Nestled in the heart of New York State, Adirondack Mountains Park offers more than just a scenic escape—it’s the birthplace of the American vacation. This vast wilderness, dotted with tranquil lakes and forested peaks, has long been a haven for those seeking connection with nature. In winter, adventurers can carve through the powdery slopes of Whiteface Mountain, while summer brings hiking, canoeing, and vibrant local culture to life at Saranac Lake.
Yet, the magic of the Adirondacks isn’t limited to outdoor lovers alone. History whispers through the halls of Fort Ticonderoga and John Brown Farm State Historic Site, while families find wonder at The Wild Center’s immersive wildlife exhibits. Sports enthusiasts, too, can relive Olympic glory at Lake Placid’s famed Olympic venues.
For those wondering about the things to do in the Adirondacks, the list is as diverse as the terrain—each experience rooted in history, beauty, and discovery. Once the playground of Gilded Age elites, the region is enjoying a spirited revival. Stylish new hotels, vibrant farm-to-table eateries, and restored mountain towns like Lake Placid and Saranac Lake are redefining the area’s appeal.
To truly understand the essence of the Adirondacks is to grasp how the wild inspired a generation to “vacate” city life and find peace in its unspoiled embrace. Today, the things to do in the Adirondack Mountains span seasons and interests, promising timeless adventures in America’s first vacationland.
1. Saranac Lake: A Spring Gem in Adirondack Mountains Park
Saranac Lake, nestled in Adirondack Mountains Park, is a top pick among the things to do in the Adirondacks during spring. As snow melts, the village bursts with natural beauty—misty lakes, wildflowers, and flowing streams. It’s ideal for hiking, fat tire biking on the Adirondack Rail Trail, and paddling through peaceful waters.
The Paul Smith’s VIC offers birdwatching, wildflower walks, and educational programs. Families can enjoy the Adirondack Carousel, indoor play at PlayADK, and art workshops at BluSeed Studios and ADK ArtRise. Downtown Saranac Lake invites exploration with cozy cafés, unique shops, and vibrant galleries. Seasonal events like poetry walks, spring markets, and live music celebrate community and creativity. Local restaurants serve fresh, farm-to-fork dishes, and breweries release seasonal flavors.
For more, visit the website: https://www.saranaclake.com/
2. Whiteface Mountain
Located in Wilmington, New York—just northeast of Mirror Lake—Whiteface Mountain is a top-rated destination in Adirondack Mountains Park and ranks #2 in the best things to do in the Adirondacks. Known for having the largest vertical drop on the East Coast at 3,430 feet, it features 87 trails and 11 ski lifts, making it a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Advanced skiers particularly love the challenge and powder quality.
Whiteface isn’t just a winter attraction. In the warmer months, the mountain offers scenic hiking and biking trails, 4×4 off-road excursions, and a thrilling airbag free-fall jump. The Cloudsplitter Gondola ride provides an unforgettable panoramic view of the surrounding Adirondack peaks. You can reach the summit by hiking, driving partway and walking the rest, or using the elevator lift.
Lift tickets start at $92 per adult, with discounts for teens, juniors, seniors, and military. Kids 6 and under ride free. Rentals and ski lessons are available for an extra fee. Onsite amenities include a ski shop, dining options, a terrain park, and a complimentary shuttle to nearby accommodations.
Related Read: Après Ski Mastery: Essential Tips for 2025—Are You Ready to Maximize Your Night?
Whiteface Mountain offers year-round adventure, making it one of the ultimate things to do in the Adirondack Mountains. Visit the official website for ticket bookings and seasonal updates.
3. Fort Ticonderoga
Ranking #3 among the best things to do in the Adirondacks, Fort Ticonderoga is a must-visit for history lovers exploring Adirondack Mountains Park. Located on Lake Champlain, this 18th-century fortress was once dubbed the “Key to the Continent” for its vital role in both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War.
Today, Fort Ticonderoga operates as a living museum featuring restored barracks, kitchens, cannons, and beautiful gardens. Daily guided tours, live demonstrations, and battle reenactments immerse visitors in authentic colonial military life. Guests consistently praise the engaging reenactors who bring the fort’s dramatic past to life.
Open seasonally from May 7 to October 30, the fort welcomes visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (or 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in late October). Admission ranges from $10 to $22 depending on the day, with two-day passes available for $30.75. Children under 4 enter free, and discounted rates are available for older children and seniors.
Tickets include free access to tours, demonstrations, and on-site parking. Additional amenities include a café, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a museum shop. Located just 58 miles southeast of Lake Placid, Fort Ticonderoga is one of the most enriching things to do in the Adirondack Mountains during the warmer months.
4. The Wild Center: A Must-Visit Attraction in Tupper Lake
Ranked #4 among the top things to do in the Adirondacks, The Wild Center in Tupper Lake is a unique indoor-outdoor experience perfect for families and nature lovers. Located just 21 miles southwest of Saranac Lake, this 81-acre site offers immersive exhibits that celebrate the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Adirondacks.
The museum’s highlights include engaging films, interactive displays, and a butterfly garden. However, what truly sets it apart are the live animal encounters. Guests can get an up-close view of native creatures like otters, owls, porcupines, skunks, reptiles, and amphibians.
