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 center of the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, Lake Placid is the right year-round mountain getaway – and these are the most effective issues to do in Lake Placid to profit from your keep.
Top Things to Do in Lake Placid NY
Recently Dave and I watched the documentary The Making of a Miracle on Ice in regards to the American hockey workforce that confronted off with Russia in 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 Games in 1932 and 1980. Besides being often known as a winter resort, there are lots of issues to do in Lake Placid in the summer time 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 checklist.
Lake Placid Attractions
Lake Placid is a village in New York State situated in the Adirondack Mountains. It is situated 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 situated on Lake Placid correct, its predominant 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 house 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, you could not miss spending a while immersed in Olympic historical past.
Dave and I’ve gone again to Lake Placid in current 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 certainly one of our favourite issues to do in Lake Placid is dwell out our Olympic desires by exploring the websites. There are loads of Olympic websites to discover in Lake Placid, so let’s examine 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 just a little style of what it’s like to expertise the necessity for velocity 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 hurries up 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 may 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 trip a glass elevator up to the viewing platform for panoramic views of the mountains.
It is a beautiful scene. (if you happen to aren’t a skier or snowboarder likelihood is you don’t trip gondolas so much, so it is a enjoyable factor to do.) See the Olympic Jumping web site for particulars.
4. Stroll the Alpine Village
Lake Placid seems like just a little 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 situated in downtown Lake Placid together with the Olympic Center, and the velocity skating oval. The Lake Placid Historical Society is a superb place to pop in to be taught in regards to the wealthy historical past of the realm, from its Olympic heritage to its Adirondack roots.
At night time, 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 once 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Lake Placid for sports activities lovers. When you go to Lake Placid, ensure to go contained in the Lake Placid Olympic Center and witness the arenas the place historical past was made.
The rinks and museum are situated 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 house right here.
6. Herb Brooks Arena
I’ve had the privilege of ice skating in all the 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 grew to become often known as Miracle on Ice. The Lake Placid Olympic Center is situated at 2634 Main Street, Lake Placid and guests can skate on the ice to expertise the historic locations.
In the winter, you may even expertise skating on the Lake Placid Olympic Oval. Lake Placid is without doubt one of the few locations on earth that allows you to really feel what it’s like 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 encircling surroundings. Mirror Lake is situated in the center of Lake Placid Village however feels a world away.
This is an exquisite lake to discover by paddle boats, kayaks, or canoes or just taking a leisurely hike round its shore. (no motorized automobiles 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 may 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 situated straight on the lake. Spend a day on the spa adopted by a stroll on the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails, and positive eating at night time 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 most well-liked issues to do in Lake Placid is to head out to the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails. It’s a set of 4 trails which are common for 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 stunning spot gives straightforward strolling trails excellent for hen watching and appreciating nature. Located on the Brewster Peninsula on the japanese shore of Mirror Lake, it is a excellent place to discover the pure fantastic thing about the realm whereas having fun with out of doors actions resembling 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 typically well-maintained and provide numerous loops of various lengths and issue 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 may anticipate 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 without doubt one of the prime Lake Placid points of interest in winter drawing snow lovers from around the globe.
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 might be 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 situated half-hour from Lake Placid. If you might be planning on doing plenty of out of doors 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 climbing. There is even a zipper line right here and like most ski hills around the globe.
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 may 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 may take in the gorgeous views of the encircling Adirondack Mountains and Lake Placid and on a transparent day you may see so far as Vermont and Canada!
In {the summertime}, there are climbing trails and downhill mountain biking. The Cloudsplitter Gondola up Little Whiteface Mountain for panoramic views of its huge sister, Whiteface Mountain, and the Adirondacks in {the summertime} and to get pleasure from some climbing.
11. Take a Drive up Veterans’ Memorial Parkway
Chances are you’ll be on a street journey when visiting Lake Placid, so ensure to take a scenic drive up the Veteran’s Memorial Parkway beginning in Wilmington at Adirondacks Spruce Lodge.
This paved street winds its means 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 means up, you’ll have to pay a toll at an alpine-style gatehouse constructed in 1934. But the drive is value it’s going to pull-offs and scenic views. Cost: $20 per automobile plus $20 per passenger. (Kids 6 and underneath are free)
Once you attain the parking zone, you’ve a couple of decisions of issues to do like have a chunk on the Castle Cafe, you may trip the elevator up 27 tales, or hike the attractive stunning path to the summit. It’s only a brief 15-minute hike (.2 miles) to the summit however it’s value it for the view. Plus, you get to see attractive views of Lake Placid.
