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26 Best Summer Activities in Lake Placid, NY

26 Best Summer Activities in Lake Placid, NY

Lake Placid, New York, is the ideal summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover all of the exciting things to do in this beautiful area during your next Lake Placid vacation!

1. Take a Lake Placid Boat Tour

There are a variety of boat tours available in Lake Placid, from tubing to skiing. I would recommend renting a motorboat or signing up for one of the boat tours to get out on the lake.

Boat tours available in Lake Placid include Echo Bay, Whiteface Mountain, and tubing. The safety precautions and service of the team are top-notch.

Placid water boat marina

2. Fishing

Lake Placid is a great place to fish because it is close to great fishing spots. There are many different types of fishing to do in Lake Placid. Fishing in a pristine lake in the depths of the Adirondack Mountains is a great experience. Some popular spots for fishing in Lake Placid are Mirror Lake, Ausable River, Lake Placid, and Upper Saranac Lake.

Fishing on the pier

3. Go on a sunrise boat tour.

A sunrise boat tour is a scenic boat ride that takes place during sunrise. The tour will take you around the beautiful Catskill Mountains in New York.

The views are magnificent, and the ride is smooth and relaxing. You can also learn waterskiing and wakeboarding if you’re not a morning person!

Purple sky on sea during sunset

4. Kayaking

A kayaking trip is a fun way to explore the waters of Lake Placid. The lake has many hidden treasures that you can only see up close, such as waterfalls and beautiful caves.

Lake Placid is a great place for kayaking, and the scenery is breathtaking. You will want to take your camera along with you because there are many picture-perfect places to snap a shot.

The water is very clear, and you can see the bottom of the lake, which is excellent if you are interested in seeing fish or other wildlife. You will also be able to enjoy the beautiful mountains that surround the lake.

Kayak paddling

5. Visit High Falls Gorge

High Falls Gorge is a gorgeous spot in Lake Placid, New York, with four waterfalls and easy hiking trails. The best time to visit is in the spring or summer when the falls are at their peak, but you can visit the gorge year-round.

In winter, you’ll need snowshoes or Yaktrax to get around on the snowy trails. The Insider travel recommendation for High Falls Gorge hiking is excellent, as it’s great for locals and tourists alike. Restaurants and hotels are nearby, making it a perfect spot for a day trip from Lake Placid.

a rocky river with trees on the side of a mountain

6. Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a great way to get exercise and see beautiful scenery. However, it is important to stay on designated trails and avoid muddy trails in order to protect the trails. A local mountain biking guide service can help you plan your route and stay safe while enjoying the sport. Lake Placid is an extraordinary place to visit. If you are looking for an affordable vacation destination, this is the perfect spot for your family.

a person standing next to a tree in a forest

7. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is a great activity for gaining perspective and a new view of the high peaks of the Adirondacks. It is important to have the proper equipment and training before attempting this activity. Rock climbing can be fun for all ages, so don’t let your age stop you!

Lake Placid has many rock climbing locations. The Adirondack Rock Gym is your best bet if you are looking for a great place to start.

Rock climber scaling steep rock face

8. Eat at excellent Restaurants.

Dancing Bears Restaurant is a popular restaurant in Lake Placid that offers a range of menu options, including breakfast and dinner. The restaurant has a great selection of Adirondack-inspired food, making it a great place to get a taste of the region.

Kanu Dining Room is another excellent choice for those looking for delicious food and stunning views of the mountains. The family-owned restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, all of which are sure to please.

a group of people sitting at a table eating food

9. Check out The Wild Center

The Wild Center is a place where people can go to have fun and learn about the environment. The Wild Walk is a treetop trail that offers a different perspective on the world. The iForest is another attraction at The Wild Center, where people can learn about the environment. The Wild Center has an indoor component as well as an outdoor one.

building near a forest

10. Stay at Excellent Hotels

The Hampton Inn & Suites in Lake Placid is an excellent option for families on a budget. The hotel offers a variety of activities, including nightly entertainment and S’Mores by the campfire.

