20 Best Things to Do in Lake George, New York

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This hiking trail up Buck Mountain ends at the summit, which presents an expansive, tranquil view of the surrounding greenery, islands, and villages below as well as the peaks of the Adirondacks. The trail was deemed ‘a perfect introduction to the Adirondacks’ by Barbara McMartin, who authored 50 Hikes in the Adirondacks, and it provides a moderate hike that stretches 3 miles each way.

The hike has difficult parts, and hikers are cautioned to follow the yellow markers. The trail is open all year round, and hikers can bring their dogs on a leash. Free parking is available at both the Pilot Knob and Hogstown trailheads.

1750 Pilot Knob Rd, Kattskill Bay, NY 12844, Phone: 518-623-1200

© Fort William Henry

Fort William Henry was built in 1755 as a British outpost and a barrier to the French stronghold at the northern end of Lake George. The fort allows visitors to experience life at a wilderness outpost, complete with guides dressed in era-appropriate attire who discuss military tactics and weaponry as well as the critical role of the fort’s women in keeping the fort occupants alive.

They also demonstrate how to mold a musket ball and fire both a cannon and a musket. The fort holds military demonstrations on even-numbered hours, includes several exhibits in its museum, and has the largest gift shop (Sutler Shoppe) in Lake George.

48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845, Phone: 518-668-5471

© House of Frankenstein Wax Museum

When you enter House of Frankenstein, your senses come alive through the sounds and sights of these scary wax and animatronic creations. The museum is open for self-guided tours, and you’ll find 52 exhibits, such as the Hatchet Man, Ant Torture, the Colossus of New York, Strange Planet, and more, with many of the exhibits coming to life at the press of a button. The exhibits are not for the faint of heart, and staff discourage letting younger children into the attraction.

People who consider wax museums to be a tame and old-timey attraction may not have visited this particular one. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes to walk through and experience the various exhibits.

213 Canada Street, Lake George, New York 12845, Phone: 518-668-3377

© Lake George Steamboat Co.

Established in 1817 by the New York legislature, today the Lake George Steamboat Company offers daily cruises on their three ships: the Minnie-Ha-Ha, a rare remaining example of a steam paddle wheeler; the Mohican, which has been in continuous operation over its 108-year history; and the Lac du Saint Sacrement, the largest (190 feet in length) cruise ship operating in inland New York State.

Lakefront cruises run seven times daily and last an hour, while meal, specialty, entertainment, and sightseeing cruises can run longer, up to 2.5 hours. The ships are also available to rent for private parties and events.

57 Beach Road, Lake George, NY, 12845, Phone: 518-668-5777

© Magic Forest

The Lake George Expedition Park is a seasonal outdoor adventure park where the whole family can enjoy fun and entertainment. The park is divided into the Dino Roar Valley and the Magic Forest. Dino Roar Valley takes curious visitors on a trip to the Jurassic Age – here you can follow in the footsteps of prehistoric dinosaurs, marvel at their great size, excavate fossils and visit a Dino Nest. Later you can make your way to the Magic Forest where you can explore the forest on a train ride before enjoying a variety of fun rides and adventures. In between your various expeditions you can enjoy a picnic or grab some tasty snacks and drinks at the concessions.

Lake George Expedition Park, 1912 US-9, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-792-9211

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The most famous and largest of Lake George’s beaches, Million Dollar Beach features showers and changing rooms, picnic areas with grills and a snack bar, a volleyball court, and a public boat launch. The beach is free and there are lifeguards on duty. Parking is paid and varies based on time of day and vehicle type.

If using the boat launch, stop by the boat inspection and wash station first. The beach is open on weekends starting Memorial Day, and daily from the third Saturday in June to Labor Day.

139 Beach Rd, Lake George, NY 12845, Phone: 518-668-3352

© Parasailing Adventures

Parasailing Adventures has been rated the #1 summertime activity at Lake George for three years since 2009. The company runs parasail rides on Lake George and has a 100% safety record and a 98% customer approval rating. Clients can take a speedboat ride while waiting their turn; parasailers ride two or three people abreast, though the boat can hold larger groups if necessary.

The company provides amenities at the marina for before or after a flight, such as changing rooms, bars and dining, and restrooms. Customers can park for free at the marina.

