Visit the best of the region

Lake Placid in winter is, in a word, iconic. From dazzling Main Street to the heights of Whiteface, you’ll be bounding through history-making spots wherever you turn! There’s a few must-do’s around here that, if you’re not well-versed in the region, you might miss. Luckily, we’re here to point you in the right direction during your stay. Explore these suggestions for where to eat, where to shop, and where to play!

Step onto Main Street

For a downtown straight out of a story book, it doesn’t get more perfect than Lake Placid’s Main Street. Sitting comfortably on Mirror Lake’s shores, you’ll enjoy views of the water and nearby Whiteface Mountain from every vantage point. Local makers have opened their doors here for generations, from wine shops to craft popcorn connoisseurs, outdoor outfitters, galleries, and of course home stores filled with Adirondack decor so you can take home a piece of Lake Placid. In addition to excellent shopping, the street is lined with cafes and restaurants fitting every pallet. 

Adjacent to Main Street and on the ice, transport yourself to the arctic with your own dog sled ride. Whether permitting, a dog sled team of eight will take you on a wild ride, with stunning views of the surrounding High Peaks right from the middle of Mirror Lake. 

Olympic legacy

If you feel like there’s a pillar of Lake Placid that you're missing, you’d be right. You haven’t visited the Olympic Legacy Sites yet! As hosts of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid is brimming with Olympic history that continues to this day. Discover active training grounds, arenas, and downhill facilities that you need to see to believe. 

For a well balanced experience that ensures you get to every bit of our Olympic history, get the Lake Placid Legacy Sites Passport. This exclusive package is tailor-made for visitors looking to enjoy three or more activities during the winter season! There’s no better time to visit than in winter, when you can see the sites in action. Explore the Olympic Ski Jumps, two towering structures that peek high above the trees, with an elevator to take to the observation deck. Witness the  90- and 120-meter ski jumps, surrounded by views of the majestic High Peaks. Just down the road, Mt Van Hoevenberg offers the unbeatable chance to witness bobsled and luge training on an incredible track. Step inside the lodge for indoor rock climbing, a cozy cafe, and more amenities. Among the grounds also lies 30 km of cross-country ski trails, perfect for immersing yourself in the depths of the Adirondack terrain. 

Right off of Main Street, the Lake Placid Olympic Museum at the Olympic Center is filled with new exhibits displaying artifacts from both games. Step into this time capsule, right on the heels of where historic moments took place. Speaking of moments, if you’re looking to visit where the actual “Miracle on Ice” happened, you need only head upstairs to the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena. Stop in just to look, book a tour, or plan your visit to correspond with one of the many events held in the rink year-round. 

A visit to Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain is an iconic feature of Lake Placid. From our adorable Main Street to our lovely lake, the mountain towers amidst the skyline, a tall giant standing in the background of all your photos. More than just a pretty view, Whiteface Mountain is home to iconic skiing, with the greatest vertical in the East! Their trails are perfect for both adrenaline junkies and those looking to glide leisurely down the greens all day. 

When you've had enough of the legendary runs, the Base Lodge is perfect for getting into the spirit of après-ski, a term you’ll hear quite often around here. Après is the after party, usually referring to all the fun you can get up to after you’ve been skiing all day. Start by roasting by the outdoor fire pits just off the gondola, where the precious Waffle Cabin also resides. Inside, you’ll find the Cloudspin Bar and Grill, serving mountain classics like the wilderness wings, poutine, locally-raised and grass-fed burgers, mac & cheese, sandwiches, and wraps, as well as an amply-stocked bar of cold brews and beverages. 

To fully reset from your day of playing in the powder, visit Whiteface Lodge’s Spa. Ranked among the Top 100 Spas in North America by Condé Nast Traveler, the intimate 5,700-square-foot spa will have you relaxing luxuriously after any form of pampering you need. Their services range from massage sessions, including deep tissue and Swedish, to body and skincare treatments, revitalizing your skin and giving you a fresh mountain glow. The spa even houses a full-service salon, for hair care, bridal appointments, and nail services. 

Keep the dining extraordinary 

With rich history comes an even richer collection of restaurants and lodges. Warm fire places crackle under the murmur of good conversation and even better entrées in some of the coziest corners of the Adirondacks. 

Iconic eateries

Lake Placid is filled with restaurants that call on its heritage as a wintry escape and a region known for its fantastic scenery. The Dancing Bears Restaurant hails from the iconic painting of the "Dancing Bears" painted by William Holbrook Beard in 1865. Since opening during the 1980 Olympics, their menu has served a variety of Adirondack classics. Start the day with their brunch specials, like Sausage and Biscuits, Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, or fluffy pancakes. For dinner, start your evening with Bavarian Pretzel Sticks or nachos, then move on to entrées like the Dancing Bear Burger, the signature pizzas, or a timeless winter classic: tomato soup and grilled cheese. 

Capturing the nostalgia of regional dishes, Marcy Bar embraces Lake Placid’s ever growing history. Here, you can savor small plates, discover upscale takes on classic favorites, and explore an extensive drink menu featuring unique twists on timeless cocktails. Brunches here are popular, with dishes like the Ironman Omelet, Malted Belgian Waffle, and Chicken and Waffles stealing the show. 

Dine on small plates in the evening, like duck or chicken wings served with their signature buttermilk dips or the Cauliflower steak. While you sip, dig into the smorgasbord, a charcuterie board of legend filled with prosciutto, cheeses, pickled apple and fennel salads, kalamata olives, white bouerones, and crackers. 

Find fine dining

For special occasions or whenever you fancy gourmet treatment, reserve your table at any of the fine dining establishments around town. The View Restaurant at Mirror Lake Inn offers everything you’re looking for in luxury dining. Stunning views of Mirror Lake, grand fire places, and a tasteful dining room reminiscent of Lake Placid vacations of old. Start your experience off with the Mushroom & Lobster Toast, or the Bolognese Buratta. Their entrees include favorites like the Madeira Chicken, Beef Cheek Bourguignon, and the Gnudi Cacio e Pepe. When you’re done, take a stroll around Mirror Lake, just steps away. 

With incredible views and incredible dining, Kanu is your next stop. Nestled in the heart of Whiteface Lodge, Kanu serves sophisticated and, of course, Adirondack-inspired dishes. Hand-hewn log beams and granite stone fireplaces add rustic warmth to an unforgettable dining room. Guests can enjoy a view into the lively kitchen as their team cultivates courses made with locally-harvested ingredients. Start with their Fire Roasted Shrimp & Feta and the Smoked Trout Flatbread as shareable apps, then move on to entrées like the Grilled Hanger Steak, Vegan Carrot Bolognese, or the Pan Roasted Rainbow Trout. Pair them with your pick from the extensive wine list!

Plan your unforgettable stay

With endless sights and attractions to take in, every day you spend here and every turn you take will reveal another iconic piece of Lake Placid. The only struggle will be paring down your bucket list! By following this locally-informed itinerary, you can book your next visit with peace of mind, knowing you'll experience the best Lake Placid has to offer – it might just take a few days!