Saranac Lake New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Saranac Lake, New York.
1. Saranac Lake
PRISTINE ADIRONDACK WATERS
Saranac Lake is a stunning body of water that serves as the centerpiece of this charming Adirondack community. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities including boating, swimming, and paddling while taking in the breathtaking mountain views that surround the lake. This lake region, settled in 1819 as both a health resort and recreation area, continues to offer exceptional outdoor experiences in both winter and summer seasons.
2. Adirondack Carousel
HAND-CARVED WOODLAND MAGIC
The Adirondack Carousel features 24 beautifully hand-carved animals indigenous to the Adirondack region, offering a unique and enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. This one-of-a-kind attraction also includes a play center, gift shop, and snack options, making it perfect for family outings. The carousel combines artistry with old-fashioned fun, showcasing the rich natural heritage of the Adirondacks through its detailed woodwork and regional themes.
3. Saranac Laboratory Museum
PIONEERING MEDICAL HISTORY
The Saranac Laboratory Museum, built in 1894, holds the distinction of being the first laboratory in the United States dedicated to tuberculosis research. After painstaking restoration by Historic Saranac Lake, this fascinating museum opened to the public in 2009, offering a glimpse into the village's significant role in medical history. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail Saranac Lake's past as a tuberculosis cure center, complete with artifacts and stories from this important chapter in American healthcare.
4. Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage and Museum
LITERARY LEGEND'S RETREAT
The Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage and Museum preserves the winter home where the famous author of 'Treasure Island' stayed while seeking treatment for tuberculosis in 1887. Inside this historic cottage, visitors can view Stevenson's personal belongings, manuscripts, and furniture that provide intimate insights into the writer's life and creative process. The museum's knowledgeable caretaker shares fascinating information about Stevenson's time in Saranac Lake, making each visit a rich educational experience about literary history in the Adirondacks.
5. Adirondack Scenic Railroad
RAILS THROUGH WILDERNESS
The Adirondack Scenic Railroad offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the magnificent six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Passengers travel through remote forests, past sparkling rivers, over bridges, and alongside tranquil ponds and streams, all from the comfort of vintage train cars. This nostalgic rail experience provides a unique perspective on the wild beauty of the Adirondack landscape that can't be seen from highways or hiking trails.
6. Pendragon Theatre
ADIRONDACK PERFORMING ARTS
Pendragon Theatre is the premier year-round professional theater company in the Adirondacks, bringing high-quality performances to Saranac Lake. The intimate venue offers an array of theatrical productions, from classic plays to contemporary works, all performed by talented actors in a welcoming atmosphere. Theater enthusiasts visiting the Adirondacks can enjoy the cultural richness of professional dramatic arts in this charming mountain community.
7. Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation
PROTECTING ICONIC WATERFOWL
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, located at 15 Broadway in Saranac Lake, is dedicated to the study and preservation of the region's beloved loon population. Visitors can learn about these fascinating waterfowl through educational exhibits that highlight their unique behaviors, habitat needs, and conservation challenges. The center's knowledgeable staff eagerly shares information about loons and welcomes visitors to share their own loon encounters from Adirondack lakes.
8. Historic Walking Tours
CURE COTTAGE ARCHITECTURE
Historic Walking Tours in Saranac Lake offer an engaging journey through the village's unique cure cottage architecture and tuberculosis treatment history. Visitors can choose between self-guided explorations or joining a guided tour that includes a stop at the historic Saranac Laboratory. These informative walks bring to life the village's fascinating past as a health destination, where thousands came seeking cures in the fresh mountain air of the Adirondacks.
9. River Walk
SCENIC DOWNTOWN WATERWAY
The River Walk in Saranac Lake offers a peaceful stroll alongside the water as it meanders through the heart of downtown. This well-maintained pathway provides visitors with stunning views of the Adirondack landscape while connecting various parts of the village. Perfect for a leisurely after-dinner walk or morning exercise, the River Walk represents the harmonious meeting of wilderness and community that makes Saranac Lake special.
10. Art Galleries and Studios
ADIRONDACK CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Saranac Lake's vibrant art galleries and studios showcase the work of talented local and regional artists inspired by the Adirondack landscape. Visitors can browse through diverse collections ranging from traditional landscape paintings to contemporary sculptures, photography, and handcrafted items. The village's rich artistic community contributes to its cultural identity, offering art enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to view and purchase unique pieces that capture the spirit of the Adirondacks.
11. Shopping
UNIQUE ADIRONDACK FINDS
Shopping in downtown Saranac Lake features one-of-a-kind boutiques offering everything from Adirondack-themed souvenirs to locally crafted goods. Visitors can explore shops like the Community Store, Blue Moon Café Gift Shop, and Goody Goody's, each providing a distinctive selection of merchandise not found in chain stores. The village's commitment to supporting independent retailers creates a charming shopping experience where tourists can find authentic mementos of their Adirondack adventure.
12. Dining
ADIRONDACK CULINARY DELIGHTS
Dining in Saranac Lake offers a diverse culinary landscape featuring chef-run eateries and local breweries serving up regional specialties and seasonal fare. Popular establishments like Blue Moon Café, Left Bank Café, and Fiddlehead Bistro showcase fresh ingredients and creative menus that highlight Adirondack flavors. Visitors can enjoy everything from casual pub fare to fine dining, with many restaurants emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients that capture the essence of the region.
13. Hiking
TRAILS FOR ALL ABILITIES
Hiking in Saranac Lake offers a network of trails that weave through town and extend into the surrounding wilderness, providing options for all experience levels. Popular routes include Baker Mountain, Ampersand Mountain, and the more accessible Moody Pond Trail, each offering unique perspectives of the Adirondack landscape. Hikers can enjoy seasonal transformations of the forest, from spring wildflowers to summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter wonderlands, making trail exploration a year-round activity.
14. Fishing
PREMIER ADIRONDACK ANGLING
Fishing in Saranac Lake provides anglers with access to some of the finest freshwater fishing in the Northeast, with opportunities to catch lake trout, northern pike, bass, and various panfish. The interconnected Saranac Chain of Lakes offers diverse fishing environments, from shallow bays to deep water drops, accommodating various fishing techniques and preferences. Local guides and outfitters like Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters can help visitors make the most of their fishing experience, providing equipment, knowledge of local hotspots, and seasonal fishing patterns.
15. Camping
WILDERNESS OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping near Saranac Lake provides outdoor enthusiasts with multiple options to experience the Adirondack wilderness, including developed campgrounds like Fish Creek Pond and Rollins Pond, as well as more primitive island camping on the Saranac Lake islands. These camping destinations offer amenities ranging from basic tent sites to facilities with showers, boat launches, and picnic areas, catering to various comfort levels. The camping experience is enhanced by easy access to water activities, hiking trails, and the village's amenities, creating the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and convenience.