activities
ideas for winter, summer and fall in Lake Placid, NY
four seasons of fun in the Adirondacks
Lake Placid and the Adirondacks offer something for everyone.
Hiking, biking, boating, swimming, skiing plus exquisite rest and relaxation are all at your doorstep at Interlaken Home. Main Street’s shops and restaurants are walkable.
Local tips to make the most of your vacation ↓
Winter activities
Winter sports lovers should checkout the newly modernized Olympic venues all nearby, from Whiteface Mountain to the 1980 Rink (site of The Miracle on Ice hockey game) and outdoor public speed skating oval in walking distance.
The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is all-new for 2023. Or head down Mirror Lake’s famed Toboggan Shoot - a thrill for adults and families alike.
The Ski Jumps and Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s nordic trails, combined bobsled/luge/skeleton track and mountain coaster are close by too.
stuff to do in placid and beyond:
Ski and ride at Whiteface Mountain
With many beginner runs plus the most vertical drop in the East, Whiteface Mountain Resort has something for everyone.
Take the gondola to the top of little Whiteface for views of Lake Placid. Kids’ ski school, private and group lessons are available. Enjoy turns on the 1980 Olympic men’s and women’s downhill and slalom courses.
Located in Wilmington, Whiteface is just 15 minutes drive from the house, with the free Mountain Valley Shuttle picking up and dropping off at the nearby Mirror Lake Inn in winter. In summer, mountain biking is plentiful across the region.
Local’s tip: Rent in town at Cunningham’s and buy lift tickets online in advance to save time and money. Check conditions in advance and dress accordingly.
Hike the Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondacks are filled with trails to suit every hiker, from short walks to long and technical climbs.
Mt. Joe and Cobble Hill are kid-friendly faves nearby, and new walking trails are in XX.
The High Peaks around Lake Placid are popular, so we recommend seeking out less trafficked trails for ease and solitude. Help reduce parking overcrowding by using one of the hiking shuttles. Travel prepared and leave no trace.
Wanna stay closer to home? Head out the door and walk around Mirror Lake: we recommend stopping for breakfast at The Breakfast Club etc.
Canoe and kayak
Kayaking in Lake Placid, NY is a treat. Go for a paddle off the dock in Mirror Lake’s calm, motor-free waters. Head over to town for a memorable to and from.
Boat across the waters of Lake Placid and countless other Adirondack waterways. Use your own boat or rent from multiple boat shops nearby. The free Lake Placid public boat launch is across the street from the house.
Paddle over for a bite at Lake Placid’s Moose Lodge Boathouse Restaurant or make a quick trip across Mirror Lake to Big Mountain Deli.
Go fish
Trout in the lakes, fly fishing on the rivers and ice fishing on nearby Lake Colby.
Fishers and non-fishers alike dine happy at The Hungry Trout restaurant in nearby Wilmington.
Help protect the Adirondack Park by cleaning your boat before entering waterways to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Relax
Kick back on the dock, lounge in front of the fire or curl up on the lawn with a good book. Set up a board game on the lakeside porch.
See a movie at the Palace Theater, have a hot drink at The Cottage overlooking the lake or taste the latest brew at The Lake Placid Pub & Brewery. Tasty dining awaits at Caffe Rusticca.
Stroll over to The Spa at The Mirror Lake Inn for a massage or maple sugar body scrub.
Visit nearby Saranac Lake and Keene Valley
Saranac Lake is a quick 10 minute drive from Lake Placid. Saranac Lake’s Lake Flower is the entry to the majestic Saranac chain of lakes including peaceful Lower and Middle Saranac Lake, accessed via a system of locks.
In town you can dine at Casa del Sol and check out the Ice Palace during February’s Winter Carnival (kids will love this). Venture further out for incredible soft serve at Donnelly’s Ice Cream (one flavor per day!), en route to the Saranac Inn Golf Club for the best greens around.
Keene Valley and Keene are home to many of the High Peaks, and those entering from I-87 S will pass through on their way to Lake Placid. Rock and ice climbing are popular on the nearby faces, get outfitted at The Mountaineer or treat yourself or someone you love to fine Adirondack home furnishings at Dartbrook Rustic Goods. Stop for pie at The Noon Mark Diner!
