Looking for a peaceful mountain getaway? Head to Saranac Lake! Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake offers year-round outdoor adventure, a walkable artsy downtown, and serene lake views. Whether you're hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in winter, this upstate New York gem is an ideal small-town escape.
Saranac Lake, NY Highlights:
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Paddle the Saranac Chain of Lakes – Explore miles of waterways perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife watching.
- For Hikers: Summit Mount Baker – Take a short, rewarding hike with sweeping views of the village and surrounding mountains.
- For Families: Visit the Wild Center in nearby Tupper Lake – Walk the treetop Wild Walk and learn about Adirondack ecosystems through interactive exhibits.
- For Couples: Stroll downtown and browse local art galleries – Explore cozy cafés, artisan shops, and the Saranac Laboratory Museum.
- For Winter Lovers: Cross-country ski or snowshoe Dewey Mountain – Embrace winter on scenic trails just minutes from downtown.
When I like to visit Saranac Lake, NY
The best time to visit Saranac Lake depends on your interests. Summer (June–August) is perfect for lake activities and hiking, while fall (September–October) brings stunning foliage. Winter (December–March) offers skiing, snowshoeing, and the famous Winter Carnival. Spring is quieter and ideal for budget travelers.
Tips for getting to Saranac Lake, NY
- By Car: Saranac Lake is located on NY-86, about 5 hours from New York City and 2.5 hours from Albany.
- By Air: Fly into Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK), just 10 minutes from downtown. Alternatively, fly into Plattsburgh (PBG) or Burlington, VT (BTV) and rent a car.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak services nearby Westport, with shuttle options available to Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Bus services are limited—driving is the most convenient option.
Where I like to stay in Saranac Lake, NY
- Recommended for Families: Hotel Saranac – A beautifully restored historic hotel with family suites and downtown location.
- For Couples: SaraPlacid Inn & Suites – Cozy lodging with lake views, kitchenettes, and easy access to trails.
- For Lakefront Charm: Gauthier's Saranac Lake Inn – Waterfront inn with kayaks, paddleboards, and Adirondack charm.
Best Things to Do in Saranac Lake, NY
1. Step Into the History of Innovation and Healing at the Saranac Laboratory Museum
Saranac Laboratory was built in 1894 and was the first lab built for the research of tuberculosis in the U.S. Historic Saranac Lake association meticulously restored the original building and in 2009 opened it as a museum. The Saranac Laboratory Museum has permanent exhibits on research and patient care and several temporary exhibits on local history. The Museum’s gift shop sells books on local history topics and souvenirs. During the summer, there are weekly tours of the historic sites. Special groups can request tours in the off season. Visit Historic Saranac Lake Events Page to see the full schedule. Historic Saranac Lake also offers an online encyclopedia of local history.
Address: 89 Church St # 2, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, Phone: 518-891-4606
2. Explore Local Creativity and Vibrant Exhibits at the Adirondack Artists Guild
The Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery was established in 1997 in Saranac Lake, New York. The gallery operates year around and represents thirty regional fine artists. Their displayed work expresses the vitality and beauty of the Adirondacks. The Guild is a cooperative and its members share costs, chores, successes and friendships. The members all live in the area. The Adirondack Artists Guild limits the number of its members to 15 to provide sufficient display space for all artist. There are always artists in the gallery, sometimes painting or carving, sometimes cleaning up the gallery, sometimes discussing art with other artists or patrons. There is a new exhibits every month.
Address: 52 Main St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, Phone: 518-891-2615
3. If Literary Legends and Mountain Retreats Fascinate You, Visit the Stevenson Cottage
Stevenson Cottage is a historic cottage in Saranac Lake, New York. The one and half story house was completed in 1866. The L-shaped wood-frame structure sits on a fieldstone foundation and has wood-frame siding. It was built as a residence, but was later used as a cure cottage. Author Robert Louis Stevenson lived in the west wing of the house with his family from October 1887 to April 1888. He was recovering from a lung disease. In 1920, the house was bought by the Stevenson Society of America, which converted it into a museum of the Stevenson’s memorabilia. During his stay in Saranac Lake, Stevenson wrote a number of essays and started writing The Master of Ballantrae. The cottage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where I Like to Eat in Saranac Lake, NY
- Recommended for Families: Blue Moon Café – Cozy café serving hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and kid-friendly options.
- For Farm-to-Table Fare: Fiddlehead Bistro – Inventive local dishes with global inspiration and seasonal ingredients.
- For Casual Bites: Bitters & Bones – Craft cocktails, elevated pub food, and a lively rustic atmosphere.
My favorite local events:
- For Winter Fans: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival (February) – A 10-day celebration with parades, themed events, and an Ice Palace.
- For Music Lovers: Music on the Green (Summer) – Free live concerts every Wednesday evening in Riverside Park.
- For Art Enthusiasts: Third Thursday Art Walks (May–September) – Explore galleries and meet local artists during monthly downtown strolls.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Saranac Lake, NY:
- For Olympic History: Lake Placid (15–20 min) – Visit the Olympic Museum, ski jumps, and Mirror Lake activities.
- For Nature and Science: The Wild Center (25 min, Tupper Lake) – Explore hands-on natural exhibits and treetop Wild Walk.
- For Hiking: Paul Smith’s VIC (20 min) – Hike interpretive trails, view wildlife, and enjoy quiet forests and bogs.
- For Mountain Views: Whiteface Mountain (30 min) – Ride the gondola or drive the Veterans’ Memorial Highway for summit views.
- For Scenic Drives: Franklin Falls Loop (30 min) – Enjoy winding roads, lakeside views, and peaceful picnic spots.
Plan Your Trip