The average price tag for a hotel in Mirror Lake is out of reach for the average family, but the Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid has excellent rates during the summer months. The room has a king bed and a pull-out couch, which will be suitable for another year. The breakfast is included, and the waffles are delicious.

Hotel registration

11. Visit the Cascade X-C Ski Center

The Cascade Cross Country Center is a ski shop, restaurant, and bunkhouse in Lake Placid. The center has 14 miles of groomed trails and is a ski outfitter, restaurant, and shop. The ski center offers a range of activities, including cross-country skiing. The ski center is located in a beautiful mountain lodge. The ski center has a bunkhouse that can sleep up to 30 people and a restaurant.

The Cascade Cross Country Center offers skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails. The center is known for its festive atmosphere and community events. The Cascade Cross Country Center offers affordable activities such as skiing and snowboarding. The center is in Lake Placid, NY, and is a must-visit for anyone visiting that area.

a car covered in snow

12. Take a tour at Herb Brooks Arena.

The Herb Brooks Arena is a hockey arena in Lake Placid. It is home to the Lake Placid Ice Dogs, and renovations started just before our visit. The arena has three indoor skating arenas and one outdoor rink.

The arena is home to many figure skating accomplishments, such as that of 16-year-old Sonja Henie, who became an Olympic gold medalist in 1932. The Herb Brooks Arena is where locals can skate all winter long. The arena frequently holds events like Stars on Ice hockey games and figure skating competitions.

The Herb Brooks Arena is one of the main attractions in Lake Placid. The arena has 16 indoor skating rinks and one outdoor rink. The arena is home to many Olympic-level events, including the US men’s hockey team’s gold medal victory in 1980. The arena is also home to figure skating events and local skating competitions.

The Herb Brooks Arena is a great place to go for summer activities. The arena is named after Herb Brooks, the United States Olympic Ice Hockey Team coach in 1980, who led them to a Miracle on Ice victory over the Soviet Union. The arena hosts figure skating and ice hockey competitions, among other events.

Herb Brooks Arena

13. Olympic Ski Jump Complex

The Olympic Ski Jump Complex is a gondola, jumps, and zipline open to the public. It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The zipline allows visitors to experience the exhilaration of flight without having to jump.

The Olympic Ski Jump Complex is an open area where visitors can ski, jump, and run. The Olympic Ski Jump Complex is a great summer activity because it is open all week and has a lot of different activities for people to do.

a view of a mountain

14. Go Hiking at Jack Rabbit Trail

The Jack Rabbit Trail is a 50 km long cross-country ski trail that connects four ski centers in the area. The Adirondack Ski Touring Council maintains the track and connects populated regions. The Jack Rabbit Trail is a great way to enjoy scenic skiing and wilderness. The Jack Rabbit Trail is a well-marked path that skiers can use to avoid paying trail fees.

The Jack Rabbit Trail is famous among summer visitors to Lake Placid because it provides access to beautiful wilderness scenery, challenging terrain, and other trails in the area. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels.

 Hiking at Jack Rabbit Trail

15. Take a Walk at John Brown Farm

The John Brown Farm is a National Park Service property that is open to the public for tours. The property includes barns, root cellars, a blacksmith shop, a gristmill, a carriage house, and other small structures. If you’re lucky (or very quiet), you may be able to see historic reenactors working around the farm. The farm is open from 10 am-5 pm during the summer and 9 am-4 pm during the winter.

John Brown Farm is the home of John Brown, an insurrectionist who attempted to establish a community for freed slaves and abolitionists. The farm features hiking trails, a small cemetery, and the opportunity to tour the property’s historical buildings. The John Brown Farm is a National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site. It occasionally has events, lectures, and Civil War encampments.

