Essex County is home to great hiking opportunities, world-class alpine skiing and a winter sports history that boasts two Winter Olympic Games. It is one of the oldest vacation destinations in the United States, and was the chosen realm of the Gilded Age glitterati who held court at the Lake Placid Club, a massive resort that overlooked both Mirror Lake and Lake Placid.
Delight in the Lake Placid Region’s diverse events and attractions, from annual sports events like Ironman Lake Placid, to community festivals such as the Holiday Village Stroll Weekend. Enjoy unparalleled outdoor recreation in the High Peaks, ski the greatest vertical drop in the east at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, discover New York’s military history at historic sites such as Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga, or simply relax by the lake and enjoy a free summer concert as the sun sets.
The region is home to incredible hiking opportunities and many of the famed Adirondack High Peaks. Go boating or fishing on Adirondack lakes – and enjoy a classic Adirondack getaway.
Nearby, the Whiteface Mountain area in Wilmington boasts mountain biking trails on the High Peaks that thread through forests and along stream beds, and the Lake Champlain bikeways wind through historic communities.
The Lake Placid Region offers a vibrant arts scene. Enjoy an evening at the Depot Theatre in Westport, a restored train station overlooking Lake Champlain, or catch a concert or gallery opening at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.
Find diverse arts events throughout the year, including Songs at Mirror Lake, a free concert series running from July through August. The Lake Placid Film Festival showcases Main Street’s Palace Theatre at its finest, featuring a series of films from different genres, including silent movies and documentaries.