Things to do

13 Best Things To Do In Lake Placid, New York

Aerial view from Whiteface Mountain resort
Source : instagram

No matter which season you choose, Lake Placid never fails to amaze tourists since around the 1800s. For such a small town, it has a surprising range of adventures and hotels full of amenities.

For instance, in winter, you can enjoy ice skating and sledding, while in summer, the best hiking spots are nearby. Situated in the heart of NY, the place is rich as one of three Olympic sites in America.

Here we have listed some of the best activities you can give a try.

1. Relish Iconic View At Mirror Lake

Your trip should include a stop at Mirror Lake. Here you can enjoy the iconic view of serenity.

Mirror Lake is situated in the center of the village, where no automobiles and vehicles are allowed. That means you can enjoy the peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

Not only eye sighting the serene, but you also can try canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. There is a maintained track for the visitors to ice skating.

For those who want to learn more about the area, visitors can walk around the beautiful 2.7-mile path with their dearest, along with the surrounding woods site.

Location: Adirondack Mountains, Essex County

Nearby Attraction:

  • Winter Tonoggan Chute
  • Ironman Triathlon for swimming

2. Plan A Hike To The Summit Of Mount Jo

If you traveling from June to August, one of the best things to do in Lake Placid in summer can be hiking to Mount Jo. It is a 2832-foot-tall mountain.

No need to worry about the difficulty as it is relatively the easiest one compared to other mountains in the area, that's obvious if you are in good shape. There are two trails to its summit. 

One of the trail leading to the peak of the Mountain Jo
Source : tripadvisor

It will be around an hour's hike that ends with a 360 degree-view. Once you reach the peak, you can enjoy the great views of the High Peaks regions like Cascade Mountain, Mount Marcy, Mount Colin, and others. 

3. Spend A Day At Lake Placid Olympic Museum

Spending a whole day at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum is one of the things to do near Lake Placid NY. It celebrates the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics.

The museum was established in 1994. Young or old, the museum has something for both age groups.

Here you can study the collections related to the 1932 Olympic Games, such as the ice skate used by Jack Shes, the "Fram III" bobsled, a souvenir of Miracle on Ice, a hockey team from the 1980 Olympics, and the vintage uniforms and medals.

Older might reminisce about Sonja Henie's costumes and biography, while younger might find the Miracle on Ice items astonishing.

4. Downhill Ride At Whiteface Mountain

What are the things to do in Lake Placid in winter? How about grabbing your skis or snowboard and hitting the slopes at Whiteface Mountain?

It is the fifth-highest mountain in the U.S. state of New York and the high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. As the snow melts during the summer, best to plan a trip to the Whiteface for winter getaways.

A glimpse of visitors enjoying skiing at Whiteface Mountain
Source : instagram

It has the best verticle slopes on the east side of the Rockies. Moreover, it hosted alpine skiing during the 1980 Olympics. You will find numerous trails over three peaks that comprise 25 miles of the ride.

The mountain is convenient for all levels of skaters. Even if you are not a skier or snowboarder, if you create memories with dog sledding.

5. Book A Ticket To Olympic Ski Jumping Complex

Lake Placid activities include a visit to the Olympic Ski Jump Complex. It was inaugurated in February 1921.

The two tall structures stand proudly to host both winter and summer jumping competitions in North America.

The complex most recently hosted the 44th World Cup season of Men's Ski Jumping on February 11. If you are lucky enough, you might bump into some professional athletes around.

At this time, experienced athletes turn in to display their talents in the complex. Thinking about what's there for visitors? 

Well, you can get your share of thrills by riding the zip lines. Moreover, you can ride the scenic gondolas up to the base of the ski jump tower. From the top, you will find sweeping views of the town.

Admission: $21.60 per adult

Address: 5468 Cascade Road

Contact: +1 518-302-5919

6. Relaxation At Adirondack Foot Sanctuary

Consider pampering yourself and relaxing at Adirondack Foot Sanctuary.

They provide an intimate gathering and cozy relaxation space, with services like foot socks, lower leg, and foot massage with some mood-freshening cup of tea.

Assuring your well-being first, The Adirondack Foot Sanctuary uses completely natural ingredients and aromas targeting your health and inner wellness. For instance, they use detoxifying Himalaya salt to rejuvenate aching feet.

Make sure to book an appointment for yourself online via adkfootsanctuary.com or over the phone (518-523-8981).

