The Tri-Lakes area: Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake
The Adirondacks in New York has so much to offer, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is known for its small ponds which lends itself to a peaceful canoeing trip and their large lakes for active water goers who love tubing and water skiing. Take a walk on the short trails to view a waterfall or climb the summit of one of the 4,000 footers. You can also visit nature centers and museums, explore local shopping, take a swim or just relax by the water. The Adirondack region has everything you need to get back to nature, unwind, rejuvenate, and create incredible memories.
The Tri-Lakes of the Adirondacks consists of the towns of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Likely, when you hear Lake Placid, you may think of the Olympics. And while that is one of the highlights of the region, there is so much more to see and do in the Tri-Lakes area. Our family has been spending quality time in this region for three generations. Here are some of our personal favorite activities.
Summer in the Tri-Lakes
During the summer months, our family retreats to a family owned cabin on a small lake which connects with the 146-mile Raquette River and near a canoe carry over to Upper Saranac Lake. State-owned campsites are found around this small pond, so you can stop to enjoy the clean waters and starry nights along your canoe/kayak trip.
There are also many rental properties in the region, from new and old cottages to grand old lodges that sleep 12 or more guests. When we visit our family cabin, we love to spend time swimming, canoeing, fishing, and biking the dirt roads. The air is so fresh, the water is clear and the wildlife is plentiful.
Whenever we pull into the small inconspicuous road that leads to the family cabin, we roll down the windows of the car to breath in the fresh cedar smell of the “mountains.” It’s a tradition we started even before we had kids and thankfully, our girls love to participate. As soon we pull up to the cabin, it’s hard to hold them back from running down the hill to touch the lake.
Lake Placid
Should we bike the dirt roads? Hike the nearby mountain? Maybe visit Lake Placid to check out the small local shops in the village? Shopping in Lake Placid is one of our favorite activities because of the old favorites and unique places that we discover.
Lake Placid was home to the 1932 and 1980 Olympics and is home to the “Miracle on Ice” rink of 1980 Olympic fame. You can visit this ice rink or attend one of the many exhibitions and competitive international development hockey games. Of course, seeing and experiencing the bobsled track or the ski jump center is a must-do activity as well!
In the village area near the Olympic center, we always visit the local shops. Our absolute favorite is the book store! Who doesn’t love a good book while relaxing on vacation?! A little hint, if you pay in cash and need more than 2 dollars in change, you just may get a $2 bill back!
One of our favorite events that takes place in Lake Placid every year is the Lake Placid Horse Show which occurs on the grounds near the Olympic torch. Usually held in late June/early July, the Lake Placid Horse Show is an opportunity to watch impressive world class equestrian events.
Our grandparents lived in the Adirondacks all summer (and wintered in Florida) and would always visit the Lake Placid Sinfonietta. We decided to add this tradition to our family visits as well. Free weekly shows are held either outside in the middle of the village or in a beautiful Catholic Church, where Kate Smith was a former parishioner. Both locations are the perfect settings to enjoy the beautiful music.
Tupper Lake
During our visits to the Tri-Lakes area, we often venture into Tupper Lake either to pick up groceries at the small local grocery store (Shaheen’s IGA) or to grab some delicious donuts at the Washboard and Donut Shop & Laundry. There is a lot to do in this small village. Our kids favorite activity is to visit The Wild Center so they can explore the nature and history of the Adirondacks. We adults love it too!
Tupper Lake is also famous for its Woodsman Days event, a celebration of the area’s local history and the people who work in the vast forests of Northern New York. From greased pole events, lumber cutting competitions to a parade, this event is a wonderful way to get to know the people of Tupper, past and present.
Saranac Lake
If our vacation in the “mountains” overlaps a Saturday, you may find our family at the local farmer’s market at Riverside Park located in Saranac Lake. This incredible farmer’s market is not just a place to pick up some fresh fruits and veggies, but it’s a place to find unique local gifts, specialty items and so much more. After your visit to the farmer’s market, be sure to walk through the small shops in town and head up to the Adirondack Carousel, a unique carousel experience.
On your way out of town, be sure to satisfy that sweet tooth craving with a stop at the Mountain Mist for some delicious ice cream which can be enjoyed by the water.
Saranac Lake hosts many events but one of our favorites is the Can-Am Rugby tournament held in late July/early August. These highly competitive games are fun to watch and the nightlife around town when the ruggers are in town is an exciting event.
Winter in the Tri-Lakes
Whether you enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing or ice fishing, the Tri-Lakes area of the Adirondack Park has all of that and so much more! The beautiful 4000-foot mountains offer multiple downhill ski destinations such as the famous Whiteface Mountain; otherwise known as the Olympic Mountain. It boasts the greatest vertical drop in the Northeast region. While this mountain will certainly be the challenge an experienced skier is looking for, but it is a mountain that all levels can enjoy. Besides, there is always the chance that the next great Olympic skier is standing right behind you in the ski lift line!
Not a skier? How about a dog sled ride? There are many unique activities and events available during the winter months in this beautiful area. The Winter Carnival in Saranac Lake has been a long-time winter tradition for over 120 years. At the heart of this fun event is the Ice Palace made from ice blocks cut from Lake Flower.
There is one other winter activity that has been on our must-do wish list for a while now. One day, we would like to experience the Lake Placid toboggan ramp which spills out on to frozen Mirror Lake. Afterwards, we plan to head over to our favorite brewery, the Lake Placid Brewery, located within a block of the toboggan run.
Tri-Lakes Accommodations
If you haven’t yet experienced the Tri-Lakes area or you are planning to return for another visit, we can help you find lodging that fits your family’s or group’s needs. From tent campsites to brand new luxury hotels, we can guide and book your lodging. For those looking for the ultimate Adirondack experience, reserve your stay at one of the Adirondack Great Camps. Whether you are an adult couple or planning a large family reunion, there are so many incredible options for you in the Tri-Lakes area. We are the 3rd generation in our family who loves to create lasting memories in the Adirondacks. Let us help you start that tradition too.
If you want more information about the Tri-Lakes area in the Adirondacks or have any questions, consider us your virtual guides. Feel free to contact us at scate@kingdomdestinations.com or message us through our Facebook page: www.faceboook.com/kingdomdestinations-SarahandPatrickCate
Have you visited one these Adirondack villages? Leave a comment below with your favorite thing to do there!
