Lake Placid was a place I had never heard of until Mark signed up for the Ironman Lake Placid triathlon. I was even more surprised when I found out that it was in New York State because, for some reason, my only view of New York had always been the bright city lights of New York City, Times Square, yellow taxis and skyscrapers. Like many people, I knew New York State was much bigger than NYC. I just had no idea this gorgeous mountain town even existed.
If you live in the United States or follow Olympic history, Lake Placid probably isn’t new to you. But if you’re hearing about it for the first time, then you’re in for a treat.
Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York, Lake Placid combines beautiful lakes, mountain scenery, outdoor adventures and Olympic history in one incredibly charming village. After spending ten days here, I completely understand why so many people return year after year.
What is Lake Placid Known For?
Lake Placid is best known for hosting the Winter Olympic Games twice, in 1932 and again in 1980. The village became part of sporting history during the legendary “Miracle on Ice”, when the United States hockey team defeated the heavily favoured Soviet Union. Unlike many former Olympic host cities, the facilities here remain active today.
Visitors can tour the Olympic Centre and Museum, step inside the famous Herb Brooks Arena, ride the Cliffside Coaster at Mt Van Hoevenberg, experience a real bobsled track, visit the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex or drive up nearby Whiteface Mountain.
Getting to Lake Placid from Nairobi
Our journey to Lake Placid began in Nairobi. We were originally booked to fly with Qatar Airways. Still, because of the conflict in the Middle East, our flights were cancelled, and we were automatically rebooked onto British Airways and American Airlines via London Heathrow and Philadelphia.
The onward journey was less than ideal. The service, particularly on the London to Philadelphia flight, was surprisingly poor, bordering on rude. I have always joked that the worst airline experiences are reserved for flights in and out of Africa, but apparently some airlines do not discriminate.
That said, I honestly could not complain too much. Given everything happening at the time, I was simply grateful that our trip still went ahead. After all the planning, expense and anticipation, the last thing we wanted was for it to be cancelled altogether.
And, to be fair, the return flight experience on both legs was excellent. The cabin crew were friendly and attentive, and I even got a gift from them – a cute USA FIFA-themed purse filled with little flight knick-knacks. It was apparently meant only for First Class passengers, but somehow the flight attendant spotted Mark and me in seats 31K and 31L and decided we should each get one too 🙂
BA also served a delicious jollof rice meal that was so spicy I could hear “Could we get a less spicy version?” echoing across the cabin! I loved it – and that is saying a lot for aeroplane food.
We arrived in Philadelphia and cleared immigration. Usually, with my Nigerian passport, I’m granted a stay of up to six months. This time, however, the immigration officer gave me only thirty days. It was still enough to cover our entire trip, but I couldn’t help being surprised. It was a stark reminder of how quickly things seem to be changing for Nigerian travellers visiting the US.
With airport logistics finally behind us, it was time to enjoy being back in the United States.
A Slight Detour Before Lake Placid
Mark’s parents picked us up from Philadelphia, and we drove to Delaware. There was just one problem. Mark’s bike, arguably the most important item for the entire trip, had been left behind in Nairobi.
Thankfully, it arrived the following day, but retrieving it meant another four-hour road trip. Once we finally had it back, we stopped at a bike shop to repair some minor transit damage before we could finally focus on the reason we had travelled all this way.
The Drive to Lake Placid
After spending a few days recovering from jet lag in Delaware, we set off on the eight-hour drive north to Lake Placid. The timing actually worked in our favour.
A heatwave, combined with smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires, had settled over Delaware and much of New York. As we drove further into the Adirondacks, the temperatures dropped, the skies became clearer, and we were welcomed by crisp mountain air and beautiful blue skies.
By the evening of our first day, a little haze had drifted in, but overnight rain quickly cleared everything away. For the rest of our stay, we enjoyed cool mornings, pleasant evenings and warm summer afternoons that were perfect for exploring.
So, Where Is Lake Placid?
Lake Placid sits within the Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York, inside the enormous Adirondack Park.
At more than 6.2 million acres, Adirondack Park is the largest protected area in the contiguous United States, a mix of protected wilderness, private land and small communities. In fact, it is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks combined.
Although many visitors associate New York solely with New York City, Lake Placid couldn’t feel more different. Instead of skyscrapers, you’ll find towering mountain peaks. Instead of busy avenues, there are peaceful lakes, hiking trails and forests stretching for miles.
Lake Placid is around five hours from New York City by car and around two hours from Montreal, Canada, making it one of the most beautiful destinations for a weekend getaway or road trip in Upstate New York.
Our First Few Days…
We spent ten days in Lake Placid, although the first half of the trip revolved almost entirely around Ironman. For the first five days, our focus was supporting Mark as he prepared for race day. We wandered around Main Street, Mirror Lake, ate in lakeside restaurants, explored the village and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere whenever his training schedule allowed.
Between race preparations, we wandered through the local shops, discovered cosy cafés and spent plenty of time simply walking around the village. One thing that immediately stood out for me was how much this town loves Christmas.
Even in summer, Christmas shops and decorations were everywhere, and I found myself imagining what Lake Placid must look like covered in snow. I caught myself several times thinking that I would love to return in autumn to see the colourful foliage, or in winter when everything transforms into a snowy mountain village.
Race Day
Eventually, race day arrived. Even as spectators, it turned out to be one of the most exciting sporting events we have ever attended.
We woke up before sunrise to drop Mark off, and from that moment the entire town came alive. Thousands of people lined the streets cheering on strangers. The atmosphere was supportive, emotional and unlike anything I had experienced before. I shared a snippet on my Instagram page.
