ESSEX COUNTY
Lake Placid New York
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Olympic Center
HISTORIC SPORTS COMPLEX | LAKE PLACID NY
The Olympic Center, home of the "Miracle on Ice," is the heart of Lake Placid's Olympic legacy. This historic complex features four indoor ice rinks, including the famous 1980 Herb Brooks Arena. Visitors can watch athletes train, enjoy public skating sessions, or catch exciting hockey games and figure skating performances. The center also houses the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, showcasing memorabilia from both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid.
2. Whiteface Mountain
SKIING & SCENIC VIEWS | WILMINGTON NY
Whiteface Mountain offers the highest vertical drop in the eastern United States, making it a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders. With 87 trails spanning 22 miles and a summit elevation of 4,867 feet, it provides challenges for all skill levels. In summer, visitors can drive up the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway for breathtaking panoramic views of the Adirondacks, or enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and gondola rides. The mountain also hosts various events and competitions throughout the year.
3. Mirror Lake
WATERFRONT RECREATION | LAKE PLACID NY
Mirror Lake, nestled in the heart of Lake Placid village, offers year-round recreational opportunities. In summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, paddling, and fishing in the crystal-clear waters, or stroll along the scenic 2.7-mile loop trail surrounding the lake. Winter transforms the lake into a natural playground for ice skating, pond hockey, and even dog sledding. The lake's shoreline is dotted with hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a central hub for both relaxation and activity in Lake Placid.
4. High Falls Gorge
NATURAL WATER SPECTACLE | WILMINGTON NY
High Falls Gorge showcases the raw beauty of the Adirondacks with its system of waterfalls cascading through an ancient granite gorge. Visitors can explore 22 acres of pristine wilderness via a network of bridges, walkways, and platforms that provide safe viewing of the falls. The park offers year-round activities, including winter waterfall walks with provided Yaktrax for traction. A glass floor walkway allows guests to experience the rushing water beneath their feet, adding an extra thrill to the scenic adventure.
5. Lake Placid Olympic Museum
WINTER GAMES HISTORY | LAKE PLACID NY
The Lake Placid Olympic Museum celebrates the village's unique Olympic heritage, focusing on the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. Exhibits showcase historic artifacts, including medals, torches, and equipment used by famous athletes. Interactive displays bring Olympic moments to life, with a special emphasis on the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game. Visitors can explore the evolution of winter sports equipment and learn about Lake Placid's ongoing role in training Olympic athletes. The museum offers a fascinating journey through winter sports history and Olympic spirit.
6. Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run
OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE | LAKE PLACID NY
Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience an Olympic sport firsthand. Guests can take an exhilarating ride down the track with a professional driver and brakeman, reaching speeds up to 55 mph. The complex also features a skeleton experience and guided tours of the Olympic facilities. In addition to bobsledding, the area offers extensive cross-country skiing trails in winter and mountain biking in summer, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and Olympic sport fans alike.
7. Olympic Ski Jumping Complex
SOARING SKI JUMPS | LAKE PLACID NY
The Olympic Jumping Complex showcases the impressive 90-meter and 120-meter ski jumps used in Olympic competitions. Visitors can take a gondola ride to the base of the jumps and then an elevator to the observation deck at the top of the 120-meter jump for panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks. The complex hosts year-round training for ski jumpers and freestyle aerial skiers. In summer, visitors can watch athletes practice jumps into a pool, while winter offers the chance to see competitive ski jumping events.
8. Ausable Chasm
UNIQUE NATURAL FEATURE | KEESEVILLE NY
Ausable Chasm, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks," is a stunning natural wonder carved by the Ausable River. Visitors can explore the chasm through a variety of adventures, including walking tours along scenic trails, rock climbing, and rafting through the narrow gorge. The park offers different difficulty levels for rafting, from family-friendly float tours to more adventurous rapids runs. In winter, the chasm transforms into an ice-covered spectacle, with special lantern tours offering a unique perspective of the frozen waterfalls and rock formations.
9. The Wild Center
INTERACTIVE NATURE MUSEUM | TUPPER LAKE NY
The Wild Center is an innovative natural history museum that brings the Adirondack wilderness to life. Its main attraction, the Wild Walk, is an elevated trail across the treetops, featuring a giant spider's web and a bald eagle's nest for unique perspectives of the forest. Inside, visitors can explore multimedia exhibits, interact with live animals, and learn about the region's ecosystems. The center also offers outdoor experiences like canoe trips and naturalist-led walks, fostering a deeper connection with the Adirondack environment through hands-on learning and exploration.
10. Lake Placid Center For The Arts
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT HUB | LAKE PLACID NY
The Lake Placid Center for the Arts serves as the cultural heart of the Adirondacks, offering a diverse array of performances and exhibitions year-round. The center features a 355-seat theater hosting everything from Broadway shows and concerts to dance performances and film screenings. Its art gallery showcases work by local and regional artists, with rotating exhibits throughout the year. The center also provides educational programs, including workshops and classes in various artistic disciplines, catering to both residents and visitors seeking cultural enrichment in the midst of Lake Placid's natural beauty.