 miles (20 km) of groomed trails for you to explore. For much lower costs than at an alpine ski resort, you can get a daily trail pass and equipment rentals. They even offer lessons if you’ve never cross-country skied before. You can even partake in an apres ski celebration at Knickers Bar and Restaurant.
Cascade Cross Country Center
Address: Dummy address
Website: Cascade Cross Country Center
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
3. See historic artifacts at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum
After taking a plunge into the world's deepest freshwater lake and reaching the North Pole by Russian Cosmonauts, a...
Posted by Lake Placid Olympic Museum on Tuesday, 16 September 2014
Lake Placid’s claim to fame is hosting the Winter Olympics twice, in 1932 and again in 1980. At the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, you can learn all about the events that took place at Lake Placid’s winter games. Artifacts like the bobsled from the 1932 Olympics and the skates worn by speed skater Jack Shea in the same games are at the museum. You’ll also see memorabilia from the 1980 American hockey team that won in the Miracle on Ice game that year. It’s not all artifacts though, you can also learn about ski jumping, curling, skeleton, luge, and more.
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Address: 2634 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD
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4. Ride the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute
One last thing to do!!!
Posted by Linda Garrett Cole on Sunday, 2 February 2014
Get a winter rush by zooming down the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute! This winter activity sends toboggan riders down an ice-covered chute that starts at the top of a 30 foot (9 meters) tall structure. The slide dumps sledders onto the frozen surface of Mirror Lake, and depending on conditions you can slide more than 1000 feet (304 meters) before coming to a stop! This is a great activity for all ages, and the toboggans can hold two to four people if children don’t want to ride alone. Admission will allow you to ride down the chute as many times as you want!
Lake Placid Toboggan Chute
Address: 31 Parkside Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Lake Placid Toboggan Chute
Opening hours: Wed: 7pm - 9pm; Fri: 6:30pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm
Price: 15 USD
5. Go mountain biking through Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails
Every perfect day has a perfect evening. Greetings from Lake Placid.
Posted by Lake Placid ADK on Wednesday, 8 May 2019
A great way to experience the views of Lake Placid is by traveling on the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails. These dirt paths lie along the shores of the lake, offering a peaceful setting to take in its natural beauty. The trails are open year-round, and the perfect option to get some exercise while on the trail is by mountain biking. Brewster Peninsula is made up of several trails that vary in their difficulty and terrain, so if you’re a mountain biker who wants to try a course with less incline, this is the place for you!
Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails
Address: Peninsula Road, Lake Placid, New York 12946
Website: Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
Price: Free
6. Enjoy a game of bowling at Bowlwinkles Family Entertainment Center
Posted by Bowlwinkles on Thursday, 25 April 2019
Sometimes the best thing you can do on a vacation is a beloved traditional activity like bowling! Whether it’s a cold and rainy night, or you just want to have some fun, head over to Bowlwinkles Family Entertainment Center. You can reserve your lane for a group or spontaneously come in. They have way more than bowling too - kids up to age 13 can jump in the bounce houses, adults can play darts and pool at the bar, and everyone can play arcade games.
Bowlwinkles Family Entertainment Center
Address: 2750 Main Street, Lake Placid, New York 12946, United States
Website: Bowlwinkles Family Entertainment Center
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 12am; Mon: 3pm - 2am; Tues: 3pm - 7pm; Thu - Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 11am - 12am
Price: 4.50 USD to bowl
7. Get thrilled by riding a bobsled
Have a once-in-a-lifetime experience by riding a bobsled in Lake Placid! At the Olympic Sports Complex, you can take the ride of your life as you zoom through a windy track at speeds up to 55 miles (88 km) per hour. Each bobsled ride is manned by a professional driver and brakeman and can hold up to three people. The 0.5 miles (0.8 km) track flies by in less than 40 seconds. Bobsled rides are only available November to March, so be sure to reserve your spot during your winter visit!
