Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery
Kids love this downtown ice cream parlor whose frozen creations hit the spot even on the coldest nights. Enjoy hard and soft ice cream options the truly daring will want to try the cheesecake on a stick.
You won’t have a hard time filling up a bag of treats at A Pinch or a Pound!
This artisanal candy shop is without question worth a visit. Enjoy old-fashioned favorites, sour and gummy candies, chocolate, taffy, and more.
An earlier version of this article published on Mommy Poppins in 2014 by Allison Tibaldi.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of Visit Adirondacks
Stay At The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort When You Visit Lake Placid
The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort was our adventure hub for visit to Lake Placid. Located amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Lake Placid The Golden Arrow is in a perfect spot right on Mirror Lake. They say that the only thing they overlook is the lake, and it couldnt be truer. The resort, opened by two German immigrants seeking the American dream, is designed in the Swiss chalet style of architecture. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you feel like youre at home. The staff was impeccable. Every single staff member was kind, friendly, and willing to help with anything we needed. Keep reading to find out more about my stay at the Golden Arrow.
To Book This Activity
Online reservations are highly recommended, as this activity does sell out. Cliffside Coaster tickets are date- and time-specific with limited capacity per time slot. You can view real-time availability for all dates and time slots in our online store. Before purchasing tickets, please review the Ride Requirements on the Before You Arrive tab.
We do often put additional Cliffside Coaster tickets up online day-of, weather and track conditions permitting. If you are planning a visit and see that we are sold out for a particular date, visit our online store anytime after 9:30 am on your arrival date to see if any day-of tickets have been added.
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Summer At Home In The Adirondacks
Fully loaded with hiking gear, fishing poles, and roadmaps, your crew hits the road. Destination: the Adirondack Mountains.
Once here, avid hikers will want to venture into the 46 High Peaks. Shorter hiking trails also abound, providing fantastic views along the way. Take Rooster Comb, a moderate 2.5-mile trek with stunning views.
As the sun sticks around later and later into the evenings, lakeshores become a popular spot for swimming and picnic dinners. Soak up the mountain lake vibes while paddling a kayak or visiting a public beach. To surround yourself with nature while learning about the Adirondack Region, boat tours are available all summer long on lakes around the region.
Rain-soaked days are a chance to bring the adventure indoors. Visiting an Adirondack museum will teach you about this unique wilderness region. But don’t forget about the rich Winter Olympic history in the Lake Placid area, what it’s like to walk along boreal treetops in Tupper Lake, or how settlers in the 1800s traversed this rugged landscape in Blue Mountain Lake.
Summer in the Adirondacks is a time to relax, adventure, hike, paddle and learn!
Things To Do In Lake Placid: Bobsled Experience

Imagine sliding at breakneck speed in a tiny bobsled down the track used in 1980 by the Olympic bobsled athletes, the best bobsledders in the world! All the facilities Olympic athletes used during the Olympic Games held in 1980 in the Whiteface Mountains are still in use today, and you can, just for a while, pretend to be one of those athletes.
Sitting between the professional bobsled driver and brakeman, you will start at the half- track normally used by professional sliders from all over the world. The speed and the rumble of the sled will take your breath away, and you will love every moment. If you want to go again, and it is very likely you will, they will give you 20 percent off.
87 Bobsled Run Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA, Phone: 518-523-4436
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In Case Of Inclement Weather
Cliffside Coaster availability is weather dependent. Even with advanced reservations, please check the Activities & Events calendar to confirm there are no closures due to inclement weather. You may also call Mt. Van Hoevenberg at 523-2811 on the day of your visit to confirm that there are no session cancellations in the case that there is inclement weather forecasted.
If the session you have booked is canceled due to inclement weather, our staff will make every effort to reschedule your reservation .
Dinner At Great Adirondack Steak And Seafood
Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood oozes North Country charm from every inch of the building. The rustic decor and fireplace set the tone, but the menu drives the point home: For a taste of old-school Adirondacks, look no further than this classic American steakhouse. Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood also makes it’s own beer, so be sure to take the server’s recommendation for how to pair drinks with your dinner.
Littleneck clams at Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood in Lake Placid.
To keep on theme, start the meal with a classic iceberg wedge salad.. Half a head of lettuce is topped with crisp and crumbled bacon, tomatoes, onions, and creamy blue cheese dressing. Littleneck clams steamed in the restaurant’s own Adirondack Abbey Ale are finished with a little ginger and garlic for a surprising kick.
After dinner, a post-prandial walk about town and a little time in front of the fire at the High Peaks Resort was the perfect ending to a great day in Lake Placid.
Find it:Address: 2407 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946Phone: 523-3632Website: adksteakandseafood.com
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Rainy Day Fun In Lake Placid
Youre in Lake Placid, ready for a day of winter fun, when the unpredictable happens its raining and the conditions at the winter sports venues are less than ideal. So what can you do when your plans are washed out? Luckily there are still plenty of options for those rainy days.
