Experience Lake Placid in the Adirondacks
Lake Placid, New York is a classic mountain town in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. From smaller summits to the Olympic venues, Lake Placid is legendary for big views, big scenery, and big history with a charming, small town twist. On our New York Adirondacks bike tour, we spend two days cycling around this famous town. You’ll see for yourself why Lake Placid is one of New York’s most popular vacation spots.
Lake Placid Sports Culture
Lake Placid gained international fame as host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. The region still honors its Olympic heritage, operating as a training ground for each new generation of athletes. Several Olympic venues are open to visitors, including the ski jumping complex, the bobsled run at Mt. Van Hoevenberg and the ice skating rinks on Main Street.
This little mountain town has also hosted Ironman Lake Placid every year since 1999. This event is the longest-running Ironman triathlon in North America apart from the Ironman World Championship. Every year, thousands of triathletes fill Lake Placid and the surrounding area for their chance to run, bike and swim in the beautiful Adirondack mountains.
Summer activities
While this area is best known for winter sports, summer in the Adirondacks has activities for everyone, from golfing to road biking. Lake Placid’s golf courses boast incredible views, challenging terrain and sweeping, lush greens. Westport Country Club is a “must play” course for any golfer, and the Saranac Lake Golf Club offers sprawling fairways just outside of the village.
You’ll have the chance to fill up on beautiful views while cycling the Ironman Loop around Lake Placid, then have some time to explore the town on your own.
Arts & Culture in Lake Placid
The Lake Placid Region has a vibrant art scene as well. Throughout the summer, catch a concert or gallery opening at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Songs at Mirror Lake is a free concert series running from July through August, and the Lake Placid Film Festival showcases many types of films at Main Street’s Palace Theatre. Nearby, the Upper Jay Art Center offers unique performances, live music and events in an eclectic theater that serves as an upholstery factory by day – and a performing arts space by night.
The dining scene in and around Lake Placid is diverse and innovative, with many restaurants featuring locally sourced food from small, family-run farms. These restaurants provide an array of options amidst a spectacular backdrop that can only be found in the Adirondacks. We highly recommend Top of the Park for a post-ride cocktail with a great view of Mirror Lake. You’ll also have the chance to visit some of Lake Placid’s splendid shops to find that perfect Adirondack souvenir.
Placid all year
After visiting Lake Placid on your bike tour, you’ll be hankering to return! In the fall, the mountains burst into vibrant color, and the cool weather is fantastic for hiking in the woods. Winter is a time of frozen beauty, with snow-capped peaks, lakes laced with ice, natural ice sculptures and wide white vistas. Lake Placid is is home to hundreds of miles of trails that are perfect for a quiet snowshoe or a relaxing cross-country ski.
Learn more about our six-day New York Adirondacks bike tour, where you’ll have the chance to explore Lake Placid and many more beautiful and historic places in New York’s Adirondacks!