Last Updated on September 16, 2026 by Betsy Ramsey
If you’re a member of the early Gen-X crowd you’ll have no trouble recalling 1980 Lake Placid. The Miracle on Ice, Tai & Randy, and Eric Heiden! This February marks the 45th anniversary of those mesmerizing Olympic stories.
There’s certainly no better time for an Olympic-style getaway. Let’s explore Lake Placid’s Things to Do!
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Lake Placid: Things to Do
Lake Placid makes for both a wonderful winter getaway and a sporty summer escape. Visiting various Olympic attractions is, without a doubt, a top thing to do in Lake Placid. Below is a run-down of what you’ll find available.
TOP TIP: If you are planning to visit multiple attractions, consider the Legacy Sites Passport which offers additional shopping and dining discounts along with admission to the top sites.
The Olympic Museum
Start your Lake Placid exploration with a visit to the small but informative Olympic Museum. During our visit here, I learned that the village has hosted the Olympics not once, but two times!
The exhibits highlight much Olympic memorabilia (torches, pins, medals, competition outfits) and provide insight into the rigorous training schedules of Olympic athletes. Interactive exhibits are fun and effective at letting one experience the thrill of a ski jump or a bobsled run!
The 1980 and 1932 Ice Rinks
Stop at the scoreboard outside the Herb Brooks Arena for an epic photo opp commemorating the Miracle on Ice win! After that, you can skate in the rink or, if you’re lucky, observe some athletes in training as they perfect their skills.
Be sure to hop over to the 1932 rink for a quick peek. It’s so tiny compared to the 1980 rink. Once again, you have a good chance of spotting future Olympic hopefuls hard at work here.
Speedskating Oval
The Speedskating Oval is one of only a handful left in the US. In the winter months, you can skate here or at one of the indoor rinks referenced above. The outdoor oval is the exact location where Eric Heiden earned his five gold medals in 1980.
The Olympic Jumping Complex
This winter the Jumping Complex is home to another World Cup event and will provide a great opportunity to see this sport’s best of the best. During other times of the year, you can take a sky ride and then an elevator to the top of the 128-meter jump.
Your stomach will drop as you contemplate those who fearlessly launch down this steep, icy slope! The views are worth the anxiety. During the summer months the pool will be open, allowing you to see how they practice their jumps.
Whiteface Mountain
Skiers and snowboarders will want to plan a visit to Whiteface Mountain, which was home to most of the downhill events in 1980. Whiteface is the highest peak in the Adirondacks and the 5th largest in the US. Even non-skiers will want to take the Cloudsplitter Gondola for the spectacular views.
Mount Van Hoevenberg
Mt. Van Hoevenberg is home to bobsled and skeleton competitions. In fact, the world championships are being held here this March. This February on select dates, visitors will have the very rare opportunity to try their hand at skeleton (ie, sliding down a track head-first at 30 MPH)!
During other times of the year, you might want to consider the bobsled experience. This is a truly thrilling event that is less exposed-feeling although faster, than the skeleton. Due to the March World Championship, the experience is not available this winter.
Lodging
The Mirror Lake Inn is often considered the most iconic and luxurious lodging in Lake Placid. Even if you are unable to stay here, I’d recommend stopping in for a look and then having lunch at the waterside cottage for lovely views of the lake.
We stayed at the Crowne Plaza, an IHG property. It offers free parking, a pool, and tranquil views over the lake. The Crowne Plaza is conveniently located next to the Olympic Museum and a short (5-minute) walk into town. Note that it sits on a steep hill which you’ll need to walk up when you return.
Thanks to our IHG status, we were upgraded to a deluxe suite, complete with a kitchenette. We took advantage by ordering in pizza and wine and enjoyed dinner on the balcony while taking in the view.
Other Lake Placid Things to Do
Plan at least a half day to walk around town, exploring the many quirky shops and dining venues. Along with the Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn, recommended dining venues include Jimmy’s 21 Lakeside (Italian), The Lake Placid Brewery, Smoke Signals (BBQ), Lisa G’s, and Salt of the Earth Bistro. Reservations are recommended for all dining locations.
Slightly outside town is the John Brown Farm, home and burial site of the renowned abolitionist. Nature enthusiasts will want to pay a visit to High Falls Gorge. The 1-mile path is semi-wheelchair accessible. The four waterfalls are accessible (and mesmerizing) in both winter and summer.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Olympic Getaway! Lake Placid is a very special place to visit year-round and one of a handful of US destinations that I hope to revisit one day.
Have you been to Lake Placid or one of the other Olympic Training Facilities in the US (Colorado Springs, Chula Vista)? If so, what stood out and did you see any athletes? I’m curious to know!
Until next time…
