This town is located in the Adirondack Mountains and it is absolutely surrounded by picturesque lakes that will take your breath away.
On the surface, there might not seem like there is much to do in Lake Placid, but you will be happy to know that this isn’t the case at all!
Lake Placid is the perfect place to go on a weekend getaway and there are plenty of locations and attractions that will keep you entertained for days.
If you are planning a trip to Lake Placid, then you have come to the right place! We have put together a list of 10 absolutely amazing things to do in Lake Placid that are definitely worth the money (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Central Park“).
There is something for everyone on this list and you are sure to find the perfect activity for you and your family.
The Wild Center is perfect for anyone who is interested in the local wildlife surrounding the Adirondacks.
Here, you will be able to learn more about the animals and ecosystems of the Adirondack Mountains and you will even be able to see some of the wildlife when you get there.
Located right next to Tupper Lake, The Wild Center is popular amongst both tourists and locals and all of the exhibits are incredibly informative.
It will give you a much better understanding of the area and the whole center is incredibly stunning and picturesque.
There is plenty of wildlife for you to see when you visit The Wild Center, some of which include owls, snakes, and porcupines!
Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks”, the Ausable Chasm is made up of craggy sandstone cliffs and it is truly a sight to behold. You can find the Ausable Chasm forty-five minutes to the northeast of Lake Placid.
Tourists have been visiting the chasm since the 1870s and it is actually the oldest natural attraction in the entire United States.
The cliffs rise high above the Ausable River and it’s the perfect place to go when you want to spend the afternoon outdoors. You are welcome to take as many pictures as you want to, and when you see it for yourself you definitely will.
You can even raft along the river below if you are feeling a bit more daring and adventurous, so if you are planning a trip to Lake Placid, make sure you stop by at the Ausable Chasm.
In 1894, John Brown moved to what is now the historic site to assist freed slaves in creating and establishing their own self-sufficient farming community.
Unfortunately, John Brown was arrested and imprisoned and was later executed, but the legacy of his deeds has been preserved on the farm.
This historic site is incredibly well-preserved and when you visit, you will feel like you have been transported back to the late 1800s. You can learn more about John Brown and all of the freed slaves who ended up living there, and it’s a truly humbling experience.
There is even a memorial for John Brown on the farm, which tourists and visitors can go to see when they arrive there.
Lake Placid has a long history with winter sports and the Olympics, and at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, you can learn a lot more about that history.
You will find lots of incredible memorabilia, artifacts, and exhibits here, and it’s definitely worth visiting if you want to learn more about the city’s sports history.
The museum offers an in-depth look into both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games and how both of those games left a long-lasting impact on Lake Placid.
Even if you aren’t a fan of the Olympics, you can still spend hours at the museum with ease.
Mirror Lake is another location in Lake Placid that you absolutely have to visit, especially if you love being out on the water.
From the lake, you will have an absolutely fantastic view of the Adirondack High Peaks and the whole area is incredibly picturesque and peaceful.
The lake is an incredibly popular place to go kayaking and canoeing and you will find lots of people on the lake doing just that. Even if you have never tried kayaking or canoeing before, this is the perfect place to test it out.
No motorboats are allowed on Mirror Lake, and while that might seem like a con to most people, it’s actually one of the biggest reasons why Mirror Lake is such a calm and tranquil place.
If you need a healthy dose of nature and you want to feel zen, you definitely need to visit the lake and take in the beautiful surroundings!
If you are more of a thrill seeker and you want to do something fast-paced, then the Bobsled and Luge Complex might be just what you are looking for.
This Olympic site is located just ten minutes from the center of Lake Placid, and it twists and turns all the way down the side of Mount Van Hoevenberg.
The Bobsled and Luge Complex is now a historic site and it is considered to be one of the most challenging bobsled tracks out there.
You will have lots of fun just exploring the track and learning more about it, but if you really do want to experience some thrills, you can book a ride for yourself.
Because it is so challenging, you cannot do the track alone, but you will be sat in between a professional driver and a brakeman, so you will get a true Olympic Bobsled experience!
Whiteface Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks and the state of New York, and if you like to hike, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Lake Placid and the surrounding areas when you get to the top.
There are plenty of outdoor activities here for you to enjoy in the summer, but Whiteface Mountain is also home to a very popular ski resort that people flock to in the winter.
Whiteface Mountain reaches a height of 4,865 feet, so whether you are hiking or skiing, you are going to get to do it at incredible heights.
If you would rather visit in the summer, there are plenty of bike tracks for you to enjoy, you can also play some disc golf, and if you like to drive you can visit the stunning Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway.
High Falls Gorge is another natural site that is absolutely breathtaking when you see it in person. It’s about a ten-minute drive from Lake Placid, so it’s really easy to get to.
It is actually found at the foot of Whiteface Mountain and the gorge is home to many incredibly beautiful waterfalls that cascade into the crevasse below.
Surrounded by forests and bridges, you won’t be able to get enough of High Falls Gorge and it will really take your breath away.
Like the Ausable Chasm, High Falls Gorge is the perfect place to go on a picturesque hike and you will have the opportunity to take many incredible photos while you are there.
Lake Placid is honestly one of the best places to visit when you want to spend time in nature, and another place you should definitely visit is the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails.
These trails can be found ten minutes away from Lake Placid and they are incredibly beautiful.
There are four different trails that you can explore, and each of them will take you through lush forests and rolling hills, and you will have an excellent view of Lake Placid too.
You can walk, run, or bike through the trails, and whichever method you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful time.
Each trail has something unique to offer, so you will definitely want to try them all if you have the time!
The Speed Skating Oval is located right in the center of Lake Placid and it is a historic site that has hosted many Winter games, including the Winter Olympics!
This is the perfect place to visit if you are a fan of winter sports because if you go on the right day you can actually watch them take place.
What makes the Speed Skating Oval even better is the fact that visitors can take to the ice themselves.
You will be able to skate alongside other enthusiasts and you may even come across some Winter Olympic skaters while you are there!
Conclusion
If you find yourself in Lake Placid, try some of these activities out for yourself. There is plenty to do in Lake Placid and you will enjoy every single thing you try (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Lake George“)!
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!
