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"

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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...

  
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!

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

The year was 1932.

  
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!

  
The Wild Center
45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake
(518) 359-7800

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...

  
History s'Peaks

Looking for a new adventure that will let you explore the Adirondacks and learn cool things? Get in on the latest challenge! New in 2021, History s'Peaks is an Adirondack museum challenge in the High Peaks region.

  
Libraries of Essex County
8256 River St, Elizabethtown

The Libraries of Essex County are rich with information about the Adirondacks, the history of the communities and genealogy. AuSable Forks/Ausable Forks Free Library 9 Church Ln, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912 518-647-5596 Crown Point/Hammond Library of...

  
Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
9097 Route 30, Blue Mountain Lake
(518) 352-7311
  
Fort Ticonderoga
102 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga
(518) 585-2821
  
Adirondack History Museum
7590 Court Street, Elizabethtown
(518) 873-6466
  
Saranac Laboratory Museum and Gift Shop
89 Church St, Saranac Lake
(518) 891-4606
  

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Valid Jan. 11

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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 Mar. 29

- Apr. 4

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- Apr. 4

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Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% off Select Items!

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The Devlin

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

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Ampersand Bay Resort Sweetheart Package

Ampersand Bay Resort

Dinner for 2 at the Sunset Bistro ($150 value) Chocolate Covered Strawberries and a Bottle of Champagne in the room on arrival. 1pm late check out.

Valid May. 1

- Jun. 16

Valid Feb. 20

- Jun. 15

Pre-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Pre-Season Golf from May 1- June 16. Stay two nights at the Cambria Hotel Lake Placid and play two rounds of unlimited golf and a cart at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

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Bluebird Lake Placid

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

Valid Mar. 26

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Solar Eclipse Lunch To Go

Green Goddess Natural Market & Catering

Get your eclipse provisions to go from Green Goddess Market & Cafe for just $14.99!

Valid Feb. 11

- Jun. 30

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Stay 3 nights save 20%

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Book a 3-night stay and save 20%

Valid Jan. 9

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Babymoon

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid May. 3

- May. 5

Valid Feb. 20

- May. 1

Immersion into Tantra Yoga

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Nourish your body and mind by indulging in a weekend of growth with Todd Norian, founder of Ashaya Yoga.

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Total Eclipse of the Park IPA

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

Get your hands on some Out-of-this-World beer before its gone!

Valid Jan. 11

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The Adirondack Elopement

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

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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. 12

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Stagecoach Inn

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

Valid Mar. 22

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Girls Getaway Weekend

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

Valid Jan. 8

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100th Anniversary Package

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid Jan. 11

- Mar. 31

Valid Jan. 11

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Celebrate 2024 with 24% OFF!

Grand Adirondack Hotel

Winter adventure and snow-kissed peaks beckon! Celebrate 2024 with a 24% discount on stays Sunday-Thursday through March. Rate is 24 percent off our Retail rates. Rate is fully prepaid and non-refundable. Available select weekdays through March 2024...

Valid Jan. 11

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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

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Placid Bay Hotel

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

Valid Jan. 11

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Valid Jan. 11

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Town House Lodge by the Lake

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. 11

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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

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Valid Feb. 8

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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

Valid Jan. 11

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Valid Jan. 11

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Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

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

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

Valid Apr. 6

- Apr. 9

Valid Jan. 8

- Apr. 9

2024 Eclipse at the Mirror Lake Inn

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to view solar eclipse with luxurious accommodations, breakfast at 'The View' Restaurant, Eclipse Viewing Glasses & $50 resort credit per room per night.

Valid Apr. 5

- Apr. 11

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Winter Clearance - Helmets, Goggles and Poles!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

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Valid Jan. 8

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High Peaks Resort

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

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Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

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

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Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy breakfast and dinner at one of our five star restaurants. Packaged with your stay!

Valid Jan. 9

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Valid Jan. 9

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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

- Apr. 30

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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

- Jun. 15

Valid Jan. 11

- Jun. 15

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE!

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Stay 2 Midweek Nights and Receive a 3rd Round of Golf with Cart FREE! *Rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy in a standard room. Available Sunday-Thursday, Opening Day-mid June. Tax not included. Subject to availability. US $

Valid Apr. 6

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Solar Eclipse Storytime

The Bookstore Plus

Come learn about a solar eclipse and make cereal box viewers with us!

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High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

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Valid Feb. 8

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Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Valid Apr. 8

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Valid Feb. 29

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Solar Eclipse Viewing Party!

Moose Lodge Boathouse Restaurant

Specialty cocktails featuring Angel's Envy whiskey, delicious buffet offerings, live music and a prime viewing spot to experience totality.

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 Feb. 16

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Valid Feb. 16

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Stay and Sip

Eastwind Lake Placid

Unwind in comfort with a luxurious hotel stay while enjoying the added delight of two complimentary cocktails.

Valid Apr. 12

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Winter Clearance - 40% OFF!

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

40% Off Winter Merchandise

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