Nestled in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid welcomes visitors throughout the year with fresh mountain air and breathtaking vistas. In the warmer months, activities like hiking, boating, and fishing take center stage. Meanwhile, cooler months bring out the best of snow sports with skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Lake Placid vacation rentals range from cozy, trendy condos to spacious chalets perfect for a large group. Spend your days shopping, dining out at phenomenal restaurants, enjoying spa treatments, and reconnecting with friends and family. To get you started, check out this list of the top 15 things to do in Lake Placid.
1. Ride With Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours
When the snow flies, bundle up in a warm blanket and enjoy an afternoon riding on a dog sled with Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours. You can even drive the sled with the help of a guide. See the beautiful scenery as it zooms by, and listen to the excitement of the dogs as they bark their happiness.
2. Climb Onto a Horse for a Ride at the Adirondack Equine Center
Take in the local scenery and ride through the nearby national forest with a day of horseback riding at the Adirondack Equine Center. The stable workers help you select the right horse for your skill level and outfit you with the proper safety gear. If you’ve never ridden before, consider a lesson to get down the basics.
3. Enjoy a Lantern-Lit Sleigh Ride at Lake Clear Lodge and Retreat
Snuggle into a sleigh, and watch the snow-filled scenery glide by as horses pull you forward with a sleigh ride at Lake Clear Lodge and Retreat. You can choose between a group ride and make new friends or opt for a romantic private sleigh ride. These rides occur as the sun goes down and last around a half hour.
4. Soak up the Sun at Lake Placid Public Beach
Even though the Lake Placid Public Beach isn’t in Florida, you still need to pack your sunscreen for a day of playing in the water and lying on the beach. This small beach fills up quickly, so arrive early to stake out your spot. Kids love running down the dock and jumping into the cool water.
5. Relax With a Day at Healing Elements
Let the stress slip away and feel your muscles relax with a hot stone massage at Healing Elements. This local spa also offers some unique treatments, including acupuncture. The friendly staff greets you as soon as you arrive and helps you feel comfortable from the first moments of your visit.
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6. Try Stand-Up Paddle Board Yoga With SUP Yoga
Combine your love of paddle boarding with your love of yoga for a unique experience with SUP Yoga. Paddle to the designated location and follow the moves of the yoga instructor while taking in the beauty of this area and the fresh, crisp air. This yoga class includes the equipment, and you don’t need prior experience.
7. Hit the Greens With a Day at Whiteface Club and Resort Golf Course
Bring your golf clubs from home and store them at your vacation rental until your scheduled tee time at Whiteface Club and Resort Golf Course. This 18-hole golf course is a challenge to even the best golfers, and the natural setting makes it a great day. After you finish, stop by the clubhouse for a drink or stay for dinner.
8. Feel Your Heart Rate Rise With Bobsled Rides at the Olympic Sports Complex
Feel the wind on your face as you zoom down the track with an actual bobsled driver at Bobsled Rides at the Olympic Sports Complex. This location offers two rides, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Learn the basics and safety instructions before fastening into the sled for the half-mile run along the ice.
9. Skate in a Historic Location at Speed Skating Oval
Located at the site of Olympic events, Speed Skating Oval gives you the chance to skate both indoors and outdoors. You can bring your own skates, or if you don’t own any, rent them once you arrive. When you grow tired and cold, settle by the fire pit and let the heat warm you up.
10. Learn More About the Olympics at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Lake Placid has served as host city to winter Olympic games, the first in 1939 and the second in 1960, and you can learn more about both of these events at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Great for a rainy afternoon, this museum has exhibits set up with information about the athletes, the clothing, and the equipment used in these games.
11. Take a Tour of the Olympic Jumping Complex
See where athletes zoomed down a slide and flew through the air before landing on skis at the Olympic Jumping Complex. You can take the elevator or ski lift up to the top as the tour guide explains this sport and shows you the various areas of the complex. In the summer months, be brave, hop onto a tube, and slide down the 90-meter ski jump.
12. Ski at Whiteface Mountain
In the winter months, you can ski in the tracks of former Olympians at Whiteface Mountain. This ski resort offers some challenging runs while also featuring some smaller runs for those new to skiing. Rent your equipment there, and take a lesson to make sure your skills are up to the challenge.
13. Hike in Adirondack Park
Hike for the day in Adirondack Park, which offers a variety of popular trails. Make sure to wear good shoes and pack water in your backpack. The Owl’s Head, Balanced Rock, and Cobble Hill are all great trails for families or groups that don’t want to tackle anything too strenuous.
14. Paddle Hard With the Adirondac Rafting Company
Go whitewater rafting and get all wet with the Adirondack Rafting Company in the Hudson River Gorge. They pair you with other groups to ensure a full raft and enough paddlers along with a professional guide to keep you on track and safe. The run takes between four and five hours, so it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
15. Go Fishing With Upstate Guide Service
Improve your chances of catching a prize fish with Upstate Guide Service. This local company takes your group to the best fishing holes in the area. Whether you’re interested in fly fishing or ice fishing, this group offers a professional guide to help make your trip a success.
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