Lake Placid is most well known for the fact that the nearby village of the same name has twice hosted the Winter Olympics, in 1932 and 1980. Most notably, the 1980 Olympics was the scene of the US hockey team's "Miracle on Ice" when they shocked the world with their defeat of the Soviet team. The 1,900-acre lake, tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains, is a wonderful location for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. The lake is known for its rainbow and lake trout, and also has a good population of bass and panfish. Nearby Mirror Lake is also a good place to cast a line if for rainbow and lake trout. For the fly fisher, the Au Sable River is a hot spot for a variety of trout. The 46 peaks of the Adirondacks make the area a hiker's dream. If you are looking for a challenge, the summit of New York's highest point, Mount Marcy, is waiting for you. During the winter, this destination becomes a paradise for those looking to go downhill and cross-country skiing. Year-round the area is home to many festivals and events. Some of these include an official Ironman triathlon, an annual winter carnival which is celebrating its 110th year in 2007, figure skating shows, and horse shows. There are many nearby attractions such as golf courses, museums, and historical sites. Travelers can visit Robert Louis Stevenson's cottage, Fort Ticonderoga, Charles Dickert Memorial Wildlife Museum, and much more.

Lake Placid is in the village of Lake Placid in Essex County. The snowy winters and warm summers make it a great vacation spot year-round. The average summertime highs are in the high 60s to low 70s. The winter temperatures tend to be slightly below freezing, making it a perfect skiing destination.