As a destination for all seasons, the Adirondacks allow visitors to experience the very best of the year no matter when they visit. Unwind in a place of thick forests and pristine water that is almost primordial. At Lake Placid Lodge, guests can enjoy the impressive beauty of the woods and lake while savoring the distinctive elegance of this rustic getaway.

lake placid lodge entrance

Accommodation type: 4-star
No. of Rooms & Suites: 13 guests rooms, 17 cabins
Pricing: starts at $629 for single rooms, at $1,163 for suites
High season: May through September
Nearest airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV)
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners, families
Awards:

  • Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Restaurant, 2015
  • Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Hotel, 2015
  • Travel and Leisure Magazine’s 10 Best Pancakes in the Country

Accommodation

The first structure on the site was built as a rustic camp retreat in 1882, taking advantage of the spectacular views of Whiteface Mountain. In 1946, the lodge was improved and opened as a hotel for those fleeing the heat and frenetic pace of the city. In 2005, this historic structure burned to the ground. Therefore, today’s Lake Placid Lodge dates from 2005, completely rebuilt with the aesthetic of the Adirondacks in every detail. Grand post and beam construction serve as a backdrop for the hand-laid fireplaces, 50 in all, that grace both public and private spaces.

lake placid lodge bedroom

Guest rooms in the main lodge feature handmade beds using local tree branches, comfortable plaid bedding, fireplaces, and antiques. Cabins have picture windows with lake views and may have multiple bedrooms or unique options like a sauna room. In addition, the Lakeside Building has rooms with balconies, soaking tubs and fireplaces.

Facilities

lake placid lodge restaurant

  • Artisans Restaurant – with excellent views over the peaks of Whiteface Mountain, this restaurant serves up award-winning cuisine that features local produce imaginatively prepared. Lake-caught rainbow trout, seasonal greens like fiddlehead ferns, locally made goat cheese and Adirondack huckleberries find their way into everything from starters to sweets. There’s also an impressive wine list from the Lodge’s own cellar.
  • Maggie’s Pub – the pub offers up everything from duck poutine to a hearty cheeseburger. It has a cozy and laidback air that anyone can enjoy. Linger after a meal to play a game of billiards or enjoy a chat in one of the armchairs by the fireplace.
  • Spa Treatments – pick from a number of in-room massages, like deep-tissue, aromatherapy, Swedish or reflexology.

Complimentary Activities

Use of non-motorized watercraft is available for all guests. In addition, guests can get their paddleboards, kayaks and other water toys at the boathouse, as well as any snacks they might need. During the warmer months, a sunset ride on the Lodge’s historic Hacker-Craft boat is available. There are also bonfires each night on the beach with complimentary smores. Guests can also take the Lodge’s mountain bikes for a ride along the nearby trails.

In the winter, guests have use of snowshoes and cross-country skis for exploring nearby trails. Whether or not there’s snow, the nightly beach bonfires get lit by the staff, and guests can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.

lake placid lodge fireplace

Travel Options

Lake Placid does have an airport, but its main use is for local scenic flights. The closest international airports are Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont or Albany International Airport (ALB) in New York. While Burlington Airport is the closest, it does involve taking a ferry across Lake Champlain. Visitors can rent a car at the airport and take I-189 to U.S. 7, boarding the Essex-Charlotte Ferry. Once across, NY-22 South joins to NY-9, with the final leg of the trip turning off onto NY-73 West into Lake Placid.

From Albany, visitors should take I-87 to U.S. 9 North to NY 73 for the two and a half hour drive to Lake Placid Lodge.

Lake Placid Lodge also offers private chartered helicopter flights from New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, Boston, Mass. and Connecticut. You can make these arrangements while booking a room.

Main Attractions Around Lake Placid Lodge

John Brown Farm

The perfectly preserved, early-1800s home and burial place of John Brown provides a fascinating look into the life of this heroic abolitionist figure. Visitors will find rooms filled with original furnishings and informative signs for a self-guided tour. In addition, there are tours available. Outside, there’s an area for guests to eat a packed lunch and hiking trails around the scenic property that also includes a lovely pond. In the winter, cross-country skiing is allowed on the trails.

The Wild Center

Located just under 30 miles from Lake Placid Lodge, this interactive center dedicates itself to educating kids and adults alike about the animals that populate the Adirondacks region. Over 54,000 square feet of interior space hold a mountain stream populated with fish, daily animal encounters, hands-on exhibits and a theater with educational films. The outdoor Wild Walk area of the park has an impressive wooden walkway built high in the treetops for viewing eagles and the vast expanse of forest.

Ausable Chasm

Billed as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” this fascinating river gorge offers waterfalls, geological wonders, hiking, rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing. Guided tours by inflatable raft show the wonders of the rock formations. In addition, they allow visitors to rent individual tubes for bobbing along with the current. The Adventure Trail offers a guided tour of the upper part of the chasm that includes steel cable bridges and stunning views. Rock climbing and rappelling with a guide are also available to both beginners and pros. Nighttime hikes by lantern light are also an option.

lake placid lodge terrace outside

Final Words

Lake Placid offers hiking, mountain biking, boating and water sports in the spring and summer. Hay rides, fresh apple cider, and fall leaves characterize the autumn months. Winter brings sleigh rides, skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. No matter what you enjoy, Lake Placid Lodge offers a wonderful, woodsy escape filled with adventure. Another excellent option would be the Castle Hill Inn in Newport, for families who want a relaxing vacation. If you’ve visited Lake Placid, let us know your very favorite memories in the comments below.

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