Hidden treasures and must-do stops in Lake Placid

Lake Placid isn’t just a winter wonderland—it’s a four-season playground tucked in the Adirondacks. The village carries the pride of hosting two Winter Olympics, but its charm goes beyond frozen tracks and ski jumps. In warmer months, the area transforms into a scenic escape with lakes, trails, and history waiting to be explored. Start at the Olympic Museum, where the walls still seem to hum with the energy of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice. " This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s an interactive experience with a café overlooking the speed skating oval. From there, hop on a pontoon boat to see how the lake’s shoreline became a retreat for families and celebrities over the past century and a half.History buffs shouldn’t miss John Brown’s Farm, where the abolitionist once dreamed of a free Black community called Timbuctoo. His final resting place sits near towering ski jumps that once hosted Olympic events. Drive up Whiteface Mountain for a view that stretches across the Adirondacks, or stop by Saranac Lake’s historic "cure cottages, " built for tuberculosis patients who sought fresh air and sunlight. For a break from the outdoors, wander Main Street’s shops or grab a drink at Top of the Park with views of Mirror Lake. Families can visit Santa’s Workshop year-round, while chocolate lovers indulge at a local shop that’s been satisfying sweet cravings for decades. Whether it’s hiking to High Falls Gorge or catching a show at Arts Center Lake Placid, the village keeps surprises around every corner.