Travel Guides

Things to Do in Lake Placid: 10 Attractions and Activities for an Awesome Vacation

By

Jennifer JacksonApril 22, 2022Updated on April 22, 2022

13

Lake Placid is a small town in the New York State that hosted Winter Olympic not once, but twice – in 1932 and again in 1980! It’s also home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. If you’re looking for a scenic vacation spot, look no further than Lake Placid. Here are some of the most fascinating places to see and things to do in Lake Placid.

Mirror Lake

Contents hide

6 John Brown Farm State Historic Site

7 Lake Placid Olympic Museum

8 Mt. Van Hoevenberg

9 Olympic Jumping Complex

10 Cascade Cross Country Center

11 Things to Do in Lake Placid

The lake gets its name from its clear water, which reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on Mirror Lake, including swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, and it is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and perch.

In addition to its natural beauty, Mirror Lake is also significant for its historical importance. During the 1980 Winter Olympics, the lake was used for several events, including speed skating and ice hockey. Today, the lake remains an important part of the Olympic legacy, and it continues to attract visitors from all over.

High Falls Gorge

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, High Falls Gorge is one of Lake Placid’s hidden gems. The gorge is home to a series of cascading waterfalls, as well as a variety of plant and animal life. Visitors can explore the gorge via a series of elevated walkways, which provide stunning views of the waterfalls. The walkways also lead to an observation deck, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the gorge. High Falls Gorge is open year-round, and it is an ideal destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.

Whiteface Mountain

Another great thing to do in Lake Placid is to go skiing or snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain, which is one of the largest ski resorts in the country. There are trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find a trail that’s perfect for you. If you want to take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level, sign up for a lesson with one of the many ski schools in town.

Little Whiteface

Little Whiteface is one of the most popular ski areas in Lake Placid, New York. The mountain offers a variety of trails for all levels of skiers, from beginner to expert. And with its picturesque views of the Adirondack Mountains, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to Little Whiteface each year. But what many visitors don’t realize is that the mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, hawks, and deer. So whether you’re interested in skiing or simply want to take in the stunning scenery, Little Whiteface is sure to please.

Herb Brooks Arena

Located in the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York, Herb Brooks Arena is a 7,000-seat multi-purpose arena. The arena is named for Herb Brooks, the head coach of the United States men’s ice hockey team that won the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. The “Miracle on Ice” game was played at the nearby Olympic Arena, but Brooks Arena is now considered the home of USA Hockey. The arena is also used for figure skating, inline skating, and public ice skating. In addition to being a training ground for Olympic athletes, Herb Brooks Arena is also open to the public and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

John Brown Farm State Historic Site

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Upstate New York, the John Brown Farm State Historic Site is a must-see thing to do in Lake Placid. The farm was once home to the famed abolitionist John Brown, and today it offers visitors a glimpse into rural life in the 19th century. The site includes the restored farmhouse where Brown lived, as well as a barn, a blacksmith shop, and a variety of outbuildings.

Visitors can also explore the extensive grounds, which include hiking trails, a pond, and a beautiful meadow. In addition to its historical significance, the John Brown Farm State Historic Site is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for birders and nature lovers alike.

Lake Placid Olympic Museum

If you visit Lake Placid, you simply must go and see the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. The museum traces the history of the Olympic Games, from their ancient origins to the modern day. Visitors can see artifacts from past Olympiads, including torches, medals, and uniforms. The museum also tells the story of the 1980 Winter Olympics, which were held in Lake Placid.

These Games were historic for several reasons, including the “Miracle on Ice” victory by the United States men’s hockey team over the Soviet Union. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is a tribute to athletes from all over the world who have dedicated their lives to competition and strive for excellence. It is free and open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Mt Van Hoevenberg is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Adirondacks, and one of the best things to do in Lake Placid. The mountain offers views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. The trailhead is located near the Olympic Village, making it a convenient place to start your hike. The mountain is named after Christopher Van Hoevenberg, who built the first trail to the summit in 1819. Today, the mountain is a popular destination for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In addition to its beautiful views, Mt Van Hoevenberg is also home to several unique plants and animals.

Olympic Jumping Complex

The complex was built for the 1980 Winter Olympics and played host to both the olympic ski jumping and nordic combined events. Today, it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. The complex is home to two 90-meter ski jumps, as well as a 70-meter training jump. Visitors can take a ride up the ski lift to get a birds-eye view of the jumps, or even try out the jumps themselves (if they’re brave enough!). There’s also a museum onsite that contains artifacts from the 1980 Olympics, making it a truly unique experience.

Cascade Cross Country Center

With over 100 kilometers of cross-country trails, the world-renowned Cascade Cross Country Center is the perfect place to enjoy a day of skiing or snowshoeing. The resort is also home to a variety of other winter activities, including ice skating, bobsled, and tubing. In addition to its beautiful scenery, the Cascade Cross Country Center is known for its friendly staff and comfortable accommodations. Whether you are looking for a challenging ski slope or a relaxed afternoon on the snow, the Cascade Cross Country Center is the perfect place to enjoy a winter vacation.