Best Ways to Explore the Lake Placid Olympic Site

Lake Placid offers unique attractions for athletes, history buffs and adventurous hearts. With a rich sports history, Lake Placid Olympic Village is a must for any traveler. From gorgeous views and fascinating tours to interactive experiences and exhilarating thrill rides, there is something for everyone at Lake Placid Olympic Village.

Unforgettable Experiences for Every Type of Traveler

Lake Placid Olympic Village has a rich history, serving as the United States' first Olympic Winter Games location in 1932. Nearly 50 years later, it hosted the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, which is known for speed skater Eric Heiden’s remarkable gold-medal run and the U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey Team’s historic victory.

This incredible Olympic site also features epic outdoor adventures and spectacular scenery. Every type of visitor can find exciting things to do at Lake Placid Olympic Village:

• History buffs: If history is your passion, you can take guided tours and visit fascinating exhibits to learn more about Lake Placid's Olympic past.
• Athletes and adrenaline seekers: Explore the same hills, bob runs and ice surfaces that Olympic athletes have competed on. Whether you are an aspiring athlete or a thrill-seeker, Lake Placid Olympic Village will leave you in awe.
• Vacationers and sports fans: If you prefer a relaxing trip or simply want to visit the Olympic Village as a fan, scenic gondola rides and interactive experiences make for a memorable time.

What Is There to Do at Lake Placid Olympic Village?

There are plenty of Lake Placid Olympic site activities to fuel your sense of adventure. Fill your itinerary with the following Lake Placid Olympic site attractions.

Olympic Center

The Olympic Center is the heart of Olympic Village, featuring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and engaging activities. This iconic site is located in downtown Lake Placid, making it easy to combine with local shopping and dining experiences. Visit these Olympic Center attractions for an unforgettable vacation:

• Iconic “Miracle on Ice” hockey rink: Tour the “Miracle on Ice” rink where the U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey Team won four consecutive gold medals and beat the favored Soviet Union team.
• Olympic Museum: The Lake Placid Olympic Museum takes you on a journey through the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games. You can see memorabilia up close, partake in interactive exhibits and learn more about iconic Olympic moments. This is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the stories of beloved Olympic athletes.
• Skating rinks: When you visit the Olympic Center, you have an incredible opportunity to glide across the ice where the professionals once skated. Hit the ice on the outdoor James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval or the indoor 1980 Herb Brooks Arena and the 1932 Jack Shea Arena.

Olympic Jumping Complex

Lake Placid's Olympic Jumping Complex is a must-see for every visitor. Add these attractions to your trip plans:

• Gondola ride with an incredible viewpoint: You can ride the Skyride gondola and a glass elevator to the top of the ski jumps, taking in breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Placid and the Adirondacks. 
• Ski jump observation decks: Stand on observation decks to watch the skiers whisk down the training hills and show off their skills.
• Zipline: Ride the Sky Flyer Zipline if you have a thirst for adventure. This incredible ride follows the same path as the mountain's 100-meter jump, simulating a ski jump so you can experience what it feels like.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Mt. Van Hoevenberg is the perfect stop for unforgettable thrills. The following attractions offer unforgettable moments around every turn:

• Bobsled rides on the Olympic track: Zig, zag and zoom on a bobsled track for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This exciting ride takes you along the lower half-mile of a real bobsled track, letting you glide along the same route as Olympic athletes.
• Skeleton rides: Sled like never before on a skeleton sled. In the winter season, you can sled headfirst and use your shoulders and legs to steer on this heart-pounding track.
• Mountain coaster: Mt. Van Hoevenberg's Cliffside Coaster is North America's longest mountain coaster and runs along the historic 1980 bobsled track. You get to control the speed as you zip through cliffside banks, sharp corners and winding stretches.
• Indoor rock climbing: Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s Indoor Climbing Center features indoor top rope, traverse and bouldering walls for climbers of all skill levels.
• Hiking and snowshoeing: Explore Mt. Van Hoevenberg's sweeping beauty on its hiking trails, or try snowshoeing in the winter.
• Legacy Tour: A guided Legacy Tour lets you visit iconic Olympic sites to see where athletes stay, train and compete.
• Cross-country and shooting: The Discover Biathlon Experience combines cross-country and shooting for a one-of-a-kind Olympic activity. During this tour, you learn more about the history of biathlon, take a bike or ski lesson, and test your marksmanship at the Biathlon Shooting Range.

Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain is just a short drive from Lake Placid, and it is the perfect place to continue your fun. Visit this awe-inspiring mountain for the following activities:

• Scenic gondola rides: If you visit during the summer months or the winter season, take a scenic gondola ride up to the summit. The Cloudsplitter Gondola takes you from Whiteface Mountain's base to the Little Whiteface peak, where you can see Lake Champlain, Lake Placid, Lake Placid Village and some of New York's most incredible peaks.
• Skiing: In the winter, you can ski the same slopes as the Olympic athletes.
• Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway: Drive the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway to take in 360-degree views of one of the state’s highest peaks.
• Hiking: Explore Adirondack Park on Whiteface Mountain's miles of hiking trails. Forest-covered paths, open trails, wildflowers and waterfalls await in this gorgeous area.

Tips for Visiting Lake Placid Olympic Sites 

Make the most of your trip with these tips: 

• Save money with the Legacy Sites Passport: The Legacy Sites Passport offers significant discounts on several Lake Placid Olympic Village attractions, making it easier to pack more fun into your trip.
• Make reservations: Making reservations for popular activities helps reduce your wait time and ensures you get a chance to try your favorites.
• Check for special events: Check Olympic Village's calendar for special events that take place throughout the year.
• Pick the ideal season: The ideal season to visit depends on your desired activities. Summer months offer activities like ziplines, gondola rides and hiking. December through February is best for snow sports, and the spring and fall seasons are ideal if you want to enjoy smaller crowds.
• Check opening dates: Each activity's availability can vary based on the season, maintenance schedule and weather. Check opening dates before visiting to ensure your favorite activities are accessible.
• Pack appropriately: Pack the essentials for outdoor activities. Sunscreen, layers, hiking boots and bug spray are especially important. 

Stay at Kampgrounds of America to Experience Lake Placid's Olympic Sites 

Lake Placid is the perfect destination for Olympic sports fans, history enthusiasts and adventurers, and Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday is the perfect basecamp. 

This KOA Campground is just a short drive from the area's top Olympic attractions, making it easy to access the Olympic Center, Whiteface Mountain, Mt. Van Hoevenberg and the Olympic Jumping Complex. When you stay at KOA, you can also enjoy convenient campground amenities and fun recreational activities. Spend your days exploring Olympic Village, and spend your evenings roasting s'mores over a crackling campfire. Reserve a stay at Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday to start your Olympic adventure.