Lake Placid Bobsled Experience
Address: 220 Bobsled Run Road, Lake Placid, New York 12946
Website: Lake Placid Bobsled Experience
Opening hours: Hours are posted during the winter season, starting in November 2019
Price: 75 USD
8. Kayak at the beautiful Mirror Lake
Posted by Mirror Lake Boat Rental on Thursday, 30 June 2016
As you stroll through picturesque downtown Lake Placid and gaze across the water, you will come across Mirror Lake, a small, crystal-clear lake near to the larger and more well-known body of water, Lake Placid. Kayaking is a relaxing way to enjoy the tranquility of Mirror Lake up close. If you have your own boat, you can launch it at the town beach or at the state DEC boat dock on the northern shore. Rentals are also available at several spots, including Mirror Lake Boat Rentals, where you can rent kayaks by the hour which are suitable for two people.
Mirror Lake
Address: 2403 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Mirror Lake Boat Rental
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 28 USD
9. Try snowshoeing at Jack Rabbit Trail
If skiing isn’t your thing but you still want to experience the many trails around Lake Placid in the winter, give snowshoeing a try! Snowshoeing is a fun way to spend time outside without renting expensive equipment or physically overextending yourself. The perfect place to snowshoe near Lake Placid is along the Jack Rabbit Trail. The trail is 31 miles (50 km) long and has a variety of environments, ranging from wilderness to populated areas. The trail is groomed in parts for cross-country skiers, providing excellent conditions for snowshoers as well. Other parts are rugged and more challenging, but will give you a taste of adventure!
Jack Rabbit Trail
Address: From Keene Valley to Paul Smiths, Lake Placid, New York 12946
Website: Jack Rabbit Trail
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Price: Free
10. Hop on a flight with Adirondack Flying Service
Posted by Adirondack Flying Service on Wednesday, 16 July 2014
You can see Lake Placid on foot and on the water, but how about from up above? Hop on a scenic flight through Adirondack Flying Service and experience the Adirondacks in a completely unique way! Choose from several 20-minute tours that will take you over the high peaks, the Olympic sites, or the lakes. With a minimum of two passengers, it is an ideal romantic getaway, but the tours are also suitable for families with two adults and up to three children.
Adirondack Flying Service
Address: 27 Airport Ln, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Adirondack Flying Service
Opening hours: Dependent on the scheduled tour
Price: 65 USD
11. Go skating at Herb Brooks Arena
Skate on hockey’s hallowed ground at the Herb Brooks Arena. This ice rink, part of the Lake Placid Olympic Center, is where the US hockey team beat the Russian team in the Miracle on Ice game and is named after their inspiring leader. The Olympic Center has four ice rinks for both public use and professional training. You can also watch up-and-coming figure skaters practice on Friday nights and watch stars skate during the Saturday Night Ice Shows.
Herb Brooks Arena
Address: 2634 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Herb Brooks Arena
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm
Price: Free
12. Hike through the magnificent Mount Jo
The Adirondacks have some of the best hiking opportunities in the northeastern US. Whether you’re new to hiking or traveling with little ones, Mount Jo is a great hike for families and novice hikers. The mountain’s summit is 2876 feet (876 meters) and can be accessed by one of two trails. One trail is slightly shorter, but steeper, and the second has a longer length and more gradual slope. Both end in a set of wooden stairs that will take you to the summit, so no special equipment is required! Mount Jo is a challenging but relaxing hike that can fill a morning or afternoon.
Mount Jo
Address: Adirondak Loj Rd, Lake Placid, New York 12946
Website: Mount Jo
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Price: Free
13. Marvel at the historic John Brown Farm
Aside from its natural beauty and endless outdoor activities, Lake Placid also has sites of historic significance. One such spot is the John Brown Farm, where the famed abolitionist lived and is buried. John Brown gave his life to the cause of freeing slaves, and in his home visitors can learn about his work and his sacrifice. The quaint cabin is set in a peaceful location with hiking trails nearby.
