There are lots of things to do in Upstate New York, but if there’s one place there that’s really popular, it’s Lake George. You can find the lake in Adirondack Park and it is over 32 miles long!
Lake George is so popular because there is so much to do there.
It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to spend some quality time with your family, and regardless of where you are on the lake, you will have a fantastic view of the Adirondack mountains.
If you’re considering visiting Lake George but you don’t know where on the lake to visit first, then you have come to the right place!
10 Amazing Things To Do In Lake George Worth The Money
From getting out onto the lake itself all the way to adventure assault courses, there really is no shortage of activities for you to take part in at Lake George.
There is something for everyone at this location and you can easily spend the whole day there.
If you want to find the perfect activity to enjoy when you visit Lake George, read on to find it!
You can find the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course in Bolton Landing, New York, which is a small hamlet on the western side of Lake George.
The adventure course has a plethora of challenges for you to take part in and they range in suitability for people of all ages.
The adventure course includes over 120 obstacles, as well as plenty of other activities such as zip lines, Tarzan jumps, rope swings, cable bridges, slides, nets, and ladders.
The Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course is actually one of the largest aerial parks in the entire US, so if you get the chance to visit, you definitely should!
The park is open regardless of the weather and if you do decide to visit, just make sure that you reserve a spot before you go.
If you go to the east side of Lake George, you will find the beautiful Shelving Rock Falls.
This is a fantastic location to visit if you love to be out in nature, and when you arrive you will find a wonderful 50-foot waterfall that is full of Adirondack water.
This natural beauty isn’t difficult to find or get to either. You can actually access it by car, but if you want to do something a bit more adventurous, you can hire a boat at Log Bay and then take a small 15-minute walk to the falls.
Regardless of how you get there, you won’t be disappointed when you see Shelving Rock Falls for yourself!
If you want to take it a step further, you can even hike up to the top of Shelving Rock Mountain. It’s about a 3.5-mile round trip if you do decide to do the hike, and it’s not too hard either.
If you consider yourself to be a bit of a history enthusiast, then you can’t visit Lake George without visiting the Fort William Henry Museum!
The actual fort was constructed in 1757 and when you arrive, you will feel like you have gone back in time.
There is plenty to see at Fort William Henry. Visitors can explore the historic fort with a self-guided walking tour and there is also an option for a live-action military demonstration.
You can explore the museum itself and the buildings, and you can learn all about this location in New York State during the British colonial era.
All the staff at Fort William Henry are always dressed in traditional garb and they take on the role of British colonists. They are there to answer any questions you may have about the time period and the location.
If you are heading to Lake George during the summer then you will be excited to learn that there is actually a beach on the lake where you can relax and unwind in the sun.
Million Dollar Beach is a part of Lake George Beach State Park and it can be found in the southern basin of the lake.
This beach is the most popular beach on the whole lake and it’s no real surprise as to why.
The sand is always clean and well-maintained, and there are plenty of bathhouses with showers, bathrooms, and locker rooms. There are even lifeguards at Million Dollar Beach to make you feel extra safe.
You can easily spend the whole day at this beach and it’s perfect for anyone who wants a beach experience without having to visit one of the US coasts!
If you like thrills and you are a bit of a horror fan, then you definitely need to check out the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum!
This haunted house attraction is a sensory experience and there are over 50 exhibits for you to explore in your own time.
This attraction is not suitable for kids though, so be warned! It might seem a little novel on the outside, but the scares and thrills are very real once you get inside and immerse yourself!
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to do something a bit different and enjoys a bit of horror.
You do have to book a slot ahead of time, so make sure you have that sorted before you visit!
This is another great activity for you to do if you want to immerse yourself in nature, but want to do so from the comfort of your own car.
There is just over a 5.5 miles stretch of scenic highway for you to drive through on the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway and you will get incredible views of both Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.
The highway itself will actually take you all the way up to the 2,030-foot summit of Prospect Mountain, which is perfect for anyone who wants to reach the top but can’t hike it.
The views from the top of the mountain stretch out over 100 miles and it truly is a sight to behold once you are there.
The highway is open between May and November, so if you want to see it for yourself, make sure you go on those dates.
If you are visiting Lake George, you can’t go without visiting the Sagamore Resort!
This resort is actually considered to be one of the very best in the whole of the Northeast US area, and it’s absolutely worth spending a bit of extra money to experience it (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Saratoga Springs“).
You can find Sagamore Resort on a secluded 70-acre island, and you can choose to stay in the Historic Hotel or lakeside lodges.
This is one of the most scenic areas on the whole lake, and the resort itself has attracted so many people since it was opened in the late 19th century.
Even if you don’t spend the night, you can still visit the many restaurants and on-site spa!
Formerly known as Adirondack Camping Village, the Lake George Camping Village is the perfect place to visit when you want to camp with your family and spend a few days in nature.
Regardless of what kind of camping you want to do, the camping village caters to your every need! RV Camping is welcome, as is tent camping and there is plenty of room for everyone who visits.
This is one of the most scenic places to camp in New York and you will definitely feel relaxed when you camp here for yourself.
There are three steamboats in the fleet at Lake George, Lac du Saint Sacrement, Minne Ha Ha, and Mohican, and each of these boats will take you out onto the gorgeous lake and really immerse you in the area.
You will get a fantastic view of the Adirondack mountains, and you will be able to see Lake George from a perspective you would never find while on land.
These steamboat cruises are perfect for all ages and you can choose between public or private versions.
If you are in the mood for some retail therapy when you visit Lake George, then you will be happy to know that there is an outlet mall not too far from the lake.
Adirondack Outlet Mall is the perfect place to visit when you want some new clothes, camping gear, food, and so much more, all at outlet prices!
The mall is also home to lots of fun events, such as the food and wine festival and even a national car show!
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
