Lake Placid is a serene getaway in upstate New York, located right in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains. It has long been frequented by New York’s artists and intellectuals, and you’ll soon see why. Between pristine cross-country ski trails, breathtaking mountain views, and a storybook village in the midst of it all, there’s something timeless about the tiny town of Lake Placid!

There are so many amazing activities in Lake Placid and the Adirondacks area, including can’t-miss attractions and events, like the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, and some of the East Coast’s best skiing at Whiteface Mountain.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Lake Placid for you. Stick to these memorable and unique Lake Placid bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this picturesque part of New York!

The Top 15 Things to Do in Lake Placid

1. Glide across Mirror Lake in every season

Lake Placid Village is located on the banks of Mirror Lake. Not to be confused with Lake Placid proper, which is actually north of town! Named for the stunningly clear waters that reflect the High Peaks just across the shore, spending some time on Mirror Lake is easily one of the coolest things to do in Lake Placid!

The lake is enjoyable all year-round. During the peak summer season, you’ll find plenty of joggers and cyclists zipping around the lake on the Mirror Lake loop trail. This 2.7-mile loop is perfect for a stroll in the early morning or around sunset.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Lake Placid, you can canoe, kayak, and paddleboard across the lake. It’ll be blissfully quiet since gas-powered motors aren’t allowed. Many of Lake Placid’s best hotels offer complimentary rentals, too. 

If you want to stay on land, then just head to Lake Placid Public Beach on the south end of the lake. You’ll even find a tennis court and a kids’ playground here.

In the winter, after the lake completely freezes over, you’ll find it transformed into an ice skating wonderland. Dogsled rides glide over the surface, and for a memorable thrill, the famous Lake Placid Toboggan Chute will shoot you right across the lake’s chilly surface.

2. Indulge in fine dining with local charm at LPSCI

Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn isn’t just a lovely place to stay – it also boasts the best fine dining in Lake Placid. There’s a reason reservations are required well in advance!

You can enjoy a 4-course dinner with a wine pairing at one of the intimate, rustic tables in the restaurant. All the ingredients are personally selected by the head chef, and many come from small-batch, artisanal family farms in the upstate area.

The menu rotates frequently, so you can trust that you’re always getting something tailor-made to showcase the best produce of the season. And, yes, that 4-course meal does include a dessert handcrafted by an in-house pastry chef.

During your meal, you might want to sip on one of the amazing craft cocktails. If nothing on the menu quite catches your eye, you can always ask the bartender for a custom creation. You can even pop in just for happy hour!

The service is top-notch all around. The chef will almost certainly come out to check on you during your meal to make sure all is well. It’s not just us – the word of mouth from the restaurant’s many patrons speaks for itself.

3. Summit Whiteface Mountain

It’s no surprise that the spectacular High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains are among the biggest Lake Placid attractions. Of all the High Peaks, Whiteface Mountain is the most developed, making it ideal for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

It goes without saying that this is prime skiing territory. The east slope hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics, and it remains the greatest vertical drop in all of the eastern United States at 3,430 feet. You’ll be able to choose from 90 trails that cater to every kind of skier, from experts to those just starting out.

There’s plenty more to do on the mountain. You can hike up to the summit, a trip that ranges from 4 to 6 miles depending on the trail you pick. In snowy weather, snowshoes and spikes will be required. It’s well worth the effort, because in clear weather, you’ll have a 360-degree view that stretches from Montreal to Vermont.

Another option is to take a scenic drive up the historic Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway. Either way, local tradition says to grab the area’s best soft serve ice cream from Whitebrook Dairy Bar on your trip out to the mountain.

4. Enjoy Olympic-class recreation on Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Mt. Van Hoevenberg is a cutting-edge sports complex. It’s the perfect way to spend a day, whether you’re a sports enthusiast or just in the mood to check out one of the most unique Lake Placid activities. 

All-ages activities include the Cliffside Coaster, which will zip you down a sliding track originally used in the 1980s Winter Olympic Games. You can ask an Olympian to guide you down the luge track or challenge yourself in the climbing center.

If you’re looking for a new athletic challenge, try out the Biathlon, which combines mountain biking and hiking with marksmanship. Speaking of mountain biking, there are plenty of mountain biking trails around the complex. If you’re a beginner, the complex offers guided tours and hands-on lessons.

This complex is one of the only places in the world where you can experience bobsledding. In this high-adrenaline sport, you’ll find yourself going over 50 miles an hour down the track. You can go as a solo thrill-seeker or as a family!

5. Visit the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center

While the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center looks small from the outside, the collection it houses is world-class. Over 3,000 artifacts chart the complex and oft-forgotten history of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy.

The Six Nations are the Onondaga, Mohawk, Oneida, Seneca, Cayuga, and Tuscarora. Many of these names will be familiar to you as enduring regions in what is now upstate New York. You’ll be able to gain a new perspective on the historic geography and culture of the area.

