Adirondacks & North Country
Lake Placid, New York
Village in Essex County
Two-time Olympic village in the High Peaks
Lake Placid is a village in the Town of North Elba, Essex County, in the Adirondack High Peaks. It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980 and remains a year-round training and recreation destination.
History & Local Character
Lake Placid developed as a Gilded Age resort, then hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Its Olympic venues, speed skating oval and bobsled track remain in use.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing includes village houses, lakefront properties, condominiums and short-term rentals, with very high prices for the region.
Restaurants & Shopping
Main Street holds restaurants, cafes, bakeries and pubs, with a strong year-round dining scene tied to tourism and athletes.
Schools & Education
Lake Placid is served by the Lake Placid Central School District.
Parks & Recreation
Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain, the High Peaks Wilderness and the Olympic venues provide skiing, hiking and paddling.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 73 and Route 86 serve the village, with Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Clear and Amtrak at Westport.
Local Businesses
Outfitters, restaurants, hotels, galleries and sports businesses serve visitors and residents, with Olympic tourism central to the economy.
No businesses are listed in Lake Placid yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Mirror Lake
- Whiteface Mountain
- Olympic Center
- High Peaks Wilderness
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- World-class outdoor recreation
- Olympic legacy and events
- Walkable Main Street
Considerations
- Very high housing costs
- Severe winter weather
- Seasonal employment patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Placid a city?
No. Lake Placid is a village within the Town of North Elba, Essex County.
When were the Olympics held in Lake Placid?
Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and again in 1980.