Lake Placid, New York

Main Street in Lake Placid curves along the shore of Mirror Lake, and from almost any bench on it you can see the High Peaks of the Adirondacks stacked up beyond the water. The village hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1980, and the Games never really left. Speed skaters still circle the oval in front of the high school, ski jumpers still launch from the towers outside town, and the arena where the 1980 U.S. hockey team pulled off the Miracle on Ice is open to visitors.

Yet Lake Placid is just as much a summer and fall town: canoes on glassy water, hiking trails into New York's highest mountains, and October hillsides burning orange and red. It is our Editor's Pick for travelers who want sport, scenery and a walkable village in one trip.

Why is Lake Placid worth visiting?

Lake Placid combines real Olympic history with direct access to the Adirondack High Peaks, all from a small, walkable village. Few towns let you stand in an Olympic arena in the morning and summit a mountain in the afternoon.

The Olympic venues are managed today as the Lake Placid Legacy Sites: the Olympic Center, the Olympic Jumping Complex, Mt Van Hoevenberg and Whiteface Mountain. Around them sits Adirondack Park, the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, with lakes, rivers and trailheads in every direction.

When is the best time to visit Lake Placid?

Each season has a distinct personality, so the best time depends on what you want to do. Summer and early fall are ideal for hiking and paddling; winter is for skiing, skating and Olympic thrills.

• Spring: A quiet shoulder season. Lower trails dry out first, while high-elevation trails often stay muddy into late spring, so check trail advisories before hiking.
• Summer: Warm days on Mirror Lake and Lake Placid itself, with paddling, swimming, outdoor concerts and the full slate of Legacy Sites summer attractions.
• Fall: Adirondack foliage typically peaks from late September into early October, with color arriving first at higher elevations. Book lodging early for those weekends.
• Winter: Skiing at Whiteface, cross-country trails at Mt Van Hoevenberg, public skating at the Olympic oval and the town's toboggan chute onto frozen Mirror Lake when conditions allow.

What are the top things to do in Lake Placid?

Olympic Center and Lake Placid Olympic Museum

The Olympic Center houses the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, the 1932 Jack Shea Arena and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which displays torches, uniforms and memorabilia from both Lake Placid Games. Out front, the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval is where Eric Heiden won five gold medals in 1980.

Olympic Jumping Complex

The ski jump towers are visible for miles. A skyride and glass elevator take visitors up for a jumper's eye view over the Adirondacks, and athletes often train here in summer as well as winter.

Mt Van Hoevenberg

Home of the bobsled, luge and skeleton track, Mt Van Hoevenberg offers seasonal experiences such as the Cliffside Coaster, which follows the line of the 1980 bobsled run, plus an extensive cross-country ski and trail network.

Whiteface Mountain and the Veterans' Memorial Highway

Whiteface hosted the alpine events in 1980 and remains a major ski area. In the warmer months, the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway climbs more than 2,300 feet in about five miles, and it is typically open from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting.

Hiking the High Peaks

Mount Jo near Heart Lake is a popular shorter climb with big views, while the 46 High Peaks draw serious hikers. Some trailheads in the High Peaks region have required parking reservations in recent seasons, so check current rules before you go, and always carry the right gear for fast-changing mountain weather.

Where should you eat and stay in Lake Placid?

Main Street is lined with cafes, pubs, bakeries and restaurants, many with views across Mirror Lake. Expect hearty Adirondack fare, local craft beer and plenty of spots for a warming drink after a day outdoors.

Lodging ranges from historic lakeside resorts and classic Adirondack lodges to motels, inns, vacation rentals and campgrounds in the surrounding forest. Staying within walking distance of Main Street lets you park once and explore on foot.

How do you get to Lake Placid?

Lake Placid sits in the northeastern Adirondacks, reached by scenic two-lane roads such as State Route 73 and State Route 86. The nearest commercial service is Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, and larger airports in Albany, Burlington and Plattsburgh are a few hours' drive or less.

Plan your visit

• Official visitor site: LakePlacid.com for lodging, dining, events and trail information
• Olympic venues: Lake Placid Legacy Sites for hours, tickets and seasonal attractions
• Best for: winter sports, fall foliage, summer paddling and High Peaks hiking
• Tip: Book fall foliage and holiday weekends well ahead

Find more Editor's Pick guides in our destinations directory, or browse more winter travel ideas.