Best Things to Do in Lake Placid NY for a Winter Getaway

Location: Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is steeped in Olympic history, having hosted the Winter Olympics in both 1932 and 1980. It is one of the only places in the world to have hosted the games twice, and that legacy is still very much alive today. The region is a hub for winter sports, and visiting the training facilities while athletes are practicing or competing is an experience you won’t forget.

There are so many things to do in Lake Placid NY in the winter that you could easily fill several days. We spent three nights here and still didn’t get to everything on our list.

Our trip began in central Massachusetts on a warm April day, but as we made the five-hour drive into the Adirondacks, it felt like we traveled through multiple seasons. By the time we arrived, we were in the middle of a full snowstorm. Lake Placid is known for its long winter season, and the steady snowfall makes it a dream destination for winter lovers.

Things to Do in Lake Placid NY (Winter Guide)

1. Visit the Olympic Center and Olympic Museum

Start your trip at the Olympic Center. This is one of the most important stops when planning things to do in Lake Placid NY because it gives you the full history behind the area.

The Olympic Museum is interactive and engaging for kids. My kids loved sitting in a bobsled and imagining what it feels like to race down the track. If a guided tour is available, it is worth it. We learned so much more with a guide.

We also watched a short documentary about the Miracle on Ice. This ice hockey game during the 1980 Winter Olympics was played between the United States and the Soviet Union.

In one of the most dramatic upsets in sports history. The underdog U.S. hockey team, made up of college players, defeated the four-time defending gold-medal winning Soviet team.

At a time when U.S. power seemed in decline, the Miracle on Ice enabled millions of American viewers to imagine a different future, in which the United States, with its courage, and tenacity, triumphed over the Soviet Union. It was so much more than a game.

After exiting the museum, head to the Herb Brooks Arena, which is where the Miracle on Ice game was played. I got the chills just walking into the arena. Be sure to visit Locker Room 5, where Herb Brooks gave his famous speech…

“Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that’s what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. One game; if we played them ten times, they might win nine. But not this game, not tonight.“

You can also visit the outdoor speed skating oval, where Eric Heiden won five gold medals during the 1980 Olympics.

2. Ride the Skyride at the Olympic Jumping Complex

The Olympic Jumping Complex is another must when looking for unique things to do in Lake Placid NY.

Take the gondola to the base of the towers, then ride the glass elevator up to the observation deck. On a clear day, you will have a panoramic view of the Adirondacks. If you are comfortable with heights, you can climb the final staircase to the jump platform where athletes launch themselves into the air.

Even if no one is jumping during your visit, it is still a fascinating experience.

3. Explore Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Mt. Van Hoevenberg was one of our favorite stops and a highlight of all the things to do in Lake Placid NY. This modern Olympic facility offers a wide range of activities, along with a great café where we stopped for lunch.

During our visit, we were lucky enough to watch a bobsled competition. We walked along the track to take in different viewpoints, which gave us a close look at just how fast these athletes move. If you prefer not to walk up the steep hill, there is a shuttle that brings visitors up to the starting line.

I highly recommend making your way up if you can. Watching the athletes sprint and launch themselves into their sleds is an unforgettable experience.

For those looking for a thrill, you can book a bobsled ride and experience the track for yourself. In addition to bobsledding, Mt. Van Hoevenberg also offers cross country skiing trails, an indoor climbing wall, and a variety of seasonal events, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Lake Placid NY year-round.

4. Try the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute

One of the most classic things to do in Lake Placid NY in winter is the toboggan chute on Mirror Lake.

This historic attraction sends you flying down an icy track onto the frozen lake. On the right day, you can glide across the ice for hundreds of feet. It typically opens in January once the ice is thick enough, so be sure to check conditions before you go.

5. Go Dog Sledding on Mirror Lake

Dog sledding was a highlight for my kids. We found the sled teams set up right on Mirror Lake. The ride is short, about 10 minutes, which makes it perfect for families with younger kids. It is also surprisingly affordable compared to other places.

We rode with Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours and they were wonderful. There is also another team that leaves from the Golden Arrow Resort. This is a another weather-dependent activity. The Mushers (guides) will determine daily if the ice is safe and conditions are suitable.

This is one of those unforgettable things to do in Lake Placid NY that kids will talk about long after your trip.

6. Ski Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain is one of the top ski destinations on the East Coast and a must for anyone planning winter things to do in Lake Placid NY.

The mountain has 90 trails, including the greatest vertical drop on the east coast. It is also famous for The Slides. A series of steep, narrow chutes, this is expert-only terrain. This double-black-diamond wilderness skiing is accessible by hiking from the top of the Summit Quad.

7. Stroll Through Downtown Lake Placid

Downtown Lake Placid has that classic ski town feel, with shops and restaurants lining Mirror Lake.

We loved exploring the local stores. A few favorites included:

Just Bead It for making jewelry
Big Mountain Deli for incredible sandwiches
The Bookstore Plus for browsing
Imagination Station for kids
Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery for over-the-top hot chocolate and milkshakes

8. Visit the John Brown Farm State Historic Site

For a bit of history, add the John Brown Farm State Historic Site to your list of things to do in Lake Placid NY. Located just a short drive from town, this peaceful spot offers a quiet and reflective experience.

On October 16, 1859, Abolitionist John Brown and his followers carried out a raid on the U.S. Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, hoping to spark a larger effort to end slavery in the South. He was captured just two days later and executed on December 2, 1859. His body was returned to North Elba and laid to rest in front of his home. Years later, the remains of several of his followers were also brought here, creating the small cemetery that visitors can see today.

It is a powerful and thought-provoking stop that adds depth to your itinerary and offers a different perspective on the many things to do in Lake Placid NY.

9. Walk High Falls Gorge

High Falls Gorge is a beautiful and easy outdoor experience. The short loop trail takes you past four waterfalls, with walkways that bring you right over the rushing water.

In winter, the frozen waterfalls create a completely different landscape, making this one of the most scenic things to do in Lake Placid NY.

10. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is a must in Lake Placid. When conditions allow, Mirror Lake is cleared for skating and even features a scenic loop.

If the lake is not frozen, head to the Olympic Oval or the indoor rinks at the Olympic Center.

11. Take a Winter Hike

There are plenty of trails in and around Lake Placid that are perfect for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing.

We loved the Peninsula Nature Trail, which follows the shoreline and is great for families. It is also dog friendly and even has geocaching spots, which kept my kids motivated along the way.

12. Visit The Wild Center

About 30 minutes from Lake Placid, The Wild Center is worth the drive.

This natural history center offers interactive exhibits and an outdoor treetop trail. Kids can explore bridges in the forest canopy, climb into a giant eagle’s nest, and learn about Adirondack wildlife.

Where to Stay in Lake Placid

We stayed at the Mirror Lake Inn and had a wonderful experience. The location is perfect for walking into town, and the indoor pool was a big hit with the kids after a day outside. The food was excellent, and it felt like a cozy place to return to each evening.

Final Thoughts

There are so many incredible things to do in Lake Placid NY in the winter, whether you are visiting for skiing, exploring Olympic history, or simply enjoying time outdoors with your family.

From dog sledding on a frozen lake to standing in the arena where history was made, Lake Placid offers a mix of adventure, history, and small-town charm that makes it a perfect winter getaway for families.