A Scenic Day Trip from Camp Hudson Pines to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum: Just 1 Hour 45 Minutes Away!

Summary: Take a day trip from Camp Hudson Pines and drive through the beautiful scenery of the Adirondacks to visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Spend the afternoon walking the streets and eating some of the local fare to round out your day before heading back for s’mores around the fire.

Date: Observations and data recorded Fall 2025

Site/Location: Lake Placid Olympic Museum - 2634 Main St.
Lake Placid, NY 12946

Distance from Camp Hudson Pines: 95 Miles (approx. 1 hou4 45 minute drive)

Participants: Two Adults

Length of Observation: a couple of hours

Links: Lake Placid Olympic Museum, The Cottage Restaurant at Mirror Lake Inn, Smoke Signals, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, Big Mountain Deli

Activity:
If you are looking for a day trip during your stay at Camp Hudson Pines that includes beautiful scenery, a quaint small town and some Olympic history and inspiration, look no further than Lake Placid. We packed up early for a breezy day trip from Camp Hudson Pines to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum—just a 1 hour 45 minute drive through stunning mountain scenery. Trust us, it's the perfect escape without straying too far from your cozy canvas tent or waterfront cabin.

The Easy Drive: From Camp Hudson Pines, you'll hop on NY-9N north toward the Adirondack Northway (I-87). From there, it's a smooth cruise to Exit 30, where you'll veer onto Route 9 and then Route 73 straight into Lake Placid. The total driving distance from Corinth NY to Lake Placid clocks in at about 97 miles, making it a quick 1 hour 45 minute drive on average—plenty of time to blast your favorite playlist while spotting fall foliage (if you're visiting in autumn) or sparkling lakes along the way.

Discovering the Lake Placid Olympic Museum:
Nestled in the heart of Lake Placid—the twice-host of the Winter Olympics (1932 and 1980)—the Lake Placid Olympic Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and sports fans alike. Housed in the iconic Olympic Center's Miracle Plaza, this museum holds North America's second-largest collection of Winter Olympic artifacts, from torches and medals to rare photos and interactive displays. It's open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with adult admission at $15.
Wander through exhibits chronicling Lake Placid's Olympic legacy, including the 1932 games' quirky tales (like the ice rink built in a cow pasture) and the high-tech feats of 1980. But let's be real: the star of the show is the 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey exhibit. Dive into memorabilia from the U.S. men's ice hockey team's improbable gold-medal run, including jerseys, sticks, and footage of that legendary upset over the Soviet Union on February 22, 1980.

Where to Eat:

After your museum immersion (or before, if you're timing it for lunch), Lake Placid's dining scene shines with farm-to-table spots and cozy eateries that highlight local ingredients like maple syrup, craft beers, and High Peaks views. Whether you're craving upscale bites or casual pub fare, here are some top picks to try within walking distance of the Olympic Center.

For Elevated Lakeside Dining: The Cottage Restaurant at Mirror Lake Inn is
right on Mirror Lake with panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks. It serves refined New American cuisine using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. It's perfect for a celebratory lunch or early dinner—reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Open daily; entrees $28–$52.

For Casual, Hearty Comfort Food: Smoke Signals is a local favorite for wood-fired pizzas, creative salads, and craft cocktails in a rustic-chic vibe. Their signature smoked brisket sandwich or seasonal flatbreads are delicious and they offer many gluten-free options. Open 11 AM–9 PM; mains $15–$25.

For Brews and Bites: Lake Placid Pub & Brewery has award-winning UPA ales alongside pub classics like fish and chips or loaded nachos. It's a fun, no-fuss stop for a quick pint and bite—try the brewery's seasonal sours if you're adventurous. Kid-friendly with outdoor seating; open 11:30 AM–10 PM, entrees $12–$20.

For something on the go while you walk through town grab a sandwich or crepe at the Big Mountain Deli and Creperie. They have 46 sandwiches for each of the high peaks so you are bound to find your favorite. Open 8 AM - 3 PM (5 PM on the weekends), $6 - $18.

Photographs:

Reflections:

We loved our day trip to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. We recommend leaving early to enjoy a full day. We had enough time to visit the museum, stroll through the town and a grab a quick bite before we headed back to Camp Hudson Pines for a night of s’mores and streaming Miracle to relive all the Olympic history of that 1980 hockey gold!

There is so much more to explore in Lake Placid but this was definitely a fun way to get a taste of history and a beautiful drive through the Adirondacks.