The Olympic Museum in the Olympic Center contains several thousand items of Olympic memorabilia, and is worth a visit. From a dress belonging to skating superstar Sonia Henie to props from the Disney movie Miracle, the Museum holds an astounding array of historical items that tell the story of Lake Placids Olympic Legacy. The Museum is open from 10 am until 5 pm Monday-Sunday. For information call 518-523-1655.If you feel like watching movies, the historic Palace Theater on Main Street in Lake Placid is the place to go it hosts a variety of movies and two show times a day, including matinees on the weekends. Built in 1926, the Palace was originally called the Adirondack Theatre, and was home to silent movies and stage shows. It is also home to an original theatre organ, and its charming marquee still lights up Main Street. For more information, call them at 518-523-9271.
Bowlwinkles on the south side of Main Street is another place to visit on a rainy day. It is the only bowling alley in Lake Placid, and includes an arcade and laser tag. There is also a bar and grill on the premises. Call at 518-523-7868.
Driving Times Distances And Directions To Lake Placid
- Burlington, VT 1h 55m / 60 miles via US-7, ferry, NY-22 S and NY-9N
- Montreal, QC 2h 05m / 180km via 15 S, I-87 and NY-9N
- Portand, ME 5h 30m / 295 miles via I-95, I-89, VT-125 and NY-9N
- Boston, MA 4h 50m / 254 miles via I-93, I-89, VT-125 and NY-9N
- New York, NY 4h 45m / 290 miles via I-87 and NY-73
- Rochester, NY 4h 50m / 278 miles via I-90, I-81 and NY-3
- Buffalo, NY 5h 50m / 345 miles via I-90, I-81 and NY-3
- Toronto, ON 5h 45m / 525km via ON-401, NY-345 and NY-86
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Drive To The Summit Of Whiteface Mountain
Whiteface Mountain is the fifth highest peak in New York and is one of the most popular attractions near Lake Placid thanks to its ease of access for all visitors to the area.
Views from the top overlook the entire Adirondack region, plus Montreal, Vermont and even Hew Hampshire on a very clear day.
What makes Whiteface unique is that you can of course choose to hike, but you can also take a less physically intensive option by driving up Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway all the way to just below its summit.
Why drive when you could hike?
Well, you have Mount Marcy to hike. Unless you are in Lake Placid for at least 3 full days, its likely you wont have time to hike Whiteface Mountain.
From the parking lot, a passage into the mountain and an elevator ride take you to within a stones throw of the top, leaving just a short path to the summit sign.
- Tickets are US$ 15 for vehicle and driver. Add US$ 15 for 1 additional passenger or add US$ 25 for 2-5 additional passengers.
- The road is open from June until October | 8.45am 5.30pm.
More Whiteface Mountain information here.
High Falls Gorge Lake Placid Ny
Only a short drive from Lake Placid and about a mile from Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort are four magnificent waterfalls spilling over rocks into a dark deep crevice that nature carved over a billion years ago. There is a half-hour trail to the Gorge that is easy and suitable for anyone, and it is by far the most beautiful trail in the area.
You will cross over sturdy bridges, walk on glass floor walkways, and stroll along nicely groomed paths and trails. There is even a wheelchair accessible path. An easy half mile round trip along the nicely maintained trail brings visitors to steel bridges and precarious walkways from which they have a close view of the falls. High Falls Gorge is equally fascinating in the winter, but you will need a pair of snowshoes or Yaktrax to see the waterfalls ice formations.
4761 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA, Phone: 518-946-2278
“Best Things to Do in Lake Placid, NY for Locals & Tourists – Restaurants, Hotels” Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach
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Catch A Film At The Palace Theater Or Lake Placid Center For The Arts
Lake Placid is lucky to be the home of two theaters! The Palace Theater is a quaint old theater on Main Street that shows current films at more affordable prices. The Lake Placid Center for the Arts offers more “artsy” films, performances and shows. Check out their website for a list of upcoming shows and events.
Folklife Center At Crandall Public Library

Discover the culture of the Adirondacks at Crandall Public Library’s Folklife Center!The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library is an award-winning program presenting the cultural traditions of the upper Hudson valley and southern Adirondacks through research and documentation, gallery, special collections, public programs, and educational services.
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Winter Land Of Wonder
Knee-high snow and iced-over lakes are nature’s white winter canvas. Roaming through this backdrop is a centuries-old Adirondack tradition. To celebrate the best of the snowy season, week-long Winter Carnivals bring together communities and visitors with cast iron frying pan tosses, parades, and pageantry.
Outside of town, winter explorers snowshoe and cross-country ski across snow-laden trails. The most adventurous of winter things to do is winter camping in the Adirondacks. Stop by a local outfitter or guide service for winter conditions and safety advice.
