Lake Placid is a picturesque and quaint resort town located in the Northern part of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. It is best known for hosting the winter Olympics in both 1932 and 1980. The Olympic spirit is very much still alive in Lake Placid, in fact you can visit many of the former Olympic sites and even try some out for yourself while visiting! With both mountains and lakes, it is a year round destination for travelers of all kinds. Whether you want adventure or relaxation, Lake Placid is the perfect place to vacation. There is an abundance of hikes for all skill levels in Lake Placid, read our guide to hiking in the area here.

We suggest staying at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort while visiting Lake Placid. It is an affordably priced hotel directly on the shores of Mirror Lake. It offers travelers many amenities such as a private beach, indoor swimming pool and hot tub, free use of kayaks, SUP boards and so much more. However the number one reason for staying here is the perfect location; right on the lake and in the heart of Main St. You can read more about the resort and why we love it so much here.

If you’re visiting Lake Placid in the Winter these are the 10 “must do” activities for you and your family. Scroll to the bottom for summer activities.

1. Olympic Ski Jumping Complex
If you’ve been wanting to see what it’s like to be an Olympic ski jumper here is your chance. You can take an elevator to the top of the K-120 jump and take in a gorgeous view of the Adirondack Mountains as well as a view of the sheer size of the Olympic ski jump. This activity is included in the Olympic Sites Passport, which we highly suggest as the best value for seeing all of the sites.

2.Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy at the Olympic Sports Complex. Mt. Van Hoevenberg offers over 50km of groomed trails for all abilities. They offer snowshoe rentals and a small lodge for warming up at the base of the trails.

3. Ice Skating
The whole family can ice skate on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid when it’s frozen. There are several groomed skating areas and a trail that spans the length of Main St down the lake. Don’t have your own skates? No problem, just rent a pair at the very affordable Locker Room 5 next to the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort. You can also skate on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval (indoors or outside) with your Olympic Sites Passport.

4.Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride
Ride the Gondola at Whiteface Mountain to the top of Little Whiteface in just 15 minutes. The journey is a beautiful one offering gorgeous views of the High Peaks. When at the top exit the gondola and head over to the observation deck to take in the stunning views of the Adirondacks tallest mountains as well as Lake Placid and Lake Champlain. This activity is included in the Olympic Sites Passport.

5.Ski Whiteface Mountain
Home to the greatest vertical drop on the East Coast, Whiteface Mountain is a world class ski mountain located just a few miles outside of Lake Placid. They offer a 5 star ski and snowboard school and trails for all skill levels. You can also travel a bit south to visit Gore Mountain which is another great ski mountain with beautiful views.  Read our guide to skiing at Gore here.  If skiing is your thing check out this list of 17 other East Coast ski resorts to add to your trip!

6.Olympic Center
This is where you can see the ice rink that the US players of the miracle on ice (1980 Olympics) went on to win Olympic Gold. Figure skating sensation Sonja Henie also won gold here in 1932. With so much Olympic history on the ice and in the hallways this is a fun place to take the family. It is another site included in the Olympic Passport.

7.Olympic Museum
Located in the same building as the Miracle on Ice rink this is great next stop to view Olympic history. Through video, real Olympic relics and re-creations this museum transports you to the Winter Olympics and offers your family plenty of fun photo opportunities. Free with the Olympic Site Passport!

8. Lake Placid Toboggan Chute
This 30 foot high former ski jump is a family must do. You’ll ride down an ice covered chute and travel almost 1,000 feet onto frozen Mirror Lake. All ages are welcome on the toboggan.

9.Lake Placid Library
Located on Main St., this library is full of history and a neat little stop to make while you’re in town. If you check out their website they have livecam footage of Mirror Lake.

10.Sarnac Lake Ice Palace
An absolute must see while visiting Lake Placid is this Ice Palace in Sarnac Lake. It is free of charge to visit and walk through, and during their winter carnival it plays host to a variety of activities such as fireworks. It is located just a few miles outside of Lake Placid.

If you’re visiting in the Summer be sure to read this post highlighting some amazing things to do in Lake Placid.

Explore More
Did you know New York City is just 5 hours from Lake Placid? It’s perfect for a weekend trip or an add on to your Lake Placid trip. Read more about about the perfect NYC itinerary here.

As I mentioned above, the Adirondacks are full of stunning scenery and adventure. Read more about road tripping through the Adirondacks here.