The center opened in 1954, and its architecture is based on that of traditional Haudenosaunee long houses. Its mission is to preserve the history of the Six Nations while supporting its future. To that end, you’ll find items from a variety of periods, ranging from pre-contact artifacts to contemporary art by Native Americans.

The museum is family-owned and operated by members of the Mohawk Nation. We recommend staying for a live lecture on the history and philosophy of Native Nations. This is one essential way the center preserves the storytelling culture of Native Peoples.

6. Watch ski jumps at the Olympic Ski Jump Complex

The Olympic Ski Jumping Complex in Lake Placid is a legacy site for ski jumping athletics. You’ll find Olympic athletes training here, performing in a bevy of skill showcases and professional competitions.

Ski jumping involves athletes sliding down a curved ramp before launching themselves into the air as far as possible. These distances are regularly about the length of a football field. Ski aerialists use the same ramp to jump, but they perform flips, spins, and other tricks in mid-air before landing.

Needless to say, it’s a thrilling sport to watch live. Just visiting the complex will give you a newfound appreciation for just how steep that 128-meter ski jump really is. You can see for yourself by hopping on the Sky Flyer Zipline, which will take you down to the landing at a speed of 30 miles per hour!

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Lake Placid, take the complex’s Skyride gondola up to the sky deck. At this elevation, you’ll also get an amazing view of the Adirondacks Mountains along with panoramic views of Lake Placid.

7. relax in the spa at Mirror Lake Inn

For the ultimate luxury experience in Lake Placid, book a day at the spa at Mirror Lake Inn. This is a full-service spa, salon, and sanctuary set in a tasteful, intimate space and one of the best things to do in Lake Placid if you need a little pampering.

If you’re looking for recommendations, the Spa Signature Body Scrub uses maple sugar collected in the forests of upstate New York for a truly unique full-body treatment. The sugar hydrates and exfoliates at the same time, so you can bid farewell to dull winter skin!

For all manner of aches and pains, consider the Signature Massage, which begins with an ultra-luxe European Soft Pack System treatment to help your muscles relax.

After a few long days of skiing, paddling, and otherwise exploring Lake Placid, your feet might need some TLC. You’re in luck because the pedicures here are amazing. Pamper your most burdened body parts with a salt soak, seaweed mask, and stone massage, plus a fresh layer of polish.

Plus, this spa offers advanced facials and salon cuts and styling, so you can come back from your upstate adventure looking fresher than ever!

Check Prices on Booking.com

8. Visit the historic John Brown Farm

The John Brown Farm is a designated historic site dedicated to the life and legacy of abolitionist John Brown. The farm’s simple exterior belies the fiery determination of the man himself, bringing a new dimension to the historical figure many Americans know from a marching song.

The farm is located 3 miles from Lake Placid, on a road of the same name. The building was erected in 1855, and the Brown family resided there in some form until 1863 when it was leased out. Then, from 1870, the farm was preserved by the John Brown Association.

During and following the American Civil War, thousands of visitors made the pilgrimage to the farm to pay respects to Brown. The grounds now contain Brown’s grave along with a statue.

Along with the historic importance of the farm’s last occupant, the site itself offers amazing views of the Adirondack region. You’ll be able to look down on gorgeous lakes and sprawling valleys while the mountains of the range surround you. 

For one of the best things to do in Lake Placid, make a day of your visit by hiking through the forest at the edge of the property.

9. Stargaze at the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory

The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory is one of the best places in the eastern United States to stargaze and one of the most unique things to do in Lake Placid. Its remote location in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains means a perfect mix of the high altitude, low light pollution, and dry climate required for ideal viewing conditions.

This observatory serves the community as a charitable organization dedicated to advancing astronomy education. Public viewings are held on the Roll Off Roof Observatory, and the star of the show is the “Old Town Pump” Telescope. This historic stargazing implement was engineered by amateur astronomer Wally Everest in the 1920s.

After multiple offers from university libraries and venerated museums, including the Smithsonian, Everest’s descendants decided to gift the telescope to this observatory, which resulted in a lengthy restoration process. The telescope is now operational again after nearly 100 years!

The center is open to the public every Friday from late May to early September. After Labor Day, it operates on a reduced schedule on the first and third Friday of every month. Plan accordingly, so you don’t miss the prime viewing times.

10. Take in beautiful views at High Falls Gorge

The 22-acre nature park at High Falls Gorge is easily one of the best sights in Lake Placid and a gorgeous place to spend a morning or afternoon.

The main attractions here are the four amazing waterfalls tumbling down over the gorge walls, but there’s plenty more to see. You’ll be able to walk through a protected virgin forest filled with trees that are hundreds of years old and an anorthosite boulder that dates back 1.5 billion years.

Enjoy the flora and fauna of upstate New York, including seasonal blossoming flowers in the summer and breathtaking colors in the fall.