12. Visit High Falls Gorge
One of essentially the most stunning locations to go to in Lake Placid is High Falls Gorge. Take a stroll alongside the climbing trails, glass flooring walkways, and bridges by this 22-acre nature park to see its stunning waterfalls alongside the Ausable River.
High Falls Gorge has it’s title for good purpose. 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 carried out shorter, however Dave and I like to take photographs.
Spend a day right here climbing to its spectacular waterfalls like Main Falls with a cascade of 60 ft. There is Climax Falls and Mini Falls as properly. To guarantee the most effective views, there are metal bridges with glass flooring positioned at key factors. This permits guests to get a incredible view of the waterfalls and the gorge under.
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 stunning ice formations. Snowshoeing can also be obtainable 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 outside.
Since it’s privately run, there may be an admission price to entry High Falls Gorge
13. Adirondack Experience
Lake Placid is in the center 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, hire 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 helps 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’d examine to see if excursions are open. You can go to the Website right here.
15. Cliffside Coaster
If the bobsled seems like just a little an excessive amount of (or whether it is closed), an amazing possibility is to hop on the Cliffside Coaster as an alternative. You 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 reality, 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 means to the Cascade Cross Country Center. With 14 miles of groomed trails, it has one thing for everybody.
Cascade Cross Country Center additionally gives cross-country ski leases and what’s actually cool is you can strive your hand on the Lake Placid Olympic cross-country ski trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. If you go to Lake Placid in winter it is 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 dwell freely.
Unfortunately, he was captured and hanged in 1859. He was buried at his house and it has now been became 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 outside to get pleasure from its many climbing trails. Mount Jo is situated simply exterior of Lake Placid and has some straightforward hikes to the two,876-foot-high summit.
The trails are just one.1 miles and 1.3 miles lengthy however provide stunning views of the excessive peaks of the Adirondacks and so they overlook Heart Lake.
19. Saranac Lake
Though Lake Placid gives loads to do inside its borders, a brief drive away lies one other gem in the center 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 gorgeous magnificence, wealthy historical past, and cultural attraction that the Adirondacks have to provide.”
Located Just 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 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, 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. Today, it serves as a museum educating guests in regards to the historical past of the illness and the village’s position in its remedy.
Wild Center: Although it’s a bit additional away, situated in Tupper Lake, the Wild Center is a must-visit for nature fanatics. This pure historical past middle 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 straight 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 situated 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 beloved it.
Lake Placid Inn Boutique Hotel – situated simply exterior of Lake Placid, this boutique lodge is situated straight on Lake Placid. It gives free personal 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 gorgeous lake views, providing a menu impressed by native and seasonal components.
The View Restaurant on the Mirror Lake Inn: As the title suggests, this place is thought for each its high-quality meals and its incredible views of the lake.
Lisa G’s: A neighborhood favourite for wings, burgers, and different basic American consolation meals.
Top of the Park: This tapas and wine bar is thought for its nice number of small plates and its gorgeous 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 situated in the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. However, your precise route will depend upon the place you’re coming from. Here are a couple of normal 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 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 might be driving from Toronto it’s 500 kilometers (or 310 miles) and normally 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 may 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 may take Autoroute 15 S. Continue onto I-87 S (indicators for Albany) coming 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 may hire a automobile or take a shuttle to Lake Placid.
By Train: Amtrak gives 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 a captivating village situated in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Known for its stunning landscapes and wealthy historical past, let’s check out some key details about Lake Placid: You can also like 15 Fun Facts about New York City
Winter Olympics: Lake Placid is notably certainly one of 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 workforce defeated the closely favored Soviet Union workforce throughout the Cold War period. Ironman Triathlon: Lake Placid is house to an annual Ironman Triathlon, which is a serious occasion drawing rivals and spectators from around the globe. 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 well-liked vacation spot for 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 situated 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 could actually 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 web site is now a New York State Historic Site. Seasonal Activities: Lake Placid gives a variety of outside actions year-round, from snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter, to climbing, biking, and water actions in the summer time.
Photo credit score: John Brown Mwanner at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 , by way of Wikimedia Commons
And now you’ve the knowledge you want to take a street journey to Lake Placid, NY Have you been to Olympic City? What are your favourite issues to do in Lake Placid?
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