Few small towns have hosted the Winter Olympics once. Lake Placid has done it twice, in 1932 and again in 1980. Today those venues are open to visitors, which makes a day trip to the Lake Placid Olympic sites one of the most memorable outings from our campground. And at less than an hour away, it’s an easy one.
The Must-See Olympic Venues
Olympic Center & Herb Brooks Arena
This is the home of the “Miracle on Ice,” where the U.S. hockey team stunned the Soviet Union in 1980. The complex houses multiple rinks and the on-site Olympic Museum, where you can walk through both Games’ history, see torches and medals, and stand where champions stood.
Olympic Jumping Complex
You can ride a lift and elevator to the top of the 120-meter ski jump tower for a view that’s worth the trip on its own. In the warmer months, freestyle aerial skiers train by launching into a splash pool. It’s a genuinely jaw-dropping thing to watch.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Home to the Olympic bobsled, luge, and skeleton track, plus a cross-country and biathlon center. Seasonal bobsled experiences let brave visitors ride the track with a professional driver.
Beyond the Olympics
Lake Placid is more than its venues. The walkable Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes overlooking Mirror Lake, where you can rent a kayak or just stroll the shoreline path. Nearby Whiteface Mountain offers a gondola ride and that famous summit highway. It’s easy to combine an Olympic morning with a relaxed afternoon downtown.
Making It a Day Trip From Camp
From our location at 270 Bear Swamp Rd in Peru, NY, Lake Placid is about a 50-minute drive west through some gorgeous mountain scenery. Leave after breakfast, tour a venue or two before lunch, wander Main Street in the afternoon, and you’ll be back at your campsite in time for dinner. On the way, consider a quick stop at Ausable Chasm. We cover that on our RV Park Near Ausable Chasm, NY page, and you can find more regional ideas on our Explore Upstate New York guide.
Where to Eat in Lake Placid
Main Street and the streets around Mirror Lake are packed with options, from cozy cafes and bakeries to pubs and lakeview restaurants. Many spots feature Adirondack and farm-to-table fare, and a few have patios perfect for resting your feet after a morning of touring venues. Grab coffee and a pastry before the ski-jump elevator, or settle in for a relaxed lakeside dinner before the drive home.
Tips for the Drive and Your Visit
- Buy a venue pass if you plan to see several Olympic sites. Combo tickets usually save money over individual admissions.
- Go early on summer and foliage weekends. Parking near Main Street fills up by midday.
- Pack layers. The summit of the ski jump and Whiteface can be much cooler and windier than town.
- Build in Mirror Lake time. The walking path and rentals are an easy, scenic way to unwind.
Make It a Two-Park Day
Because the drive to Lake Placid runs right through the heart of the High Peaks, it’s easy to turn a single outing into a full Adirondack sampler. Stretch your legs at a roadside trailhead, snap photos at Cascade Lakes, and time your return for golden hour over the mountains. By the time you pull back into your site, you’ll have packed Olympic history, alpine scenery, and small-town charm into one unforgettable day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lake Placid from your RV park?
Lake Placid is about a 50-minute drive west of our campground in Peru, NY, which makes it a comfortable day trip.
Can you tour the Lake Placid Olympic sites year-round?
Most venues are open to visitors throughout the year, though specific experiences like the bobsled ride and ski-jump training are seasonal. Check current hours before you go.
What are the top Olympic sites to see in Lake Placid?
The Olympic Center and Herb Brooks Arena, the Olympic Jumping Complex, and the Mt. Van Hoevenberg sliding track are the highlights, along with the Olympic Museum.
Is Lake Placid worth a day trip?
Definitely. Between the Olympic venues, Main Street shopping and dining, and Mirror Lake, there’s easily a full day of things to do.
Is Lake Placid good for families?
Yes. The museum, the ski-jump tower elevator, and the lakeside activities all appeal to kids and adults alike.
Olympic History, Minutes Away
Base your Adirondack adventure at our Peru, NY campground and make Lake Placid an easy day trip.
