Lake Placid Travel Guide

Lake Placid is a miracle on and off the ice. The year was 1980 and the Winter Olympics was held in a little-known village in the Adirondack Mountains. A scrappy group of American college students and amateurs scored the upset of the century when they defeated the heavily favored Soviet national hockey team, winning 4-3 and ultimately securing the gold medal. Now, more than thirty years later, Lake Placid will always be synonymous with that American hockey victory. And the miracle continues to this day in the myriad of activities that visitors can take part in all year round in ever-exciting Lake Placid.

Things to Do

In the winter, there is no shortage of activities in Lake Placid. Go ice climbing in Keene Valley or speed skating at the Speed Skating Oval. Go skiing and snowshoeing on the Adirondack 's trail system, skating and sledding in Mirror Lake and skiing at Whiteface Mountain. Those looking for a real challenge can take on the Nordic ski trails on the popular Jackrabbit trail system -- a cross-country skiing adventure from Saranac Lake to Lake Placid.

When the sun melts the snow that blankets the Adirondacks, the adventures continues. Go hiking on the Northville Placid Trail with some friends. Take your cycling adventures to the next level by mountain biking down Mt. Van Hovenburg and Whiteface Mountain. And make sure you don't miss the view from the top on the Cloudsplitter Gondola. Mountain golfing in any of the many world-class golf courses in Lake Placid is also makes for the perfect summer weekend getaway.     

You can go horse back riding all year round on mild-mannered horses cared for at the Adirondack Equine Center.  The displays and shows at the Lake Placid Center for Arts are also worth checking out in both winter and summer. Fly fishing with artificial lures at the Ausable River is also a year round activity.   

Dining

Great food can be had along the many restaurants and eateries that line Main Street. There are also bars and pubs along this strip that serve local favorites like Oatmeal Beer or Espresso Beer. More delights await you on Highways 86 and 73 as well.

Shopping

For outdoor gear, check out Ruthies Run and EMS on Main Street. Decorative arts and crafts can be had at Adirondack Decorative Arts and Crafts and for books, especially with Adirondack titles, check out Bookstores Plus.

Where to Go in Lake Placid