A sky view looking up at night

17. Lake Placid Olympic Museum

The Lake Placid Olympic Museum celebrates the history of Olympic athletics in Lake Placid and the surrounding area. The Museum is open year-round, and admission is free.

The Museum contains a range of exhibits about the history of the Olympics and athletic achievements. The Museum is located in the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, and it is open to the public.

The Museum hosted the Olympic torch when it went around the United States before the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, and it hosts the annual Lake Placid film forum. The Museum opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm Monday through Saturday and 1 pm on Sunday.

A vase of flowers on a table

18. Visit The ADK Aquatics

ADK Aquatics is a water sports company that offers lessons and tours in Lake Placid, New York. They have a variety of activities available for both adults and children, including wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and fishing. Prices for their services vary depending on the activity selected.

a man riding on the back of a boat in a body of water

19. Lake Placid Sleigh Rides

If you’re looking for a romantic way to explore the Olympic Village, consider a sleigh ride from Lake Placid Sleigh Rides. The horses are healthy and strong, and the experience is unforgettable, no matter the weather.

The sleigh rides are open from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day and start at $50 per person. You’ll need to book your ride in advance.

a man riding a horse drawn carriage

20. Visit The North Elba Historical Society Museum

The Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the Lake Placid region and the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The Museum has many historical materials, including books, photographs, period clothing, and more.

Admission is only $5 per person, and children under 12 are free to visit. The Museum is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

Museum Visitor Taking Photo of Painting

21. The Spa at Mirror Lake Inn

The Spa at Mirror Lake Inn offers various services, including manicures, pedicures, and hair treatments. The Spa at Mirror Lake Inn has received numerous awards, including AAA Four Diamond Award. The Spa offers cryotherapy, salt therapy, and fitness and wellness services.

The Spa also has a fitness center with a 60-foot indoor lap pool, whirlpool, sauna, gym, and yoga studio. It is essential to book your appointment in advance before visiting!

Spa services offered include romantic weekend getaways, spa treatments, and salon services. Services are restricted due to COVID-19 restrictions. Call ahead for more information.

Woman relaxing from a spa treatment

22. Enjoy Boots and Birdies Miniature Golf

The Boots and Birdies Miniature Golf course is an 18-hole miniature golf course that is family owned and operated. The course is set in the beautiful Adirondack mountains, giving players a great view of the area. The course encourages friendly competition and provides a fun environment for families to bond.

The Boots and Birdies Miniature Golf course features a custom mining sluice. After the game, children can explore the treasure-hunting area. The Boots and Birdies Miniature Golf course has music throughout the summer, with different weekly concerts. Tuesday evenings are free to play with your food and drink.

Boots and Birdies offer guests a western-themed 18-hole miniature golf course with views of the Adirondack mountains. Every Tuesday evening, entry is free. National touring bands have played at Boots and Birdies, including The Weight, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, Rusted Root, and two-time veterans. Mid’s Park is a nearby picnic spot for live music under the stars.

Woman playing miniature golf

23. Visit Adirondack Foot Sanctuary

The Adirondack Foot Sanctuary is a great place to relax and rejuvenate your feet. The sanctuary uses natural ingredients and aromas to target different aspects of your health.

Various treatments are available, such as foot soaks with detoxifying Himalayan salt. The Adirondack Foot Sanctuary offers a variety of treatments to help improve your summertime experience.

feet are next to boards with nails

24. Take a Bite At Smoke Signals

Smoke Signals is a restaurant in Lake Placid, NY, that specializes in BBQ. All of their BBQ is smoked in-house, giving it a unique flavor you can taste (and smell). It can be challenging to get a table at Smoke Signals since it’s so popular, but they do offer an electronic waitlist. If you’re looking for something familiar but new, Smoke Signals is a great option.

The atmosphere at Smoke Signals is very inviting, and there’s something on the menu for everyone. Families with young children will appreciate that the restaurant is open from Thursdays to Tuesdays. You can also choose to dine indoors or outdoors with a great view of the lake.

