If you’re looking for something to do in Saranac Lake, NY, consider visiting the Olympic Museum and the Saranac Ski Jump, located just down the street from downtown. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of Saranac and the Olympics, and you’ll also get a great view of the Adirondack Mountains. You’ll also want to check out the historic Hotel Saranac, which first opened in 1927. It was recently reopened after undergoing a major restoration process.
Baker Mountain
When you visit Saranac Lake, you may want to take a hike on Baker Mountain, a 2,454-foot (748 m) mountain located in Essex County. The mountain is part of the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area. You can also hike the 0.9-mile Saranac Sixer trail, which winds around Baker Mountain and ends at Moody Pond. Baker Mountain is one of three mountains that surround Saranac Lake. At the foot of Baker Mountain, the Mount Baker Club used to operate as a speakeasy during the prohibition years.
For those who enjoy hiking and exploring, Baker Mountain is a short drive from Saranac Lake. A 0.9-mile trail takes you to the summit of the mountain, which provides great views of the surrounding lakes. The trailhead is located off Forest Hill Ave. It is on public Forest Preserve lands and is part of the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area.
There are also plenty of other places to go in Saranac Lake. Besides the beautiful lake and its surrounding mountains, Saranac Lake also features a variety of unspoiled natural attractions and charming shops, diners, museums, and galleries. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities and find a unique way to experience the Adirondack Mountains.
Hiking on Baker Mountain is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the sights. It is part of the Saranac Lake Sixer challenge and offers great views. The trailhead is in the middle of the neighborhood, so you may have trouble finding parking. But if you know the way, you can walk up the trail and get a panoramic view of Saranac Lake.
Stony Creek Ponds
Known as Spectacle Ponds, Stony Creek Ponds in Saranac Lake are part of a historic canoe route connecting Saranac Lake with the Raquette River. The ponds are also home to a Coreys colony. During the last century, Dr. Fritz Decker and his wife Janet lived in the area. They were joined by the seasonal residents during the summer.
Set on five private acres, this Adirondack home offers spectacular lake and mountain views. Its open floor plan features custom design throughout. Highlights include a fireplace in the living room, a work-ready office and a chef’s kitchen. Outside, a screened-in porch provides a relaxing space. The home also has a walkout lower level with two bedrooms, a game room with a pool table, and a bar with a tap.
Stony Creek Ponds are accessible by canoe or kayak from the Raquette River. From there, paddle up the outlet of Stony Creek. The river is shallow, so keep your canoe on the right shore. Pass the Coreys Road bridge. The campsite for canoeists is on the south side. The second pond is accessible by passing under a bridge.
Stony Creek Ponds is a popular spot for kayakers. There are many parking areas and hand-launched kayaks. There is also a private golf course adjacent to the lake.
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Saranac, New York is a must-see for Stevenson fans. The museum has a variety of exhibits for visitors to enjoy. Among these is the Stevenson Cottage, a historic cure cottage in Essex County, New York. Built between 1865 and 1866, it is an L-shaped wood-frame building with a fieldstone foundation and wood-frame siding.
The Museum opened its doors in Saranac Lake, New York, in 1915. Following the death of Fanny, the museum has donated items to honor Stevenson. The collection includes original furniture from Stevenson’s stay in Saranac Lake, books from the Stevenson Society of America, woodcut blocks of the Davos scene, paintings, photographs, and memorabilia. A bronze plaque by Gutzon Borglum is also on display in the museum. Visitors will also see burn marks from Stevenson’s habit of forgetting a lighted cigarette.
In addition to the museum’s collection of books, visitors can explore the Stevenson Cottage, an 1865 cure cottage. The Stevenson Cottage was built on a fieldstone foundation and features wood-frame siding and was designed to be used as a winter home. The museum is open year-round.
The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Saranac Lake is a must-see for visitors to the Adirondack Mountains. It houses the museum’s famous collection of books. Visitors can learn more about Stevenson’s life, his writing process, and the place he called home.
Saranac Lake Riverwalk
The Saranac Lake Riverwalk is a mile-long paved path that runs alongside the Saranac River. The path connects to several small bridges and features a paved sidewalk that allows pedestrians to enjoy the river scenery. This scenic walk is handicap accessible and offers scenic views of the village and changing foliage in the fall.
The Riverwalk runs through the town’s downtown area and through parklands. It is handicap accessible and well-maintained. Parking is available at the downtown parking lot off Dorsey Street. Several local businesses have ramps that can be used by those with limited mobility. The ramps are open year-round and are easy to access.
Visitors can also tour the Saranac Laboratory Museum, which dates back to 1894 and served as a center for tuberculosis research. It reopened as a public museum in 2009. The museum contains fascinating permanent and rotating exhibits highlighting the area’s history. Guests can also learn more about the region’s natural and human history through the museum’s guided tours.
While visiting Saranac Lake, you should also take time to enjoy the area’s nature. There are several hiking trails in the area. The Sixers Trail features breathtaking views of Lake Flower and Lake Placid.
Lake Clear Lodge
If you want a unique and fun experience, stay at Lake Clear Lodge. This unique hotel runs on the idea of building community with its guests. Activities range from a Fireside Speakeasy to food tastings and history demos. Other great lodging options include The Point, a deluxe wilderness resort on Upper Saranac Lake. This resort offers all the amenities of a luxury hotel, plus lake views and scenic walking trails.
The Hohmeyer family has owned this property for over forty years, and it continues to be a family-owned business. The lodge offers cozy rooms, lakeside suites, and spacious cabins with fireplaces. The lodge is also eco-friendly, with energy-saving amenities, passive sunlight, and natural shelter.
Saranac Lake is also home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors can hike up to the lake’s terrace, which boasts panoramic views of Saranac Lake. It is accessible in all seasons, though winter may require special clothing. Another popular place to go in Saranac is the Charles Dickert Memorial Wildlife Museum, which was founded by master taxidermist Charles Dickert. The museum features over a hundred species, which will satisfy the curiosity of any curious mind. Admission is free.
For those who enjoy art, Saranac Lake also has a variety of galleries. The Saranac Lake Art Gallery has a selection of original artwork from local artists. It is located at 11 Woodruff Street in Saranac Lake. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday.
Upper Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake, New York, is a village in the Adirondack Park. With a population of 5,406 at the 2010 census, the village is the largest in the park. Located in the Adirondack Mountains, the area is home to Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac lakes.
Saranac Lake is a great destination for outdoor activities year-round. During the spring and summer, you can go biking, hiking, and bird-watching, or take part in a wildflower hunt. In the fall, you can enjoy kayaking on Lake Flower, or take part in fall harvest activities. If you’re in town in the winter, Saranac Lake is a popular spot for ice-fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing.
Another place to go in Saranac Lake is to visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Cottage. Built between 1865 and 1886, this historic home is famous as the home of Scottish Author Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote the classic novel Treasure Island. The cottage is home to numerous exhibits and sections of the cottage, which tell the story of Stevenson’s life. Visitors can also view the historic wood-frame architecture and original furnishings of the house.
Saranac Lake is only 20 minutes from Lake Placid. The town is a little more rural. Watch the video below for a taste of Saranac Lake’s history. One of Saranac Lake’s most notable historical features is its role in the treatment of tuberculosis in the early 19th century. Before antibiotics were available, the “fresh air cure” was an effective treatment method. This treatment included sitting outdoors in the mountain air for long periods.
