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    Lake Placid - Main Street

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.

Views From Lake Placid

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

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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

Where to Eat

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Soulshine Bagel

Soulshine Bagel

Local favorite serving all-day breakfast and lunch. more

 Big Mountain Deli

Big Mountain Deli

Classic counter for breakfast and sandwiches. more

 Big Mountain Deli & Creperie

Big Mountain Deli & Creperie

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

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.

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.