Upstate New York's Charming Lakeside Village Offers Winter Fun With Mountain Views

Sitting almost directly in the center of the expansive Adirondacks in Upstate New York is a small town offering experiences on the edge of civilization alongside an impressive lake. Tupper Lake, New York, is appropriately described as the "crossroads of the Adirondack and Olympic Scenic Byways" by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism for the two main byways that intersect there, making it easy to reach. In the winter months, the town transforms into a majestic winter destination, offering a front-row seat to cold-weather activities, attractions, and wildlife.

Tupper Lake is one of several resorts within the Adirondacks that offer top-tier winter entertainment, including the better-known Lake Placid, sitting on pristine waters with its own stunning mountain views. Perhaps what makes Tupper Lake so attractive is that it offers winter activities that are appropriate for most ages and skill levels. Its frozen waters give beginners an opportunity to learn how to ice fish, while its snow-packed cross-country skiing trails offer easy-to-navigate pathways for a family outing. There are even motion sensor-controlled lights along some trails, allowing for well-lit nighttime skiing adventures.

Hiking is a popular adventure at Tupper Lake throughout the year, and with snowshoes, the adventures are endless in this snowy landscape. Access to the expansive trails and loops is free, allowing any guest to explore them. Even bikes with fat tires are available to rent for those looking to pedal through this winter wonderland.

Thanks to its location, Tupper Lake provides locals and visitors incredible access to nature. It's no secret that the Adirondacks boast breathtaking scenery and hiking trails. The 6 million acres upon which Adirondack Park sits have more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails and 30,000 miles of waterways. As you could expect, wildlife thrives here. Birds, fish, and mammals ranging from rabbits to wolves and bears all call this vast space home. They're incredible to see, but not giving them appropriate space is among the common mistakes many visitors make when visiting a major park.

While seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is an attractive option, Tupper Lake also offers a more intimate (and safer) experience within The Wild Center. The attraction was named one of the top science museums in the country by USA Today readers and offers elevated pathways through the trees to take in the views. In the winter, the museum is transformed into "Wild Lights," a holiday-themed, looped hiking trail.

There are even opportunities for fans of fishing in the colder months in Tupper Lake. Each year, the village plays host to Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby. It's one of the largest events of its kind in New York State, and cash prizes are available for the largest fish caught each hour. Participants must register beforehand, and those who choose to take part can bring their own fishing supplies or purchase what is needed at the event.

When to schedule a trip to Tupper Lake is dependent on individual interests. Winter is an excellent opportunity to take in snowy recreation. The cold season also offers an opportunity to take advantage of the dark skies in upper New York and enjoy an unprecedented stargazing opportunity at the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory. This high-tech observatory is open the third Friday of each month in the winter, weather permitting, to give visitors a view of the stars through its high-tech telescope and retractable roof.

There are multiple lodging opportunities for winter enthusiasts in Tupper Lake. Several hotels provide picturesque lakeside views that are close to the village's center without modern high rises blocking anyone's view. Smaller inns and vacation rentals are abundant here as well. While campgrounds are another popular way to spend time in Tupper Lake, with tent and RV sites available, some are only open between May and October, when temperatures are a bit warmer.

Many guests arrive at Tupper Lake by car, since the village is 300 miles from both New York City and Boston, Massachusetts. Those looking to fly to the Adirondack region can book flights to Adirondack Regional Airport, which offers daily service to and from international airports in both major cities. There, you can find multiple transportation options to complete the journey to Tupper Lake, including rental car services.