Lake Placid Tourist Attractions
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The world-famous winter-sports resort of Lake Placid, at the foot of Whiteface Mountain, has twice hosted the Winter Olympics (1932, 1980).Today the town is a major tourist center, located in beautiful natural surroundings with lakes and hills. While it is perhaps best known internationally for its winter recreation, particularly skiing, the town is a very popular summer destination as well. All kinds of unique shops and restaurants line the main tourist strip through town. On busy summer weekends, will find it crowded with all kinds of visitors.In addition to Lake Placid (the body of water) there is also the incredibly scenic Mirror Lake, a center piece of the town.
Olympic Jumping Center
The Olympic Jumping Center is one of the iconic symbols of the Olympic Games. The 26 storey tower has a glass look-out area for the public to view the starting point of the ski jumping competition. There are also great views out over the Adirondack Mountains. United States team jumpers train and compete at the facility year-round. In the summer months, plastic surfacing covers the in-run and landing hill of the 90-meter jump to simulate snow.
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
This small town has the unique distinction of having twice hosted the Winter Olympics, nearly 50 years apart. The Olympic Museum is a great way to relive the experience and learn about the dramatic moments of both the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games.This inspiration museum features a video presentation, uniforms, and equipment from both sets of Olympic Games. A model of the Olympic complex is also on display.
Lake Placid (North Elba Historical Society Museum)
The Lake Placid / North Elba Historical Society Museum is housed in a former train station. It houses a variety of historical displays that include farm equipment, musical instruments, period photographs, and other memorabilia. The past 200 years of Lake Placid, North Elba, and the surrounding areas are chronicled.
Olympic Center
The Olympic Center features four indoor ice rinks that hosted many events including hockey, ice shows, public skating, concerts and curling. It was built for ice events at the 1932 Olympic Games and an additional wing was added for the 1980 Games.
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
The restored farmhouse and a monument mark the burial spot of John Brown. John Brown (1800-1859) was an abolitionist whose attempt to free the slaves cost him his life and the life of others.
Olympic Sports Complex at Mount Van Hoevenberg
The Olympic Sports Complex at Mount Van Hoevenbergoffers over 50 miles of ski trails for cross-country skiing. In the summer months, the trails are used for mountain biking.
