Lake Placid Adventures

There’s so much to do within the village of Lake Placid that
you’ll want to spend a good chunk of time here before or after you set out
exploring the rest of the Adirondacks. Or, you could make Lake Placid your base
and take excursions from there. Either way, know that it’s best to plan more
than just a couple of days in this unofficial capital of the Adirondack Park.
(Heck, it will likely take you a while to travel here, so go ahead and plan a
good week.)

First thing you need to get straight is that that beautiful,
serene lake situated parallel to Main Street of the village of Lake Placid is
actually Mirror Lake. Best to identify that from the get-go or you’re likely to
come across as a real tourist. (And, of course, none of us want to look like
tourists–right?) The “real Lake Placid” as in the body of water named thus so
sits to the north of the village of Lake Placid. Trimmed with handsome
Adirondack homes, that lake is equally soothing and small yet more private.

Winter or summer, you might want to head out on either of those
lakes right away. Most winters you can walk right across the ice (if you’re not
too terrified of the sound of the glug, glug, glug from the air bubbles roiling
beneath you). During the fair weather, it’s all about the lakes in the
Adirondacks, so make sure you swim in them and float upon them as much as the
air and water temperature permits.

Mirror Lake Boat Rentals outfit water fun enthusiasts with
kayaks, canoes, SUPs, paddle boats and sailboats. If you want a motorized tour,
Lake Placid Marina Boat Tours offer a lovely one-hour narrated excursion on
Lake Placid that serves as a great introduction to learning about the natural
and manmade highlights of the area. There’s nothing like getting out on the
water!

Lake Placid is synonymous with the Olympics, which were held
here in the winters of 1932 and 1980. These facilities remain active centers
for training, competition and play (for amateurs like me) today. The 400-meter
speed skating track practically at the entrance of town announces the
importance of ice skating to this historic destination. Know that it’s possible
to watch and partake in skating year-round, whether you’re donning a pair of
speed skates and working out your best Eric Hensel moves or cruising along the
beautiful skating loop on Mirror Lake on a bright winter’s day. As with all the
Olympic venues, lots of pros train here, so expect plenty of inspiring moments
and a squad of spectacular shows.

For a real thrill, take the plunge on the Lake Placid Toboggan
Chute, a 30-foot-high converted ski jump trestle that promotes a
gravity-sucking descent onto frozen Mirror Lake. (I don’t know–maybe this would
be easier in the summer, however, this activity is only open during the
winter.) Definitely not for the faint of heart.

Did you know that one of the first U.S. golf courses was built
in Lake Placid? Indeed, the history of the game is as deep as some of the sand
traps that might trip you up on these renowned courses. Start at Lake Placid Club Golf Courses and bring your A game.

You’ll find lots of nice places to walk and enjoy the fresh air
in this oh-so outdoor-oriented town. Cobble Hill Trail is a local favorite.

And if you’re into being outside in a more leisurely manner,
music lovers will enjoy the open-air concerts held at the newly-built Mid’s
Park at Band Shell Park. It’s a summertime thing.