The center’s standout outdoor feature is the Wild Walk—a tree-top trail open from late May to mid-October. This elevated nature path includes a four-story treehouse, swinging bridges, a spider web lounge, and a life-size bald eagle’s nest, offering breathtaking views and fun for all ages.
Operating hours vary seasonally. From late May to mid-October, the center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. From Columbus Day through Memorial Day weekend, it is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note, The Wild Center is closed in April for exhibit updates.
Tickets are valid for two days and cost between $10 and $20, depending on age and season. Children, students, seniors, and military personnel receive discounted pricing. The property also includes a café, a gift shop, multiple walking trails, and free on-site parking.
5. Lake George
Located in the southeastern region of the Adirondacks, Lake George is a charming town with a wide array of outdoor and leisure activities. Nature lovers can hike scenic spots like Prospect Mountain and Shelving Rock Falls, while water enthusiasts can enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply swimming in the clear lake. The town also features beaches, historic landmarks, souvenir shops, parks, and local restaurants. Visitors can unwind at a nearby winery or explore the vibrant downtown. With its mix of natural beauty and recreational options, Lake George offers a full-day experience rich in adventure and relaxation.
6. John Brown Farm State Historic Site: A Hidden Gem Near Lake Placid
Just minutes from the Olympic Jumping Complex, the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid offers a meaningful glimpse into American history. Once home to abolitionist John Brown, the property is where he lived before his famed 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry. After his execution, Brown was buried here alongside his followers.
Visitors can explore his former farmhouse, a barn, a pond, and a small cemetery. While the historic structures are compelling, many highlight the beautiful scenery and peaceful hiking trails, which double as snowshoe and ski paths in winter. Trails overlook the Olympic site, adding a unique visual element to your walk.
The site charges just $2 per adult and $1 for students and seniors. Children under 12 enter free. The farmhouse is open May through October (closed Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the grounds remain accessible year-round. Free parking, picnic areas, and friendly guides enhance the experience.
7. Olympic Jumping Complex
Located less than 2 miles from downtown Lake Placid, the Olympic Jumping Complex is a must-visit for winter sports fans and a unique highlight among the things to do in the Adirondacks. Originally built for the 1980 Winter Olympics, it now serves as both a training center and an educational site showcasing the world of ski jumping.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Adirondack High Peaks from the 120-meter observation deck, reached via chairlift and glass elevator. Seasonal activities include ski jumping showcases, snow tubing down a 700-foot chute, and wheeled luge clinics in summer.
Admission is $11 for adults (or $16 on event days) and $8 for juniors and seniors (or $10 on event days). A $35 Olympic Sites Passport provides access to multiple Olympic venues, including this one. Tours run daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. On-site parking is available, but expect a short walk, so dress for the weather.
8. Olympic Sports Complex
Located on Mount Van Hoevenberg, just 7 miles from Lake Placid, the Olympic Sports Complex is one of the most thrilling things to do in the Adirondacks. This year-round training facility offers over 30 miles of cross-country ski trails, snowshoe paths, and a biathlon shooting range. Its standout feature is the only bobsled-skeleton-luge track east of the Rockies, where visitors can ride for an added fee—$95 for bobsled, $55 for biathlon packages.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the complex also offers mountain biking and summer bobsled rides. Entry costs $4 per person, but the $35 Olympic Sites Passport grants access to this site, the Olympic Museum, and the Jumping Complex, plus discounts on experiences.
Set in the heart of Adirondack Mountains Park, this venue hosts seasonal events, features a gift shop, and has on-site parking. For winter sports lovers and Olympic fans, it offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, history, and adrenaline.
9. Lake Placid Olympic Museum
Located within the Lake Placid Olympic Center near Mirror Lake, the Lake Placid Olympic Museum is one of the most insightful things to do in the Adirondacks. It offers a compelling look into the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, showcasing memorabilia like sleds, gear, and uniforms, as well as items from the iconic 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. hockey team.
Visitors can also view Herb Brooks Arena, just steps away—the site of that historic hockey victory. The museum, though compact, is packed with history and located in the heart of Adirondack Mountains Park.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on IRONMAN Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas), it features restrooms, on-site parking, a gift shop, and a cafeteria. Entry is $7 for adults and teens, $5 for children 7–12 and seniors, and free for children under 7 or Olympic Sites Passport holders. Visit the website for current updates and exhibits.
10. Winter Adventures in Adirondack Mountains Park
One of the top things to do in the Adirondacks during winter is skiing at Gore Mountain Ski Resort, located just 15 minutes from Asa Adirondack. Gore Mountain caters to all experience levels with a wide range of trails, bunny hills for beginners, and expert-led private lessons. Lift tickets vary depending on the day and season, ranging from $76–$109 for adults, $60–$81 for teens, $46–$62 for children, and discounted rates for seniors.
Equipment rentals are available on-site, making it easy for first-timers to join the fun. A standout winter experience at Gore is Twilight Skiing at the Ski Bowl, where you can glide down gentle slopes under a sky full of stars. Though more limited than daytime skiing, it offers a magical and affordable night adventure.
Recommended Read: 11 Best Ski Trips in Europe