Ironman is one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Athletes must complete a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a full marathon within seventeen hours, with strict cut-off times throughout the race.
Mark had previously completed Ironman 70.3 Rwanda, but this was his first full-distance Ironman. Naturally, we were nervous. His first-ever Ironman 70.3 ended in a DNF after a panic attack during the swim, and his second was successful. Still, watching him complete the swim this time and transition onto the bike was an enormous relief.
We spent nearly thirteen hours moving between different spectator points, cheering him on throughout the day. With perfect weather and the beautiful scenery of Lake Placid surrounding us, even standing outside all day was enjoyable. Watching him cross the finish line after months of training was one of the proudest moments of the trip.
Exploring Lake Placid After Ironman
Once the race was over, the trip shifted completely. We moved into another beautiful lakeside Airbnb within walking distance of Main Street. My favourite part was that it came with complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and a canoe, which we used almost every day.
Family members also arrived, turning the second half of the trip into a proper holiday. This was when we finally got to experience everything Lake Placid is known for.
We hiked Mount Jo, kayaked and took a boat across Lake Placid, drove scenic mountain roads, visited waterfalls, explored local cafés and simply enjoyed slowing down. We connected over delicious meals, including a memorable homemade seafood boil that became one of the highlights of the trip.
What to Do in Lake Placid in 3 to 5 Days
If you have three to five days in Lake Placid, I would recommend spending your first day settling into the village. If possible, stay near Mirror Lake so that you are within walking distance of Main Street and restaurants.
Where to Stay in Lake Placid
If you’re looking for a hotel, places like High Peaks Resort, Lake House at High Peaks Resort, Eastwind Lake Placid and Mirror Lake Inn are all popular choices with easy access to the village and surrounding attractions.
Spend the afternoon exploring Main Street before ending the day with dinner by the lake. We had a fantastic meal at Jimmy’s 21 on our first night.
Dedicate another day to Mirror Lake itself. Rent a rowboat, canoe, kayak, pedal boat or paddleboard and enjoy one of the calmest lakes I’ve visited. Afterwards, explore the Olympic Centre and Museum before watching sunset over the water.
Reserve a full day for hiking. We hiked Mount Jo, which offers one of the best effort-to-view ratios in the Adirondacks. If hiking isn’t your thing, the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain offers spectacular views with much less effort, depending on the season.
Another day can be spent exploring High Falls Gorge before driving the Veterans’ Memorial Highway up Whiteface Mountain. Together they make an excellent combination and showcase some of the region’s most impressive scenery.
If you’re planning to visit in any season and want a more comprehensive guide to things to do in the village, the Lake Placid website is a great resource. And speaking of when to visit…
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Placid?
Lake Placid is one of those rare destinations that truly changes with every season. Summer is perfect for hiking, canoeing, paddleboarding and exploring the Adirondack High Peaks. Ironman Lake Placid also takes place in July, bringing thousands of athletes and spectators to town.
Autumn transforms the surrounding mountains into brilliant shades of red, orange and gold, making it one of the best fall foliage destinations in New York. Winter brings skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and the magical atmosphere of a former Olympic winter village. Spring is quieter but offers waterfalls at their most powerful as the snow melts across the mountains.
Personally, after experiencing and loving Lake Placid in the summer, I would love to return in the autumn or winter. I don’t ski and might hate the cold, but I would love to see the village during Christmas. I bet it is magical!
I’ll wrap up this post by answering a few frequently asked questions about Lake Placid that I hope will help you plan your visit…
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Lake Placid
Is Lake Placid worth visiting?
Absolutely. Lake Placid is one of the most beautiful destinations in Upstate New York, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, Olympic history, mountain scenery and a charming village atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting in summer for hiking and kayaking or in winter for skiing and snow sports, there’s plenty to keep you busy for several days.
Where is Lake Placid located?
Lake Placid is located in the Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York State. It sits within Adirondack Park, the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, and is about a five-hour drive from New York City and less than two hours from Montreal, Canada.
Is Lake Placid in the Adirondacks?
Yes. Lake Placid is one of the best-known towns in the Adirondack Mountains and serves as a popular base for exploring Adirondack Park, hiking the High Peaks, and enjoying outdoor activities throughout the year.
How many days should you spend in Lake Placid?
I recommend spending at least four to five days in Lake Placid. This gives you enough time to enjoy the lakes, visit the Olympic sites, hike one or two mountains, explore Main Street and take a few scenic drives without feeling rushed. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you could easily spend a week here.
Do you need a car in Lake Placid?
If you’re staying near Main Street or Mirror Lake, many restaurants, shops and attractions are within walking distance. However, I would still recommend renting a car if you want to visit hiking trails, Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge or other attractions around the Adirondacks.
Which is better: Mirror Lake or Lake Placid?
They each offer something different. Mirror Lake is smaller, calmer and sits right in the centre of town. Since motorboats aren’t allowed, it’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding and relaxing walks. Lake Placid is much larger and allows motorboats, making it better for boating and enjoying wider mountain views.
Where to Eat in Lake Placid?
For a small mountain town, Lake Placid has a surprisingly good food scene. We enjoyed dinner at Jimmy’s 21 on our first evening and loved dining at The Cottage, where the lakeside setting was just as memorable as the food. Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery became our go-to stop for ice cream, while Capisce Coffee was our favourite place to grab a morning coffee before heading out to explore.
Before this trip, New York meant skyscrapers and yellow taxis to me. Now, whenever someone mentions it, my mind goes straight to mountain lakes, quiet mornings, scenic hikes and one of the prettiest villages I’ve ever visited. Lake Placid completely changed the way I see New York, and I can’t wait to go back.
