Lake Placid Celebrates the 45th Anniversary of the 1980 Olympics

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The little mountain village of Lake Placid is known the world over as a place where miracles happen. The 1980 Winter Olympics – held February 13 through 24 – was the second time Lake Placid hosted the Games (the first in 1932), and the brilliance of those 12 days still reverberates powerfully through our Olympic Legacy venues and the mountains that surround them.

One evening during those twelve days, the U.S. men’s hockey team stunned the world by defeating the Soviet powerhouse and forever changed what it takes to be a champion. Dubbed the Miracle on Ice, that most iconic moment in sports was not the only such miracle at those Games. With many of the U.S. hockey players looking on, speed skater Eric Heiden raced to five gold medals, setting a Winter Olympic record that still stands today and further cementing the legacy of those ’80 Games.

Throughout this winter season 45 years later, we will celebrate these extraordinary athletes and all the athletes who participated, the Games’ organizers, the venues where it all took place, and our entire Olympic Region, including the countless residents, businesses, and volunteers who made it all possible.

Behind the Scenes at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum

Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. to noon: Learn more about our archives and collections by exploring objects not currently on display. Chat with a Museum Educator and examine artifacts from the 1980 Games. The special theme in February will be “A Spectator Starter Pack” with 1980 Winter Olympic artifacts from the archives.

Touch-a-Torch

Fridays & Saturdays, 2:00-3:30 p.m.: In celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games, visitors have the unique opportunity to hold the 1980 torch and learn about the torch relay.

Gallery Talk

Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. in February: Journey through time to revisit the world, the nation, and the village of Lake Placid as they were during the 1980 Games. Entitled ‘Remembering 1980’, celebrate and continue the legacy of our role in the Olympic Winter Games through inspiration and engagement.

Remembering 1980: Pop-up Exhibit

February 11-28 at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum: A special pop-up exhibit commemorating the 45th anniversary of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. The display features personal stories, cherished memories, and captivating oral histories, bringing the spirit of the Games to life.  

Community Skating on the Oval

February 13-24, 2025: A perfect way for locals and visitors to step into Olympic history by skating on the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, with special 45th-anniversary events and free tickets for registered local students and their families. Come skate while listening to the official song of the 1980s Games and other Olympic-themed music.

Hockey Week Across America 

February 17-23, 2025: Lake Placid will participate in USA Hockey’s national celebration with themed events, including USA Day, Volunteer Appreciation Day, and Hockey Jersey Day with a 1980 twist (wear your vintage 1980 jersey or any Team USA hockey jersey).

Lighting of the Olympic Center

February 20-24, 2025: The Olympic Center will be illuminated in gold to honor Eric Heiden’s remarkable five gold medals and red, white, and blue in celebration of the “Miracle on Ice” hockey victory amongst other achievements made by Team USA at the 1980 Games.

Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton in Lake Placid

February 22, 2025, 4:00-6:00 p.m.: Participate in a special commemorative skate at the Olympic Oval honoring those impacted by cancer, Sk8 to Elimin8, featuring Scott Hamilton, who was the U.S. flagbearer of the 1980 Games.

Golden $5 Ticket Day

February 23, 2025: The Lake Placid Olympic Museum will offer $5 admission in honor of Eric Heiden’s legendary achievement, providing an affordable way to explore Olympic history.

1980 Roadshow: A Night at the Museum

February 26, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.: An evening dedicated to sharing stories and artifacts from the Games. Attendees are encouraged to bring memorabilia and personal recollections to contribute to the event’s Community Show-and-Tell, where participants can display and discuss their cherished Olympic keepsakes. The night will also feature Storytelling & Shared Memories, allowing guests to hear firsthand accounts from those who experienced the Games and an exclusive look at the museum’s new “Remembering 1980” pop-up exhibit. Those interested in sharing an artifact or a three-minute story should arrive early to secure a time slot. Artifact and Exhibit Preview 6:30-7:00 p.m. Storytelling 7:00-8:00 p.m. These events will be held in the Empire Room at the Olympic Center and are free and open to all ages. For more information, contact museum director Courtney Bastian.

Flag Mural

Visit the upper finish deck at Mt Van Hoevenberg’s sliding track to see the 10’x15′ artwork uniting 330 unique drawings into one collective image of the U.S. flag, each representing a celebration of the Olympic legacy.

‘Best Ever’ Bobsled Art Contest

March 6-16, 2025: Art enthusiasts can participate in this exciting contest at Mt Van Hoevenberg, where young visitors create and vote on bobsled-themed art inspired by the World Championships—posters highlighting different decades, including the one from the Championship that sent athletes to the 1980 Games.

Soft Opening Art in Sport Exhibit

March 7, 2025: An exclusive event showcasing Olympic art by LeRoy Neiman and others, focusing on the intersection of art and sport. Three special original pieces famously highlighting the 1980 Games entitled: “Winter Olympics, Lake Placid,” “Lake Placid ‘80 Skiing,” and “Lake Placid ‘80 Skating.”

North Country Art in Sport Awards Ceremony

March 8, 2025, 12:30 p.m.: A special ceremony honoring student artists from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties, celebrating the spirit of Olympism through artistic expression.

Honoring the Legacy

These events will not only celebrate the history and achievements of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games but also encourage community engagement and enhanced guest experiences during President’s Week. Through collaborative efforts with local businesses, educational institutions, and Olympic organizations, the celebration will honor Lake Placid’s role in Olympic history, inviting residents, families, and visitors to experience the village’s rich winter sports culture firsthand.  From skating on the historic Olympic Oval to exploring Olympic memorabilia and participating in unique community events, this celebration showcases Lake Placid’s Olympic spirit that continues today.

For more information on event dates, activities, and ticketing, please visit: www.lakeplacidolympiccenter.com

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