2 Kurosaka Lane, Lake George, NY 12845, Phone: 518-668-9234

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With a 2030-foot summit, Prospect Mountain offers visitors a breathtaking view that ranges over Lake George and the surrounding Adirondacks all the way to Vermont’s Green Mountains. The mountain is reachable by car using the Veterans Memorial Highway. At the summit, visitors can use paid parking and walk the mountain’s trails or hop on the shuttle that journeys up to the mountain’s peak.

The summit also features picnic areas and restrooms. Prospect Mountain is popular with hikers, and is considered an easy to moderate climb. The trail is simple to follow and runs 4 miles each way. Note that the hike is deemed unsuitable for small children.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 1/2 mile S of Lake George Village, opposite the Lake George Chamber of Commerce, located at 2176 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845, Phone: 518-668-5198

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Hiking Shelving Rock Falls is ideal for novice hikers, with a trail that runs down Shelving Rock Mountain alongside active 50-foot waterfalls towards Lake George. The path is steep in spots and rocks can be slippery depending on weather conditions, so caution is still required.

To access the trail, visitors can either take a boat into Log Bay, a popular boating bay, or drive and start from the parking lot. Hikers should bring their bathing suits so they can cool off afterwards with a dip in Lake George itself. As a bonus for those who enjoy geocaching, the hike also features geocaches.

Shelving Rock Rd, Fort Ann, NY 12827, Phone: 518-623-1200

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The Warren County Bikeway trail is a charming 9-mile ride through the woods that runs between Glenn Falls and Lake George. Signs along the trail provide information about points of interest and historic locations, such as 19th-century industrial areas, the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) railway train tracks, and Lake George Village.

The bikeway features trail-side restaurants, pubs, and shops like Coopers Cave Ale Company and Sprinkles, where you can stop for a break and refreshments. The trail also passes grand homes and the local country club. On the way, keep an eye out for wildlife and flowers, both on land and in the water. Both the Glenn Falls and Lake George trail-heads are accessible from Route 189.

1340 State Rte 9, Lake George, NY 12845, Phone: 518-623-2877

© Lake George Historical Association and Museum

The Lake George Historical Museum is housed in the Historic 1845 Warren County Courthouse, which was saved from the wrecker’s ball by the Lake George Historical Association in the early 1960’s. Since then this gracious old building has been given a new lease of life; it is now the headquarters of the Historical Association and a showcase for the many artefacts which form the core of the Museum’s permanent collection. Visitors are invited to stop by and learn some of the interesting history of the area. The Museum has several fascinating permanent exhibits and private guided tours are available on request.

Lake George Historical Association and Museum, 290 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-668-5044

© Wiawaka Center for Women

Dedicated to enriching the physical and spiritual lives of all women, the Wiawaka Center for Women is a seasonal health and wellness retreat. Here you can totally shrug off the burdens of your daily life, leave your stresses at the door and embrace a place of serenity and fulfillment. Set on a 60 acre property, activities include hiking, garden and nature walks, swimming and relaxing. The center offers fitness classes, artist’s workshops, spa services, lectures and talks. Visitors are invited to come for a day or to sign up for one of their multi-day retreats. Day and season passes are available.

Wiawaka Center for Women, 3778 Route 9L, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-668-9690

© Giovanni’s On the Lake

Giovanni’s on the Lake is a Georgian lake-side resort where visitors of all ages will find plenty of fun activities. Lake George has been a popular getaway destination since the mid-19th century when stage coach travel between Lake George and Albany become popular. Formerly one of the town’s original motels, today Giovanni’s offers visitors stylish rooms and suites, either overlooking the courtyard, the lake or the outdoor heated pool. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs, while all rooms and suites have comfortable King or Queen Beds, coffee-makers, TV and more. You can spend your days relaxing around the pool or enjoy some to the great adventure activities on offer near-by; these include white-water rafting, ropes courses, zip lines, water skiing, wake-boarding, paddling and Lazy River Tubing.

