14 Best Things to Do in Lake George, NY | Activities & Attractions

Post summary: 10+ of the best outdoor activities and things to do in Lake George, NY.

Looking for the best things to do in Lake George? Then you’ve come to the right place.

I spent most of my childhood summers on Lake George and still enjoy uncovering new things to do here as an adult. Knowing a thing or two, it’s only right that I share it all with you!

With miles and miles of shoreline and almost 200 islands, Lake George is rightly known as “The Queen of American Lakes.”

Beyond its beauty, this part of New York is filled with outdoor adventures. But don’t be mistaken; there’s also no shortage of indoor fun when the weather calls for it (we’ll cover these, too).

Let’s dive in!

Also read: Best Cabins to Rent in the Adirondacks

Guides to help you plan your trip to Lake George in the summer

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Fun Things to Do in Lake George, New York

Without further ado, here’s the list of what to do in Lake George, NY.

Glamping at Huttopia Adirondacks

Lake George is an outdoor utopia, so it only makes sense to spend a night in the woods when you get the chance.

But just because you’re sleeping out in the wilderness doesn’t mean you have to do it the old-fashioned way. Forget the hassle of pitching a tent and say hello to comfort in the outdoors at Huttopia Adirondacks.

Huttopia Adirondacks is a glamping resort in the forest in Lake George, NY. It gives you a rustic stay without skimping on comfort.

Wake up to sun rays streaming through the trees, grab a cup from the coffee bar, and enjoy freshly-made meals throughout the day, all after sleeping in a comfy bed.

Go Camping at Rogers Rock Campground

There’s nothing quite like an old-school camping trip to connect with nature.

I personally always recommend Rogers Rock Campground, which is located at the northern end of Lake George.

Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking an RV, you can expect clean restrooms with hot showers, fire pits, a swimming area, and picnic spots.

With over 300 campsites, many right by the lake, you’ll get to soak in those gorgeous waterfront views.

Just a heads up—these sites fill up fast, so be sure to book early. And remember, there’s no electricity, so bring some backup power if you don’t want to completely unplug.

As always, adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles of cleaning up after yourself, and their recycling center makes that even easier.

Drive up Prospect Mountain

Prospect Mountain might be considered one of the best hikes in Lake George, but there’s actually no hiking required!

You can drive to the top via the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. The well-maintained road winds 5 miles up the mountain with scenic views along the way.

There are three different overlooks on the way up: The Narrows, Lake George, and Eagle’s Eye. Once you reach the parking lot, you can take a shuttle or walk to the summit for 360-degree views.

On a very clear day, you can see the Green Mountains of Vermont, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Canada’s Laurentian Mountains, and New York’s very own Adirondack High Peaks.

It’s easy to see why this is considered one of the best things to do in Lake George.

Note: Entry is $10, and pets are not allowed

Visit Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga is another Lake George historical site, but on the north end of Lake George. It’s a historical war fort that was originally built by the French near Lake Champlain.

If you love history, you’ll find Fort Ticonderga super interesting. The fort is a remodeled version of the original fort from the 1700s. The museum exhibits detail the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars, as well as host daily weapon demos.

Outside of that, Fort Ticonderoga is renowned for its beautiful gardens, views of Lake Champlain, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and Mount Defiance.

Once you’ve explored to your heart’s content, you can grab a bite at the Log House Welcome Center, offering a well-rounded menu.

Local tip: Combine your tour of Fort Ticonderoga with a hike up Mount Defiance (location: 72 Defiance Street, Ticonderoga NY 12883). There’s a pavilion at the top for a picnic with a birds eye view of the fort and surrounding landscape.

You can drive almost all the way to the top when the gate is open between May – October. Or park in the parking area at the bottom of the hill and hike up if the gate is closed.

Hike for Great Views

In addition to Prospect Mountain, Lake George has a handful of other popular hiking trails.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Sleeping Beauty Mountain (7.7 mile loop; moderate) – This is one of the best short hikes with outstanding views in the Adirondacks and follows a well-marked trail. The hike begins at the Dacy Clearing Road trailhead. From there, it’s a moderate hike that ends with wide-open views of Lake George.
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  At the summit, follow the loop trail to go back down or make the hike slightly shorter by just going back the way you came.
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• Buck Mountain (6.1 miles RT; difficult) – This is a more challenging hike with a steep push toward the end. But once you get past the difficult spots, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Lake George and Tongue Mountain. The trail starts at the parking area on Pilot Knob Road.

