Lake Placid Travel Guide

Probably best known as the venue for the 1980 Winter Olympics, tiny Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains in Essex County, New York is named after the nearby lake. The village is popular as a winter sport destination, while summers are ideal for fishing, camping and hiking.

Winter sports enthusiasts will find excellent ski slopes and cross country tracks. Experience the thrill of riding down one of just three bobsled tracks on the North and South American continents. Go dog sledding or strap on your skates to emulate Eric Heiden on the oval where he won his five Olympic gold medals.

Nearby Whiteface Mountain, also called ‘Iceface’, features some of the most challenging skiing and snowboarding in the US. Lake Placid is also the perfect base for climbing the 46 high peaks in the Adirondack Mountains, while the best fishing can be found near the West Branch of the Au Sable.

Highlights

Adirondack Scenic Railroad: offers a scenic 20-mile round trip from Lake Placid Station to Saranac Lake Union Depot, letting passengers stop off on the way.

Lake Placid: with its two large islands is the ideal spot for boating and water skiing, spanning 2,170 acres.

Mirror Lake: is surrounded by a beautiful walking track and closed to motor boats, so is perfect for swimming and paddling.

1932 & 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum: tells the story of the two winter games through videos, participants’ uniforms and Olympic paraphernalia including medals and torches.