Located in upstate New York, people unfamiliar with the area might confuse the town of Lake Placid with a 90’s horror film that bears its namesake (set in a fictional Maine town). However, a closer look at our village will reveal that the quaint New York settlement has something to offer everybody – whether in terms of its history, outdoor sports, or even just its beautiful scenery. Here are five different things Lake Placid is famous for:
Mirror Lake
Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake is absolutely gorgeous, and it is situated in the Adirondack Mountains. The body of water is a 10-minute walk away from our nearest bungalow vacation rental. Mirror Lake’s clear waters are perfect for anyone looking to go for a quick swim or wanting to try watersports such as kayaking. Spending a summer around Mirror Lake is a sure-fire way to relax and recharge during your stay.
Winter Sports
In the wintertime, the scenery in Lake Placid is nothing short of amazing. ‘Go to Lake Placid, Where the Olympics Never End’ by Thrillist, explains why adrenaline-seekers head to the area. Visitors shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to engage in the many winter sports available around Lake Placid. Skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding, skating, and even a biathlon are just some of the ways visitors can enjoy the scenery while also keeping fit and active.
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Speaking of winter sports, it should be noted that the town hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Visitors will appreciate the town’s Olympic museum, which hosts various artifacts from both games. This includes equipment from the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. hockey team who were responsible for beating the Soviet Union, as well as a collection of sleds and sporting equipment from different countries. According to US News Travel, visitors can go to the museum between 10am and 5pm, and it is located near Mirror Lake.
Whiteface Mountain
For hikers looking for a challenge, Whiteface Mountain will not disappoint. With an elevation of 4,867 feet, it is the 5th highest peak in the state of New York. For those up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views that extend as far as neighboring Vermont and Canada. It is said that on the clearest of days, even the skyscrapers in Montreal are visible. But if you’re looking to rest your legs, you can opt to take the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway to the summit instead.
Weekend Break Away From the City
Lake Placid is famous for being a great place for a weekend break, especially for those who live in New York City. The village is only a four-hour drive from the Big Apple, which is why TimeOut listed it as one of top weekend getaways from NYC. The site noted how the “flooded metropolis can be overwhelming” for those in the city. This is not at all surprising as New York is famous for being a concrete jungle and one of the busiest cities on the planet. An article published on Yoreevo explains how the New York City Department of Buildings recorded 13,500 structures that were six stories or more in 2015, which is why it is the most densely populated city in the U.S. No wonder residents need to get out to the countryside every now and again. And Lake Placid is the perfect way for city dwellers to immerse themselves in nature without leaving the state.
Lake Placid truly has something for everyone: nature-lovers, winter sports enthusiasts and even just the general vacationer. Catering to such a diverse group of people, it is no wonder that the town makes for such a great visit.
