This Adirondack mountain town hosted two Winter Olympics and remains a year-round training center for athletes. The lakes and hiking trails draw many visitors.
Lake Placid, a mountain village in New York's Adirondacks, made Olympic history by hosting the Winter Games in 1932 and 1980. You'll find athletes training at the Olympic Jumping Complex, families skiing Whiteface Mountain's 87 trails, and visitors exploring Mirror Lake by canoe. Walk down Main Street to browse local craft shops like Adirondack Store or watch free concerts at Mid's Park during summer evenings.
Winter Sports at Olympic Venues
Watch figure skaters and hockey players train daily at the Olympic Center. The 1932 & 1980 Winter Olympic Museum displays competition uniforms, medals, and equipment from both games, including memorabilia from the U.S. hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union. Take an elevator to the top of the 120-meter ski jump tower at the Olympic Jumping Complex for a panoramic view of the Adirondack High Peaks.
Hiking and Mountain Activities
Trek through Adirondack Park on 2,000 miles of maintained trails. Challenge yourself to climb Mount Marcy, reaching New York's highest point at 5,343 feet, or walk the family-friendly 2-mile trail to High Falls Gorge. Join the "46ers" club by climbing all mountains above 4,000 feet in the High Peaks region. Book local guides for experiences ranging from beginner nature walks to technical rock climbing adventures.
Main Street Experience
Walk downtown along Main Street to Mirror Lake, where you can ride a dog sled across the frozen water in winter or paddle a canoe during summer months. Browse through independent bookstores, watch artisans craft wooden furniture, and find traditional Adirondack clothing in local shops. Every Tuesday during summer, Mid's Park fills with music during the free Songs at Mirror Lake concert series.
Getting to Lake Placid
Drive to Lake Placid via Interstate 87, located 50 miles southwest of Plattsburgh. Take an Amtrak train from New York City or Montreal to Saratoga, then connect to a direct bus service to Lake Placid. Travel between Lake Placid and nearby towns on the Essex County Public Transportation system's regular bus routes.
Year-Round Events
Join 2,500 athletes competing in North America's second-oldest Ironman Triathlon each July. Watch independent films at the historic 1926 Palace Theatre during the Lake Placid Film Festival. In summer, smell the smoke from barbecue grills and hear live music at the I Love BBQ and Music Festival, held at the Olympic Speedskating Oval.
