Ten Things to do in Lake Placid, NY

Ten Things to do in Lake Placid, NY

Lake Placid is a small village of 3,000 people with a very large history spanning over 150 years. It’s been the home to John Brown, the host of two Winter Olympics, and the site of tens of thousands of great vacations and rustic getaways. Lake Placid is an awesome place to get away from it all.

lakeplacid_mountainsThere are hundreds of things to do in Lake Placid. Here’s a list of ten that might surprise you! This should give you a taste of all the great possibilities for fun in the heart of the Adirondack Mountain range.

Rafting. The lake isn’t the only water around Lake Placid. You can hook up with expert guides and great equipment and take one-of-a-kind rafting trips in the surrounding rivers and streams. Difficulty levels vary, making this a great option for rafters of all skill levels.

Railroad. All aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad! This is a great way to get a nice long look at beautiful Lake Placid and the lush scenery that envelopes it. You can ride the rails in old-fashioned style, absorbing the incomparable beauty of the Adirondacks.

Fly fishing. Lake Placid is a fly fisherman’s paradise. Whether you tie your own flies or would prefer to rely on readily-available professional equipment, you can take your shot at snagging a beautiful trout in the tranquil Lake Placid area.

History. John Brown imagined a post-slavery Utopia in Lake Placid. His farm is now a great museum. Fort Ticonderoga offers a taste of early American military history. The Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake is just a short trip from Lake Placid, offering a great look at the area’s fascinating history.


Skiing. There’s a reason Lake Placid has hosted the Winter Olympics twice.  The area boasts some of the most amazing skiing opportunities east of the Rockies. There are slopes for all skill levels and a variety of other winter sports options for those who’d like to pursue them.

Relaxation. With all of the activity, you might want a little extra quiet downtime. You’re in luck. Lake Placid and its surrounding area is the home of some world-class spas and resorts. If you feel like a little pampering after a day on the slopes, you can get the VIP treatment.

Shopping. Don’t let the dimunitive size of downtown Lake Placid fool you. The tiny area is chock-full of interesting shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques.  If you decide to take a break from the Adirondacks to search for some great items, you can find real winners in Lake Placid.

Golf. Golfing opportunities abound in and around Lake Placid. The area is home to dozens of great courses, including two that have been listed as among the top fifty places to tee up in the world. If you have a yearning to tee off on a professional-grade course set against an amazing natural backdrop, you’ll be in the right place.

Hiking. The Adirondacks offer some amazing hiking. The area has been well-protected, giving hikers a really unique opportunity to commune with nature. There are established trails that will take you past some of Lake Placid’s most memorable sites and the more adventurous can find places to carefully blaze their own trails.

Snowmobiling. Who said a little snow had to put a damper on your outdoor fun. When there’s powder on the ground, there’s an opportunity to go snowmobiling. Lake Placid is an awesome place from which to embark on a snowmobiling adventure through the Adirondack mountain range.

No matter what you enjoy, it’s available in the Adirondack Village of Lake Placid. It’s hard to imagine a smaller, homier place with more great things to do and sites to see.