Location: 2565 Main Street

Price Range: $$

7. Crunch Along on Snowshoes

Lake Placid's thing to do during wintertime is to give snowshoeing a try. If you know how to walk in the snow, snowshoeing is a piece of cake for you.

Some of the most popular snowshoeing trails near the village with driving directions are:

  • Marcy Dam Trail
  • Wright Peak via Algonquin Trail
  • Phelps Moutain Trail
  • Cobble Hill
  • Algonquin and Iroquois via Algonquin Trail

Among these, Mt. Sylight and Haystack via Avalanche and Van Hoevanberg is the longest trail in the village. It is approximately 38.5 km long.

8. Stroll Around John Brown Farm State Historic Site

Lake Placid things to do in summer is to visit the John Brown Farm State Historic Site. It includes the home and final resting place of abolitionist John Brown.

To reach the site, you will need to travel around three miles from the village. At the site, you see witness a glimpse of life in the 19th century and fascinating information about Brown and his mission.

John Brown Farm State Historic Site is a good place to visit while in Lake Placid
Source : tripadvisor

History reads the Underground Railroad conductor and insurrectionist moved to the place in an attempt to establish a community of freed slaves and abolitionists.

In 2016, the historic site became the permanent home of the "Dreaming of Timbuctoo" exhibition.

Location: 2 John Brown Road

9. Movie Time At Palace Theater

Romantic things to do in Lake Placid can be watching a movie or a boat tour with your beau. If you choose to watch a movie, consider Palace Theater.

One of the best cinema halls in the town stands exactly at 2430 Main Street. The classic theatre was opened on May 29, 1926. The locally-owned vintage theatre has four screens.

Night shows are also available at Palace Theatre
Source : facebook

Each day, you can enjoy the recent 1st-run movies in a charming atmosphere with some buttered popcorn. You will have to buy the tickets at the door as they avoid presale tickets.

10. Tour Along The Lake With Lake Placid Marina & Boat Tours

Things to do with family in Lake Placid include boat tours. Lake Placid Marina & Boat Tours provides knowledgeable tour guides to make the trip informative.

A boat tour is a must for visitors for any season. An hour-long narrated tour will travel 16 miles on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

While on a ride on a comfortable boat, you can explore the magnificent scenery throughout each portion of the lake while learning the rich history of the area in the guide's words.

Make sure to arrive first in the venue as the agency sells tickets in a walk-up and follows the first come-first serve system. They are available for four tours daily.

Address: 24 George & Bliss Ln

Contact: +1 518-523-9704

11. Tour The Interiors Of St. Eustace Episcopal Church

Things to do on Lake Placid include a tour of the St. Eustace Episcopal Church. The church is right on Main Street.

You can explore the interiors like the ceiling wooden beams as well as the beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can spend hours in the inclusive atmosphere listening to the choral music.

St. Eustace Episcopal Church was founded in late 1800s
Source : facebook

Nearby Destination:

  • Mids Park
  • Top of the Park
  • ADK outlet
  • Mirror Lake

Address: 2450 Main Street

Contact: +1 518-523-2564

12. Eat Delicious At The Breakfast Club

Lake Placid attractions for vegetarian food lovers can be the Breakfast Club. The restaurant offers some of the best American cuisine at a reasonable price.

The eco-friendly eatery has been serving guests since 2011. Susan and her business partner Heather established the restaurant as they felt "Great Breakfast:" was what the town lacked at the time.

Mouth watering
Source : facebook

Currently, you can buzz in to gulp some homemade gluten-free, vegetarian breakfast and brunch. Along with that, they serve signature beverages all day long. Rostis and Benedicts are their must-try menu. 

Location: 2431 Main Street

Contact: +1 518-523-0007

Hotel Class: 4-star

13. Tuck Yourself Into A Bobsled At Mt Van Hoevenberg

One of the activities not to miss while you are at Lake Placid is the experience of bobsledding. Mt Van Hoevenberg is at your service.

You can experience the feeling of being a professional Olympic bobsledder while you are in town. Sit between the professional bobsled driver and brakeman to slide down at breakneck speed.

MVH is a perfect venue for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton
Source : facebook

The speed and the rumble of the sled will take your breath away. Yet, you will love the lifetime thrilling experience.

Alongside, the complex has opened a new lodge for the guest to go for a drink and hang out with friends. They have rock climbing and cart ride as indoor activities.