Things to do in Lake George New York include water activities, hiking and biking trails. It is surrounded by a picturesque lake and gorgeous forestry.
Lake George is an enchanting town in the Adirondack Forest of Upstate New York. It is surrounded by natural beauty, including a stunning lake and lush greenery.
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Lake George is the perfect place to unwind. There's a wide range of activities for visitors, such as boat cruises, jet skiing, whitewater rafting, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery.
You can also explore the hiking and biking trails, zipline courses, skiing, and snowmobiling opportunities. It is a popular destination for families, with attractions like amusement parks, wax museums, and pirate-themed mini-golf courses.
Visitors can indulge in local cuisine and shopping and explore the charming lakeside towns. Here are some of the best things to do in Lake George, New York:
1. Visit Fort William Henry Museum
Things to do in Lake George when it rains is to visit Fort William Henry Museum. This historic site preserves the memory of the 18th-century fort.
Similarly, the museum offers tours, exhibits, and reenactments that provide a fascinating glimpse into the fort's story and battle during the French and Indian War.
Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort, discover the weapons and tactics used by soldiers, and learn about the events that led up to the massacre.
The museum operates year-round and hosts various events and programs, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts, school groups, and families alike.
Where is Fort William Henry: 48 Canada St
2. Hiking at Prospect Mountain
Best things to do in Lake George NY is to go hiking at Prospect Mountain. It's a well-known hiking spot that offers breathtaking views of the lake.
You'll have several trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the 3.3-mile out-and-back Prospect Mountain Trail, which has an elevation gain of 1,200 feet.
The trail begins at the LG Recreation Area and leads to the summit of Prospect Mountain, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains.
Despite being moderately difficult, the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with most parts shaded, making it ideal for hiking on a hot day.
Hiking at Prospect Mountain Lake George NY is an excellent way to appreciate the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. If you're wondering whether Lake George is worth visiting, it's definitely worth it!
3. Take A Boat Tour Of Lake George
What to do at Lake George? Consider planning a boat tour in Lake George, New York.
Steamboat tours offer a narrated cruise with commentary on the area's history, geology, and wildlife. For an evening adventure, try a fireworks cruise, which offers stunning views of the lake and fireworks displays on summer weekends.
You can also indulge in a delectable meal and live entertainment on a dinner cruise. For a more exclusive experience, opt for a private boat tour.
Remember that costs vary depending on the tour length, type of boat, and time of year. Typically, these tours are available from late spring to early fall.
4. Swimming At Million Dollar Beach
Things to do at Lake George in the summer are to visit Million Dollar Beach. It is the largest and most popular beach in the area.
This expansive beach can easily accommodate the crowds that come to cool off in the water and is both clean and state-owned. Best of all, it's completely free!
Situated on the southernmost point of Lake George, Million Dollar Beach provides a fantastic view of the steamboats from the Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Shoreline.
These companies offer daily boat cruises that showcase the natural beauty of the area and the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect spot for families, with facilities like picnicking areas, a volleyball court, showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards on duty.
The beach is open from May to September and provides many amenities, including a snack bar and a playground.
5. Explore The Magic Forest Amusement Park
Fun Things to do in Lake George include a short trip to Magic Forest. It is a family-owned amusement park.
This park in the Adirondacks boasts 25 amusement rides, including the thrilling Safari Ride, live animal performances, magic shows, and the crowd-favorite "Rex the Diving Horse."
Magic Forest has something for everyone: kiddie, family, thrill, and water rides. Other attractions include the Magic Forest Theater, a petting zoo, and miniature golf.
The park is open from late May to early September, and admission prices are $25 for adults, $20 for elders, and $15 for children. Season passes are also available.
You can find Magic Forest at 1231 State Route 9N. So, plan your visit now and experience an exciting and unforgettable adventure with your loved ones!
6. Trip To The Adirondack Winery
Lake George food and wine festival at Adirondack offers daily tours and tastings of its wines. It is the region's premier winery and the top-rated attraction in the area.
The tours run from 11 am to 5 pm, while tastings are available from 11 am to 6 pm. The winery also has a bistro serving food and wine, open daily from 11 am to 6 pm.
Adirondack Winery is located at 285 Canada Street and is open from May to October, and admission is free.
However, tours and tastings are available for $10 per person. It is a famous destination for locals and tourists who want to enjoy wine in the scenic Adirondack Mountains.
7. Shop At Adirondack Outlet Mall
Things to do in Lake George area is to explore the various shopping options available to visitors. From malls to factory outlets and plazas, there is something for all.