John Brown Farm
Address: John Brown Road, Lake Placid, New York 12946
Website: John Brown Farm
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Price: Free
14. Enjoy live music at Smoke Signals
Getting everything stained and in place to open Smoke Signals deck for the summer season! We will start seating the deck TOMORROW (Wednesday)!
Posted by Smoke Signals on Tuesday, 8 May 2018
After a long day spent out in the fresh air, you’ll need some good food and entertainment to end your day right. Smoke Signals is the place in Lake Placid for good barbecue and great live music. All of their meat is smoked on sight and served with delicious sides. While you eat your fill, enjoy local and touring bands perform everything from rock music to country, to favorite covers!
Smoke Signals
Address: 2489 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Smoke Signals
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 3pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm
Price: Varies
15. Stroll though the gorgeous High Falls Gorge
High Falls Gorge waterfalls travel over 700 horizontal feet. Read more: http://albanykid.com/2013/04/29/high-falls-gorge/
Posted by High Falls Gorge on Monday, 17 August 2015
The mountains and lakes aren’t the only natural beauty to be found in Lake Placid. Head to High Falls Gorge to take a nature walk that will bring you past stunning waterfalls and towering cliffs. The trails in this privately owned nature park are made of sturdy walkways and groomed trails so it’s perfect for inexperienced hikers. Traversing the gorge will take about 30 minutes, and you can check out the gift shop and cafe after.
High Falls Gorge
Address: 4761 NYS Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997
Website: High Falls Gorge
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12.50 USD
16. Ride in a sleigh through snow with Lake Placid Sleigh Rides
Can't beat fully HEATED SEATS on our sleighs in this winter weather and OUTSTANDING VIEWS !!! www.nysleighrides.com #adirondacks #lakeplacid #lakeplacidny #ny #nj #nyc #newyork #adk #blizzard2016
Posted by Lake Placid Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides on Saturday, 23 January 2016
Ride in style through Lake Placid on a horse-drawn sleigh ride! Get cozy under the blankets while sipping complimentary hot cocoa. For 30-45 minutes, you can take in the lovely surroundings while being pulled by two magnificent horses. Rides can be booked for a fun family outing or for a romantic date night!
Lake Placid Sleigh Rides
Address: 776 County Rte 18, Lake Clear, NY 12945
Website: Lake Placid Sleigh Rides
Opening hours: 12pm - 8pm (daily)
Price: 49 USD per person
17. Enjoy Sunday brunch at Dack Shack
Posted by The 'dack Shack on Thursday, 6 June 2019
Just because you’re in the Adirondacks doesn’t mean there isn’t a brunch worthy of a big city! Eat your fill at Dack Shack, one of the town’s go-to spots for hearty meals. Sunday brunch has all of your breakfast favorites alongside cocktails or coffee, depending on your plans for the rest of the day.
'Dack Shack
Address: 2099 Saranac Ave, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Dack Shack
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 2pm
Price: Varies
18. Participate in Lake Placid Horse Show
Lake Placid isn’t just known for its winter sports. It is also home to two prestigious equine events, including the Lake Placid Horse Show. Spectators can watch the horses and riders compete for a chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes. In the Hunter competition, they are judged as they jump natural fences. In the Jumper competition, they jump over obstacles as high as 5.5 feet (1.7 meters).
Lake Placid Horse Show
Address: 5514 Cascade Road Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Lake Placid Horse Show
Opening hours: 7:30am - 5pm
Price: 2 USD
19. Walk the Heaven Hill Trails
The Heaven Hill Trails are a great way to see the many habitats found in the Adirondacks. This community preserve is made of a 5 mile (8 km) trail system which winds through meadows, hardwood forest, old fields, and swamps. You might even catch sight of some of the local wildlife, like woodchucks, deer, and many kinds of birds.
Heaven Hill Trails
Address: 166 Bear Cub Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Heaven Hill Trails
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Price: Free
20. Relax at the Mid's Park
Posted by 93.3 WSLP on Monday, 13 August 2018
You don’t even have to leave downtown Lake Placid to find a relaxing green space. Head over to Mid’s Park, a spot right off of the main street with beautiful views of the mountains and lake. There is a brand new bandshell structure where outdoor concert series are held, making it a picture-perfect place for some evening entertainment.
Mid's Park
Address: Main Street, Lake Placid, New York 12946
Website: Mid’s Park
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Price: Free
21. Get to know the local history at Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society
It’s opening day! Come visit and see what’s new today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm!
Posted by Lake Placid History Museum on Saturday, 26 May 2018
After you’ve spent so much time outside exercising your body, exercise your mind at the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society. This history museum, located in an old train station, is devoted to preserving and documenting these two towns. They have permanent collections, like the plate negatives of photos of Lake Placid from the early 1900s, and temporary exhibits, such as the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage.
Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society
Address: 242 Station St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed Mon and Tue)
Price: 5 USD
22. Canoe at the Lake Placid Public Beach
After you’ve kayaked on Mirror Lake, paddle in a different way by renting a canoe. You can launch canoes from the Lake Placid Public Beach, a sandy spot at the south end of the lake. Take a relaxing ride around the perimeter of the lake, which is lined with large hotels, stunning homes, and docks.
Lake Placid Public Beach
Address: Parkside Drive, Lake Placid, New York 12946
Website: Lake Placid Public Beach
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 28 USD
23. Pray at the St Eustace Episcopal Church
Posted by Paul McDonnell on Saturday, 1 June 2019
A beautifully serene place in Lake Placid is the St. Eustace Episcopal Church. The church fits perfectly into its Adirondack surroundings with a rich wooden and stone exterior. Whether you plan to worship or just want to sit in a peaceful spiritual space, St. Eustace welcomes all.
St. Eustace Episcopal Church
Address: 2450 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: St. Eustace Episcopal Church
Opening hours: Services Sun: 8am - 10am; Wed: 5:15pm; Sat: 5:15pm
Price: Free
24. Catch a game at Players Sports Bar
Lake Placid is a destination for sports enthusiasts, and that includes those who love watching them! The best spot in town to catch a game is at Players Sports Bar. This bar and grill telecasts all the major sporting events and you can see a TV from many seats in the restaurant. They also have an amazing deck overlooking the river where you can dine on delicious bar food while enjoying the views.
Players Sports Bar
Address: 2405 Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Players Sports Bar
Opening hours: 11:30am - 12am (daily)
25. Have a drink at Zig Zags Pub
Posted by Zig Zags Pub on Wednesday, 4 July 2018
Though Lake Placid is in the mountains, the town does have some vibrant nightlife options. End your day with a drink at Zig Zags, the town’s favorite pub. In this relaxed atmosphere, you can sample upstate New York’s finest craft beers, play darts, and listen to live music! You can even sit in their bobsled out front for a great photo opportunity.
Zig Zags Pub
Address: 2526 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Website: Zig Zags Pub
Opening hours: 3pm - 3am (daily)
26. Dine and enjoy the lake view at Black Bear Restaurant
Posted by Black Bear Restaurant on Sunday, 12 July 2015
Why choose between high-quality food and a stunning view when you can have both at Black Bear Restaurant. This steakhouse has an extensive menu featuring classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients. All menu items can be ordered to go, but the view if you dine in is an added bonus to the experience! Time your dinner while the sun is going down and you’ll fall in love with Lake Placid even more.
Black Bear Restaurant
Address: 2409 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Website: Black Bear Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
The call of the wild
In many ways, Lake Placid is an ideal destination spot. It has lots of activities in summer and winter, so you’ll never experience an offseason. Sports enthusiasts as well as beginners will love trying their hand at winter and summer activities, as well as learning about the Olympic history of the area. Those who like to get a taste of the region on their vacations will love all of the city’s delicious eateries, many of which come with stunning lake views. Whether this is your first time to Lake Placid or you’ve been many times, you’ll love seeing all there is to do in this beautiful place.
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