Since 1899, the park has continued to improve its trails. You’ll be able to enjoy the gorges safely thanks to infrastructure like steel bridges and well-maintained trails. People of all ages will find the walk comfortable. In the winter, the park provides snowshoes and other traction devices so that you can enjoy the gorges year-round!

We’d recommend bringing along a few snacks or a picnic lunch, which you can enjoy in natural serenity at the Woodlands Picnic Area.

11. Shop for locally-made mountain goodies

The town of Lake Placid is home to countless local artisans, producing unique keepsakes, locally-sourced and produced beauty products, and handmade furniture!

There are too many retailers to count, but we have a shortlist for you. First, if you’re a candle aficionado, look no further than Simpli Nature. Each soy candle is hand-poured, and the formula doubles as a moisturizing soy lotion. Just dip your finger in the cooled wax pool, and off you go! It’s a super unique gift, either for yourself or someone back home.

You’ll love browsing all of the antique and handmade furniture on our trip. If you’re looking for something really special, then check out L. Post Rustics Artisan Furniture & Fine Art. This boutique is filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind pieces made of naturally harvested materials.

If you’re in the neighborhood for specialty clothing and ski gear, check out Ruthie’s Run. This boutique has been bringing style to Lake Placid’s winter sports since 1970. 

The options are endless. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Lake Placid, you’ll want to pop into as many shops as possible!

12. Go snowshoeing on the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails

The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails are one of the must-do things in Lake Placid if you just want a quick excursion. These are outings that you can fit into an afternoon, and they’re great for outdoor enthusiasts of every age.

If you’re here in the winter, go snowshoeing! Snowshoeing is one of the most unique Lake Placid activities, and these trails are the perfect place for a little adventure in this city’s picturesque snowscape. The trips are short but rewarding, and you might just see some lovely birds on the way!

The Lake Shore Trail is a half-mile long, with some rockiness and uneven terrain to provide some challenge. It runs along the shore of Lake Placid and provides lovely views of the waterscape (or ices cape, depending).

The Ridge Trail features a slight upward elevation and goes through a lovely forest. The trails all intersect, so you can choose your own adventure. In total, a basic loop covers about 2.1 miles, which you’ll be able to finish in just under 50 minutes – just in time for a late lunch.

13. Drink up at Ray Brook Brewhouse

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Lake Placid, the trip to Ray Brook Brewhouse is well worth it. This place is located an easy 10-minute drive from town and serves up some seriously good food and drinks.

The brews often feature local ingredients mixed with offbeat additions from New York and beyond. You might find locally-grown grain mixing with Belgian yeast in a Trappist ale or a creative concoction aged in French oak.

You don’t need to settle for just one beer, either – order a whole flight to get a sample of the brewery’s impressive range. Don’t be surprised if you find a new favorite!

All the food is good, but you have to order the “brewtine,” the brewery’s unique twist on the French-Canadian poutine. Fries, rich gravy, pork belly, and cheese curds don’t seem like they would play well together, but they do.

14. Celebrate the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

A short drive from the heart of town, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is one of the top things to do in Lake Placid if you’re in town during the winter. There’s whimsy and fun to be had in spades, especially if you’re traveling with little ones.

This event has been a local fixture since 1897. As Saranac Lake was once a vibrant part of the “ice trade,” it only makes sense that the community would turn its skills toward constructing buildings made of ice. Thus, the carnival was born!

The festival usually takes place in early February over 10 days. Each year features a unique theme, so even if you’re a Lake Placid regular, you’ll find something new to enjoy.

The big draw of the carnival is the Ice Palace. The palace is constructed with huge blocks of ice from nearby Lake Flower. Wandering around in this winter wonderland, you might even encounter ice royalty!

There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from curling to snowshoe races to synchronized dances. It’s a wonderfully quirky experience, worthy of a spot on anyone’s Lake Placid bucket list.

15. Visit the historic Asgaard Farm & Dairy

Upstate New York is full of amazing artisanal, small-batch farming operations. For a sterling example of this community, just visit Asgaard Farm & Dairy.

Aside from being a historic site and successful dairy farm, this was once the home of artist Rockwell Kent. His work is now exhibited in the National Gallery of Art, and the homestead that was the source of much of his inspiration is now open to the public.

Now, the farm raises grass-fed cattle herds, grazes heritage pigs, and pastured chickens. The produce is all grown on-site with sustainability and conservation in mind. You can find amazing goat cheese, fresh cuts of meat, and selections of tea, coffee, and maple syrup from other local enterprises.

If you’re looking for unique thing to do in Lake Placid, you’ll love this place! Plus, if you want to immerse yourself in the simple life or live in a Kent painting for a moment, The Emerson House on the farm has opened up for farm stays.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Lake Placid. What’s your favorite thing to do in Lake Placid?

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST