Lake Placid, New York
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: small-town charm, sporting heritage
Surrounded by the Adirondack High Peaks, Lake Placid is a mountain village rich in Olympic history and outdoor adventure. From paddling calm waters to reliving gold-medal moments, this former Winter Games host is a year-round playground for athletes, families, and nature lovers.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum – Explore Winter Games history through exhibits featuring athlete memorabilia, parade uniforms, and footage from the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
- Experience the Olympic Sports Complex – Ride a bobsled or try the luge track. At the Olympic Jumping Complex, take in sweeping views from the top of the Olympic ski jumps.
- Ride the Gondola – Take the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the top of Little Whiteface Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Placid and the surrounding Adirondack peaks.
- Paddle on Mirror Lake – Rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP to glide across this peaceful, motor-free lake right in the heart of downtown Lake Placid.
- Bike or Walk the Adirondack Rail Trail – Traverse this 34-mile scenic route linking Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake through forests, wetlands, and mountain lakes.
Recommended Reading: Miracle in Lake Placid takes a closer look at the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” exploring the players, strategy, and cultural impact of the U.S.–USSR game. Drawing on firsthand reporting, it explains why this moment still resonates in American sports history.
Photo Credit: Chen Liu/Unsplash