I spent many summers in Lake Placid as a competitive figure skater in my youth. It has held a special place in my heart ever since. Lake Placid, NY, is a great place to spend a weekend, as there are many things to do.
Lake Placid, located in the Adirondack Mountains in New York State, is the ideal place to spend a year in the mountains. Here are some of the best things to do in Lake Placid to make the most of your time there.
The Best Things to Do in Lake Placid NY
Dave and I recently watched the documentary The Making of a Miracle on Ice which tells the story of the American hockey team who faced off against Russia to win gold at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid.
Dave and I have been back to Lake Placid several times for winter and summer activities. I was reminded of the Olympic magic as I walked through town and explored the Olympic Sites.
Lake Placid, a New York State village, is in Adirondack Mountain. It is part of the Tri-Lake Region, which includes Lake Placid and two other lakes, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.
The town of Lake Placid doesn’t exist on Lake Placid itself. Instead, it is on Mirror Lake. Lake Placid is located 5 hours away from New York City and Boston and 2 1/2 hours away from Montreal. It is also five hours from Toronto (Canada). Are you ready to discover Lake Placid, NY? Let’s go!
Stroll the Alpine Village
Lake Placid is like a small Swiss Village, with its ski chalets, shops, and beautiful scenery. Lake Placid is located on Mirror Lake and lives up to its name. Its calm waters reflect the Adirondack Mountains, trees, and Swiss-style chalets. Enjoy a local beer at Big Slide Brewery while you enjoy the views of the Olympic Ski Jump from the terrace.
Olympic Center
For sports enthusiasts, the Olympic Center and Museum are two of Lake Placid’s best attractions. It would help to visit the Olympic Center to see the historical arenas. You can find the rinks and the museum right in downtown Lake Placid. The museum displays memorabilia from past Olympics, including highlights from Miracle on Ice.
Herb Brooks Arena
I had the pleasure of skating in all the historic arenas of the Olympic Center in Lake Placid. Herb Brooks Arena, built for the 1980 Olympics, is the most well-known. It is significant because the US Team won gold on this ice in the 1980 Olympics. They were known as Miracle on Ice. The museums are still open for tours, although the arenas have been closed for renovations.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake was the first place I saw. Its still waters reflect the beauty of the surroundings. It is a lovely lake that you can explore on paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, or just by taking a stroll along its shore. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the lake. You can take dogsled rides and skaters to the lake in winter. You can also slide down the Toboggan Chute, which empties onto Lake Placid’s frozen lake.
Your Olympic Glory Dreams are possible.
Lake Placid hosted not just one but two Winter Olympics: the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The excellent Lake Placid Olympic Museum preserves that history and offers tours of the Olympic facilities. We love the Winter Olympics, and one of our favorite things in Lake Placid was exploring the Olympic sites. Lake Placid has many Olympic sites, so let’s explore them.
Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex
You won’t be able to appreciate the terror of ski jumping until you have been there. It is hard to imagine standing on two small pieces of wood and then sliding down a nearly vertical ramp that throws me into the air. Although ski jumps can still be used as training, non-jumpers will get a taste of the thrill of speed at the Olympic Jumping Complex.
Olympic Skyride
You don’t have to go on the thrilling adventure of Olympic Ski Jumps. Instead, take the gondola to the glass elevator at the 120-meter-tall ski jumping tower. From there, you will ride a glass elevator to the viewing platform with panoramic views over the Adirondack Mountains. It’s a beautiful scene. This is a lovely scene. For more information, visit the Olympic Jumping website.
Ski Whiteface Mountain
Snowboarding on Whiteface Mountain has been a pleasure for us. It is at 1.483m (4.865ft), the highest elevation in the Rockies. This makes it the best place to ski on the East Coast. Whiteface Mountain offers 90 trails that cater to all levels of skiers and span 22 miles of terrain.
