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    Lake Placid

    City Guide: Lake Placid

    A charming Adirondack village and the capital of winter sports in the East

    Lake Placid is one of the most established and enjoyable winter playgrounds in the United States, with a walkable downtown where you’re never far from nature. Home to two Winter Olympics games in 1932 and 1980—which included the dramatic U.S. hockey victory over the Soviet Union, known as “The Miracle on Ice”—this alpine village remains a magnet for world-class athletes today. Lake Placid also hosted the 2023 FISU World University Winter Games, the largest global winter multi-sports event for student-athletes, at Olympic facilities including Whiteface Mountain, the Olympic Oval, and the Olympic Jumping Complex. 

    An enchanting place any time of year, Lake Placid also shines in spring, summer, and autumn, with scenic hiking, Main Street shopping and dining, brilliant fall foliage, and easy access to the breathtaking, unspoiled beauty of Adirondack Park—6.1 million acres of trails, rivers, streams, wildlife habitat, and more.

    Fun Facts | Views from Lake Placid | Explore Lake Placid | Hotels & Stays | Where to Eat | Getting There | Getting Around

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    Fun Facts

    Snow-capped mountains with snow-draped pine trees in front

    • The "Miracle on Ice" took place during the 1980 Winter Olympics, when the underdog US men's ice hockey team stunned the four-time gold medal-winning Soviet Union in a dramatic semifinal-round game. The US team went on to win the gold medal by defeating Finland in the final game. Learn all about the victory at the Olympic Center and Museum.

    • The Adirondack Park's 6-million-acre area is larger than Yellowstone, the Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined.

    • Adirondack Great Camps were designed to blend into their natural surroundings, offering rustic yet luxurious retreats for the Gilded Age elite. Today, they dot the northern landscape, offering windows into the wealth and charm of Adirondack Rustic. Many are still privately owned, but a few are open to the public through guided tours.

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    Views From Lake Placid

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    Explore Lake Placid

    Nature & Outdoor Adventure

    History

    Family Fun

    Arts & Culture

    Venture Beyond Lake Placid

    Where to Stay

    • Budget
    • Mid-Range
    • Luxury
    Wildwood on the Lake

    Wildwood on the Lake

    Roomy lakeside, lakeview, poolside, or hillside accommodations. more

     Adirondak Loj & Wilderness Campground

    Adirondak Loj & Wilderness Campground

    Private rooms, family rooms, cabins, or campground sites. more

     Lake Placid Inn

    Lake Placid Inn

    40-room Boutique Hotel located opposite picturesque Mirror Lake. more
    Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

    Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

    A family-run resort on Mirror Lake with suites and balconies. more

     High Peaks Resort

    High Peaks Resort

    Beautifully appointed guestrooms on picturesque Mirror Lake. more

     Crowne Plaza Resort & Golf Club

    Crowne Plaza Resort & Golf Club

    Unmatched amenities at the largest resort in the Adirondacks. more
    Whiteface Lodge

    Whiteface Lodge

    Rustic luxury in the woodlands outside of Lake Placid. more

     Mirror Lake Inn

    Mirror Lake Inn

    AAA Four-diamond resort on the shores of Mirror Lake. more

     Lake Placid Lodge

    Lake Placid Lodge

    Stone fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and an acclaimed restaurant. more
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    Where to Eat

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    Soulshine Bagel

    Soulshine Bagel

    Local favorite serving all-day breakfast and lunch. more

     Big Mountain Deli & Creperie

    Big Mountain Deli & Creperie

    Counter-serve offering breakfast eats, crepes, and sandwiches. more

     Emma's Creamery

    Emma's Creamery

    50's style ice cream parlor more
    Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

    Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

    A destination for craft beer lovers across the country. more

     The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn

    The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn

    Scenic views, American comfort fare, nightly deals, and après-ski. more

     Lisa G's

    Lisa G's

    Classic comfort foods with a modern twist. more
    The View at Mirror Lake Inn

    The View at Mirror Lake Inn

    Lake Placid's only AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant. more

     Kanu Dining Room

    Kanu Dining Room

    Upscale dining at Whiteface Lodge with creative American cuisine. more

     Salt of the Earth Bistro

    Salt of the Earth Bistro

    Quaint bistro serving creative dishes with traditional roots. more
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    getting there

    By Train

    Amtrak has a station in Westport, and from there it is a 45-minute drive to Lake Placid.

    By Plane

    There are two regional airports that service the Adirondacks, Adirondack Regional Airport and Plattsburgh International Airport. Lake Placid is approximately two hours from Albany International Airport. Click here for more information on flying to Lake Placid.

    By Car

    By car, Lake Placid is 2 hours from Albany, Burlington, and Montreal; 5 hours from Boston, New York City, and Rochester; 6 hours from Buffalo, Toronto, and Philadelphia.

    By Bus

    Trailways, Greyhound, and Megabus offer bus services from many cities into Lake Placid.

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    Getting Around

    By Bus

    Essex County Public Transportation offers free service in Lake Placid as part of its Placid XPRSS route. The buses are accessible to people with disabilities and can be flagged down along the route with a wave of the hand.