Best Things To Do In Lake Placid Ny
For such a small town, Lake Placid, NY has a surprising range of activities and things to do due to its location in the heart of Adirondack Mountains, one of the most picturesque and beautiful regions in the country. With dense old forests, crystal clear lakes, towering mountain peaks, waterfalls, and gorges, nature has been very generous to this beautiful destination. Here are the best things to do in Lake Placid, NY. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
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Ten Recommendations For A Rainy Day In The Adirondacks
We get quite a lot of rain in the Adirondacks during the spring and summer months. For those hoping to enjoy outdoor activities during their stay, bad weather can really ruin a trip. Don’t let gloomy weather spoil all of your fun! Have some back-up activities planned just in case the rain rolls in. Below are just a few of my recommendations for activities during bad weather.
Visit Lake Placid Day 3 The Olympic Side Of Lake Placid
You know how you get a hotel pool all to yourself? You get up early and go before everyone else gets there! It might sound a little crazy, but a pool is so much more relaxing when you dont need to compete with everyone else to enjoy it. The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort has a big pool, a kiddie whirlpool, and two hot tubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
What are people saying about things to do near Lake Placid, NY 12946?
This is a review for things to do near Lake Placid, NY 12946:
“Unfortunately for us, it was a grey and rainy day. However, we bought ponchos at the museum. The museum itself was exceptionally well done and interesting with a lot of live animals to watch. Our favorites were the otters. Plan on at least an hour.The outdoor walkway was varied, but we had expected that it would be much, much higher off of the ground. For little kids, it will be exciting. The best part was going into the spider’s web, which was pretty darn cool. We also liked going inside of the huge tree, which was like a lighthouse. Plan on another hour of outdoor exploration.”
Airports Near Lake Placid
Planning logistics for your visit to Lake Placid will depend on how much time you have and how much of your budget you want to spend on travel costs.
From further afield in the US or internationally, you stand a better chance of picking up a cheap flight from your origin airport if you land at either JFK, Newark or Boston-Logan. Budget airlines will operate in these airports and you can hire a car upon arrival.
If youd prefer to fly much closer to Lake Placid and spend less time driving, you can fly into Plattsburgh direct from Washington Dulles or Adirondack Regional Airport direct from Boston.
Alternative airport options include Albany, NY, Montreal and Burlington, VT.
Our advice is to research all options thoroughly, look at price vs convenience ratio and pick a winner.
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Activities For A Rainy Lake Placid Day
Wouldn’t it be great if every vacation day was filled with sunshine? While there is no controlling the weather, you can rest assured knowing that even rainy days in Lake Placid are filled with fun.
Don’t let a little rain keep you from making the most of your Adirondack getaway. When bluebird skies are interrupted by sprinkles or showers in Lake Placid, turn your attention to these eleven rainy day activities!
Ice Skating On Mirror Lake

Once this Adirondack lake freezes to sufficient thickness , locals and tourists alike head outdoors for some socially distanced skating. Word of warning: Have your skates tuned after a session on the lake or you might have some balance issues next time out.
Find a pick-up game of ice hockey to join.
Kids can almost always find a game in the winter months. Try Mirror Lake first if youre unsuccessful check the Olympic Ice Arena.
Catch some serious speed toboggan riding on Mirror Lake.
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Fall In Lake Placid: Top 5 Things To Do In Lake Placid This Fall
The weather is getting a little bit cooler, the air is crisper and the leaves are starting to fall. You know what that means its fall in Lake Placid!
The autumn months are a beautiful time of the year to visit Lake Placid and the Adirondack mountains for many reasons. Festivals, leaf peeping, and farmers markets are just a few examples of what makes this town a great place to visit!
If youre planning a trip to the Adirondacks, but youre not quite sure what to do while youre here, we have some helpful tips for you! Here are our top 6 favorite things to do in the in fall in Lake Placid.
Top 6 Things to do in Lake Placid in the Fall
1. View the Fall Foliage from the Whiteface Gondola
The Gondola ride at Whiteface is one of the best ways to get a birds-eye view of Lake Placid, Lake Champlain, and the beautiful Adirondack Mountains from above. You have never seen a view of fall foliage like this before! The colors of red, orange and yellow fill the skyline in an awe inspiring 360 degree view. To get there, visit Whiteface Lodge. From the base, take a 15-minute ride up to the top and enjoy the breathtaking foliage views.
2. Horseback Riding in Lake Placid
3. Fall Festivals in Lake Placid
There are several fall festivals in Lake Placid not to be missed. Here are a few upcoming 2017 Fall Festivals in Lake Placid that we recommend:
4. Get Out on the Water
5. Visit the Lake Placid Farmers Market
6. Enjoy a Scenic Leaf Peeping Drive
Favorite Scenic Drives in Lake Placid: