Lake Placid: A Mountain Town With a Special History

When you think about Lake Placid, your first thought might be: Olympics! But this small town has a vibrant history that includes so much more!

The popularity of the Adirondack region as a destination soared in the late 1800s when the nation's most wealthy and influential citizens built their Adirondack Great Camps here. The social elite would "vacate" the stifling summer heat of northeast cities for the cool Adirondack air. Yes, this is the origin of the word – it's where vacations began.

Competitive sports stage

Lake Placid's winter sports history began with Melvil Dewey, who refused to listen to skeptics, extending the Lake Placid Club's season through the winter of 1904-05. By 1914, Dewey had garnered the support of the community as he succeeded in creating the country's first winter resort. Quickly successful, Lake Placid has been part of the competitive world sports stage since the 1920s and it's still going strong!

Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and the 1980 Olympic Winter Games and still hosts world-class sporting events every year. The village and the surrounding area are rich in Olympic history. To learn more, be sure to visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum downtown at the Olympic Center.

A vintage black and white image of people skating on a frozen lake.

Hotels, movie stars, and the First Lady of Radio

Over the years, Lake Placid has seen faces and buildings come and go but they all leave a special mark. From elaborate hotels to an actual opera house, Olympian Jack Shea to the American superstar singer Kate Smith, whose voice was known to everyone in the mid-20th century, all have their place in our history. This charming village has been mentioned in a Cary Grant movie as a great place to fall in love, made notorious in a more recent, croc-tastic film, and even seen movies filmed here, going as far back as 1926.

Today, you can learn about the people — famous and less so, but no less important — who have made Lake Placid distinctively fascinating at the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society Museum, which is housed in a former railroad depot.

An old postcard shows Lake Placid, NY's Main Street, complete with 1920s-era automobiles.

Lake Placid today

The area continues to beckon visitors year-round; to shop on the charming Main Street, to enjoy a variety of performance arts, and to sample area dining fare. As you stroll around Mirror Lake or travel farther afield, you'll find historic sites and treasures all around you. What are you waiting for? Let's explore!

A vintage black and white image of people skating on a frozen lake.
An old postcard shows Lake Placid, NY's Main Street, complete with 1920s-era automobiles.
A rustic, historic farmhouse sits alongside a calm pond on a sunny day.
The Legacy of John Brown

Explore the story of a legendary abolitionist who fought for an end to slavery, and his legacy in Lake Placid.

Learn more
A vintage, black and white image of the 1932 Lake Placid Olympic Arena
Past, Present, and Future

From its start as a winter sports destination, through two Olympic Winter Games, and onward to new heights, Lake Placid has a rich history!

Read more
A line up of tickets from the 1980 Olympics
Lake Placid's Olympic History

Slide like a world-class luger through Lake Placid's amazing Olympic history.

Go for gold
an aerial view of Lake Placid's village, including the Olympic center and part of Mirror Lake.
Walking in the Past

A charming, pedestrian-friendly village, Lake Placid is ideal for a self-guided walking tour, exploring historic highlights and treasures.

Let's hit the pavement!

Results for "Explore Historic Lake Placid"

Refine
Where
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
2634 Main Street, Lake Placid
(518) 302-5326

Explore the legacy of the Olympic Games with exciting exhibits, including video highlights, athletes' uniforms and equipment, a collection of Olympic torches, mascots, the first gold medal ever awarded, and more!

  
1980 Lake Placid - XIII Olympic Games
Main Street, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

The legacy of the 1980 Games has been preserved, and its heritage upheld here in Lake Placid, NY!

  
1932 Lake Placid - III Olympic Games
Main Street, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

The year was 1932.

  
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
John Brown Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-3900

Tour the last home and burial site of the famed abolitionist. The home provides a glimpse of life in the 19th century and shares fascinating information about Brown and his mission to abolish the practice of slavery.

  
Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society/Museum
242 Station Street, Lake Placid
(518) 523-1608

The Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society has operated The History Museum in the historic Lake Placid Railroad Station since 1967. The Museum reveals the rich and unique history of the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba. Exhibits in...

  
The Wild Center

Three years running, The Wild Center was named the People's Choice top attraction in the Adirondacks by the readers of Adirondack Life. To top it all off, The Wild Center's Wild Walk, a trail across the treetops, has opened to rave reviews. It's all...

  
Adirondack History Museum
7590 Court Street, Elizabethtown
(518) 873-6466
  
Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
9097 Route 30, Blue Mountain Lake
(518) 352-7311
  

Packages and Promotions

Clear All Filters

Browse by:

Category

Date

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Oct. 28

- Nov. 9

Valid Oct. 28

- Nov. 9

the Stay Soon Special!

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Visit soon and Save!

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

The Devlin

Maximize your time in the outdoors: book your room and a boat rental through HK Boat Rentals.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Experience the unspoiled Adirondacks while spoiling yourself and a loved one

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Aug. 28

- Oct. 31

Valid Aug. 1

- Oct. 26

Fall Golf Package

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Golf + breakfast this fall at the Golden Arrow

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Sep. 23

- Sep. 27

Valid Sep. 23

- Sep. 27

High Falls Gorge Construction Discount

High Falls Gorge

We're offering reduced admission prices for a limited time as we finish renovating our steel walkway.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Linger longer in the Adirondacks and be rewarded!

Valid Sep. 2

- Sep. 18

Valid Sep. 13

- Sep. 17

BOGO FREE!

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays September 2- September 18, 2024 Call 888-372-5686 to book today!

Valid Oct. 21

- Nov. 9

Valid Sep. 26

- Oct. 26

Family Friendly Condo at Whiteface Club & Resort

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

You can save $100 per night!

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Oct. 11

- Oct. 24

Valid Oct. 10

- Oct. 24

Half Off your third night at Camp Riverwalker

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Book 2 nights in our cozy suite and save 50 % on the third night

Valid Jun. 17

- Oct. 31

Valid May. 15

- Oct. 31

In-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay and golf at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort. Package Includes: - 2 nights' stay at Cambria Hotel Lake Placid. - 2 rounds of unlimited golf with a cart for 18 holes.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Stay and Save!

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Play and Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Includes stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel with Golf at our Lake Placid Club Courses

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Golf & Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Starting at: $119.00 * Weekend & Summer packages available at higher rates

Load More