Things To Do

The Olympic Center

Walk through the Olympic Center and you’ll see hallways adorned with plaques and banners toting the achievements of past Olympians. You’ll find the 1932 Jack Shea Arena, 1980 Herb Brooks Arena (a miracle happened here... on ice), USA Practice Rink, James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval and the Olympic Museum Exhibit Gallery.

Mirror Lake

Take a stroll around Lake Placid's iconic Mirror Lake! The trail is 2.6 miles long, great for running or walking.

Mount Van Hoevenberg

A place for both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs! Mount Von Hoevenburg is one of our favorite hikes in Lake Placid because it is a leisurely hike with beautiful views. If you forgot to pack your hiking boots you can ride the longest coaster in North America that takes you to the top of the mountain (you can control the speed). There is a speaker inside the cart that provides a history of the Olympics in Lake Placid. If you are feeling brave you can even ride down the bobsled course!

Whiteface Mountain

Not a beginner hike! 10.1 mile out and back with breathtaking views. This is one of the 46 high peaks! You can also take the Gondola to the top when you purchase a ticket! It may be icy at the top so if you plan to hike it bring crampons.

Big Slide Brewery & Public House

Our favorite brewery in Lake Placid. The food is great and the beer is even better. We recommend sampling the hot pepper pale ale with an order of poutine!

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

Smoke Signals

Our favorite place in Lake Placid to get wings and a bloody mary!

Hex and Hop Brewing

Big Mountain Deli & Crêperie

One of our favorite places to get a sandwich after a day of hiking! If you are looking for a place to get breakfast we recommend s'mores crepe!

Noon Mark Diner

If you're traveling through Keene Valley, Noon Mark Diner is a MUST stop to get one of their pies.

The Saranac Laboratory Museum

Built in 1894, The Saranac Laboratory was the first lab built in the U.S. for the research of tuberculosis. Historic Saranac Lake rehabilitated the building and opened it as a museum in 2009.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center has a 54,000-square-foot indoor space, swimming with live exhibits including river otters, multi-media shows and tons of hands-on experiences. There are trails, guided canoe trips on the river that runs by the Center’s campus, and a staff ready and willing to show you around, and answer questions about anything having to do with the wild world of the Adirondacks

High Falls Gorge

A 30-minute walk with beautiful views of several waterfalls.

Ausable Chasm

Hike, float and/or climb as you go back in time as you experience one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States (Est. 1870). Immerse yourself in a primeval Adirondack forest as you stroll past Rainbow Falls, Elephant's Head, Column Rock, Hyde's Cave and the eerie quiet of Mystic Gorge. Descend hundreds of feet to walk on natural stone walkways and gaze upon eons of geologic history etched in stone.

Mount Jo Trail

A great hike for beginners with a beautiful view of Heart Lake and the High Peaks!

Shopping!

In both Lake Placid and Saranac Lake there's plenty of shopping for clothing, souvenirs and snacks (we recommend stopping at Adirondack Popcorn Co.).