Cooking of raw lamb chop steaks on barbecue, outdoor BBQ grill with fire. Top view

25. Dining at Mirror Lake Inn

The Mirror Lake Inn is a four-diamond resort in Lake Placid, New York. The resort offers a variety of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual comfort food. The View Restaurant and The Cottage Restaurant offer award-winning menus with fresh ingredients.

The View is known for its luxurious dishes, such as truffle cauliflower potage and Faroe Island salmon. The Cottage is also delicious, with a great selection of wines and beers. Some of their standout dishes include cottage chili, fresh pastrami sandwiches, and flatbread pizzas. The nachos are also full of toppings and very tasty. If you’re looking for a good time, be sure to check out The Dancing Bears.

an empty road with trees on the side of the street

26. Get your Morning Meal at The Breakfast Club, Etc.

The Breakfast Club Etc. is a great place to have breakfast in Lake Placid during the summer. The food is homemade and has received much attention from locals and guests over the years.

The Breakfast Club is a great place to go for a summer vacation in Lake Placid because they have various food options, including unique breakfast sandwiches and drinks. The portions are enormous, and it’s worth trying everything on their menu!

Close Up Of Couple At Table In Traditional English Pub Eating Breakfast


FAQs

What are the different types of activities available in Lake Placid, NY?

Various outdoor activities are available in Lake Placid, NY, including running, hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing. There are a variety of trails to explore in Lake Placid, NY. The Corridor Trail is the most popular trail and is less than a mile long.

The Corridor Trail is the shortest and has access to the other three trails. The Boundary Trail is the longest and climbs up to a ridge. In the winter, all trails are open for snowshoeing and skiing.

There are a lot of activities to do in Lake Placid, NY, even between peak seasons. Activities like kayaking and hiking are open all year round. There are definitely more activities to do in peak seasons than what is listed here! Lake Placid may be sleepy in April due to the weather. Be sure to research what will be open before visiting to avoid disappointment.

What is the best time of year to visit Lake Placid, NY?

The best time to visit Lake Placid, NY, is in the summer. Be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting, as many places close during springtime. The peak seasons are winter and summer, so attractions are closed during spring.

However, there are plenty of things to do in Lake Placid, even between peak seasons. The best time to visit is in the summer when the weather is warm, and there are fewer restrictions on activity.

What are the most popular activities in Lake Placid, NY?

There are many popular activities to do in Lake Placid, New York. One of the most popular things to do is to explore the various trails available in the area, including the Corridor Trail, Lake Shore Trail, Boundary Trail, and Ridge Trail.

These trails are relatively easy and short but provide unique experiences that vary depending on the time of year. Another popular activity is to take a day trip to one of the nearby lakes, such as Saranac Lake, Lake George, or Tupper Lake.

Each of these lakes has its own unique scenery and activities to enjoy, such as swimming, fishing, boating, and sunbathing. Getting a license before participating in any water sports activities at Tupper Lake is essential.

What is the least popular activity in Lake Placid, NY?

Ice fishing is not one of the most popular activities in Lake Placid, NY. In the winter, Lake Placid is famous for skiing and snowshoeing. Lake Placid, NY’s population is much smaller in the winter than in the summer when tourism peaks.

What are the best summer activities for families in Lake Placid, NY?

Lake Placid is the perfect place to spend a weekend with your family. Plenty of activities keep everyone entertained, including swimming, rafting, kayaking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. The lake is also great for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

What are the best summer activities for couples in Lake Placid, NY?

Lake Placid is a beautiful location to spend the summer with your significant other. You are sure to make lasting memories together with many activities available for couples, such as docks for cannonballs, boat rides, and watching sunsets together.

What are the best summer activities for groups in Lake Placid, NY?

The best summer activities for groups in Lake Placid, NY, are generally outdoor adventures. There is a lot of hiking and biking to be done around the area that can make any group trip more memorable.