Giovanni’s on the Lake, 384 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-668-5401

© Adirondack Winery

Centrally located on Canada Street, the Adirondack Winery Tasting Room deserves a place on your Lake George itinerary. Here you are invited to come and taste a varied and delicious selection of their New York Wines. These include mouth-watering apple-pie and peach infused white wines (Home Sweet Home and Beachside Bubble), the raspberry infused Lakeside Bubble, and several other deliciously different berry infused white wines. Red varieties include a hearty barrel-aged Pinot Noir, a Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and the port-style Fireside Reserve. The tasting room is open from Thursday to Sundays and is very popular – you are advised to book your tasting experience online to avoid disappointment.

Adirondack Winery, 285 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-203-2597

© Adirondack Pub and Brewery

Set in an attractive, green-roofed log cabin-style building, the Adirondack Pub and Brewery has been pleasing local and visiting beer enthusiasts since 1999. The brewery came about after owner/ brewer John Carr had his own taste-buds stimulated by the fresh flavors and aromas of European ales and lagers, and decided to bring these extraordinary beer flavors home to Lake George. Today visitor can enjoy a variety of delicious home-brewed IPA’s, Ales and Pilsners, which vary from season to season. The brew-pub is open for lunch and dinner, serving delicious sandwiches, burgers, ribs and much more. There is an outdoor terrace for sultry summer dining.

Adirondack Pub and Brewery, 33 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-668-0002

© Lake George Lanes and Games

The Lake George Lanes and Games center is one of New York State’s best bowling alleys, attracting avid bowlers from near and far. The facility offers state-of-the-art bowling lanes with an error-free scoring system, a brilliant sound and lighting system and DirectTV at each lane so that you can keep an eye on your favorite sporting fixtures while you bowl. On Friday and Saturday nights you can come and try Galactic Bowling (with music, special lighting, games and prizes) from 9.30 to midnight. Besides bowling, you can try your hand at Laser Tag, hone your golfing skills on the Golf Simulator or enjoy some of the arcade games.

Lake George Lanes and Games, 2211 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12745, 518-668-5741

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A favorite Lake George venue for family fun and entertainment, the Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf complex has won multiple awards for being the best mini-golf facility in the region. Once you step inside you will see why this is no ordinary putt=putt course. The entire property has been carefully landscaped and designed to transport visitors to a mythical 18th century Pirates Cove – you will be surrounded by lush vegetation, sunken ships and cascading waterfalls. Not to mention the pirate’s treasure chest. There are 18 perfectly-maintained holes containing fun obstacles like waterfalls, foot-bridges and tunnels, which provide a fun challenge for adults and children.

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, 2115 State Route 9 North, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-668-0493

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When you bring the family to enjoy a round of miniature golf at the Around the World golf center you have two fun courses to choose from. You can start by traveling around the U S on the Around the USA course which features landmarks from all over America to add to the fun of your game. See how many of them you can recognize. The other fun course is even more exciting and winds its way around a large collection of souvenirs and props from all around the globe. The course was built back in 1963, and has been carefully maintained to retain its unique antique feel. Your children can have fun and learn about geography at the same time.

Around the World Miniature Golf, 58 Beach Road, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-668-2531

© Log Jam Restaurant

Boasting an authentic Adirondack logging camp atmosphere, the Log Jam Restaurant offers mouth-watering food and outstanding hospitality. To set the scene, a huge pot-belly stove greets you at the door to this log cabin-themed eatery, while three massive stone fireplaces ensure a warm greeting during the cold winter months. The menu features all your favorite American classics including crab cakes, steamed little neck clams and fabulous char-grilled steaks and ribs. There is a plentiful choice of fresh fish and seafood on the menu and those with smaller appetites can enjoy sandwiches, the salad bar, soups and appetizers. The wine list includes several New York State wines, as well as a good selection of wines from around the world.

Log Jam Restaurant, 1484 US 9, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-798-1155

© The Boathouse Restaurant

Picturesquely located right on the shores of Lake George, the Boathouse Restaurant offers unsurpassed views out over the lake and even has a private dock should you wish to visit by boat. The restaurant is seasonal, opening from April through October each year, to offer casual fine-dining cuisine. The Boathouse is ideal for all occasions – family friendly but also perfect for a romantic date night. Visitors will find all their favorite American cuisine classics on the menu, including USDA prime aged steaks, fresh wild-caught salmon and New York style chicken wings. There are two bars serving a wide selection of craft beers, cocktails and a carefully curated wine list.

The Boathouse Restaurant, 3210 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George, NY 12845, 800-853-1632