According to TripAdvisor, some of the top shopping centers and stores in the town include the Adirondack Outlet Mall, Lake George Plaza Outlet Center, Antiques Market Place, Log Jam Outlet Center, French Mountain Commons, Wax 'n' Wix, and others.
The Adirondack Outlet Mall alone boasts over 50 stores, featuring popular brands such as Under Armour, Children's Place, and Eddie Bauer.
Whether you prefer local or national retailers, Lake George's shopping centers and stores offer diverse options. So why not take a stroll and see what treasures you can find?
8. Book A Show At Lake George Dinner Theatre
Lake George Dinner Theatre is a professional Equity theater that has entertained audiences since 1968.
As the oldest dinner theater in the state, the theater offers a range of shows, including musicals, comedies, and dramas throughout the year.
Housed in a historic building formerly a hotel, the theater has a seating capacity of 350 and serves a full dinner menu. The theater operates year-round, showcasing shows on weekends and select weekdays.
With its popularity among locals and tourists, the Lake George Dinner Theatre is an excellent spot to catch a show while enjoying a scrumptious meal.
Lake George Dinner Theatre features a variety of shows. Here are some of them:
- Shear Madness
- The Addams Family
- Murder on the Orient Express
- The Sound of Music
- Fiddler on the Roof
9. Take A Day Trip To Shepherd Park
Romantic things to do in Lake George NY with your partner is to stroll around Shepherd Park. It is located in the heart of Lake George village.
With a sandy beach, playground, gazebo, and amphitheater, there's something for everyone. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty at the beach, making it a safe and enjoyable place to swim.
Throughout the year, the park hosts various events, including concerts, festivals, and fireworks displays. Whether you want to sunbathe, picnic, fish, or simply relax and take in the beauty of Lake George, Shepard Park is the perfect destination.
Grab a classic Adirondack chair and settle in for a peaceful afternoon of reading, or head to the sandy beach for some swimming and sunning. And for a truly magical experience, catch one of the free concerts or performances at the amphitheater overlooking the lake.
10. Tour The Lake George Historical Association Museum
What to do in Lake George New York? Consider visiting the Lake George Historical Association museum to explore the area's rich history.
The Lake George Historical Association Museum is in a former county courthouse from 1855. It showcases the rich history of Lake George, beginning from its Native American roots to its rise as a popular tourist destination.
The museum boasts an exquisite collection of over 10,000 artifacts, which include furniture, clothing, toys, photographs, and documents.
The museum is open to the public from May to October, with admission fees of $10 for adults, $8 for elders and students, and free entry for children under 5.
11. A Fun Day At Lake George RV Park
Things to do in Lake George today is to visit Lake George RV Park. This family-friendly RV park is on 120 acres of wooded land in New York.
Not only is it conveniently located near Lake George Village, where visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and other attractions, but it also provides plenty of fun activities for children such as a playground, a splash pad, and a game room.
In addition, the park is close to other popular attractions like Lake George, Lake George Beach, Fort William Henry, The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, and The Sagamore Resort.
Address: 74 State Route 149
12. Take A Helicopter Tour Of The Area
Unique things to do in Lake George NY is take a scenic helicopter tour for two. This tour provides a spectacular bird's eye view of the lake and the surrounding region.
North Country Heli-Flite offers scenic helicopter tours and flights of Saratoga Springs, the Adirondacks, and beyond for those looking for an unparalleled view of the area.
To enhance your visit, take advantage of the proximity to Aviation Mall, which is only a short distance from Lake George. Unwind with a shopping spree, savor delectable dining options, or engage in other enjoyable activities at this convenient location.
These exceptional activities ensure a memorable and enriching experience while exploring the wonders of Lake George, NY.
13. Eat Delicious At Local Restaurants
Places to eat in Lake George include popular spots like Charlie's Bar & Kitchen and The Log Jam Restaurant. There are multiple choices available to cater to your taste.
Charlie's Bar & Kitchen is a top spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving classic American comfort food like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes, along with a full bar offering a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.
If you're in the mood for French bistro fare, head to Bistro LeRoux, where the menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients beautifully presented in prix-fixe.
Looking for a fine dining experience? Shepard's at Erlowest, located in a historic mansion, offers creative, seasonal dishes that showcase the freshest ingredients.
Restaurants in Lake George New York
- Charlie's Bar & Kitchen
- Bistro LeRoux
- The Log Jam Restaurant
- Caldwell House Restaurant