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• Shelving Rock Falls – Shelving Rock Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Lake George (not to be confused with Shelving Rock Mountain). To get there, park in the lot on Buttermilk Falls Road and then walk back over the small bridge to follow the trail into the woods.
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  The route is mostly pretty flat, but you’ll have to climb down the hillside to reach the falls once you get there. Continue past the falls to reach the shore of Lake George and Log Bay.

Check this link to Rexby NY map!

Experience History at the Fort William Henry Museum

If you like history, don’t skip Fort William Henry Museum. Located in the town of Lake George, it was first constructed by the British during the French and Indian War in the 1700s.

The museum today is modeled after the original British fort that was destroyed during the war, and offers two different tours between May and October:

1. General guided tour – teaches you about the area and the war, see the cannons fire, and interact with the fort soldiers while you see what life was like in Colonial America
2. Haunted history tour – a ghost tour where you get to hear stories that have been passed down for decades and come across some spooky sights at the museum.

If you visit with kids, they can enjoy an even more interactive experience. They’ll be recruited as soldiers, which includes being given uniforms and a certificate after they’re done with the drills.

Getting there: 48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY

Visit Bolton Landing

Lake George can get SUPER busy, especially in peak summer.

So when you want to escape the crowds, head slightly north to neighboring Bolton Landing. You’ll still get the gorgeous lake views and similar attractions found in the town of Lake George, but with far fewer crowds.

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at Rogers Memorial Park Beach, grab a cocktail at The Gem, or hike up Cat Mountain for spectacular views.

If you’re in the mood for something extra adventurous (and not afraid of heights), visit Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course. It’s a giant treetop obstacle course that’s fun for all ages – but it’s a tough workout!

 

Get Pizza at Giuseppe’s

This wouldn’t be a guide to the best things to do in Lake George if I didn’t tell you about Giuseppe’s. This is – hands down – the best pizza north of NYC. After your first bite, I’m certain you’ll find it hard to disagree.

Giuseppe’s is a family-owned pizzeria that dates back to 1975, so they’ve certainly been doing something right.

On their menu, you can enjoy a hand-tossed pizza with a wide range of toppings or stick to tried-and-tested gourmet pizzas like the Margherita.

In the mood for something besides pizza? Try one of their other entrees, like spaghetti with meatballs or a Swiss burger, and end the visit with tiramisu.

Take a Steamboat Tour

Lake George is beautiful from any angle, but there’s no better way to see it than getting out on the water.

There are a number of ways to get out on the lake, but taking a steamboat tour is a classic.

The steamboat operator has been around for more than two centuries – and it’s one of the most fun ways to discover exactly why Thomas Jefferson called Lake George “the most beautiful water I ever saw.”

Tours range anywhere from one to six hours, with the longer options that include lunch, brunch, and dinner cruises.

Shop the Outlets at Lake George

Wherever you are, it’s never a bad time for some retail therapy. In Lake George, you can go to The Outlets and find international brands and local boutiques running sales up to 70% off.

Some stores worth visiting are:

• Outdoor stores: L.L.Bean, Columbia, Eddie Bauer
• Footwear stores: Crocs, New Balance, Adidas
• Apparel retailers: Levi’s, American Eagle, Coach, Michael Kors
• Unique shops: Wax n’ Wix and Pepper Palace

See the full list of stores here.

Enjoy River Tubing or Whitewater Rafting

Lazy river tubing is one of the most fun things to do in Lake George.

Book an adventure with Adirondack Adventure Center – they’re the only company in Lake George with private access to the river, so you won’t contend with too many people during your trip.

Choose from an unguided float or opt to go with a guide who will be sharing some interesting bits about Lake George.

For something more adventurous during your Lake George vacation, I recommend whitewater rafting with the same company. It’s perfect for beginners as the lower-class rapids give you a taste of what to expect on more robust-class rapids.

To make a day of it, Adirondack Adventure Center also offers treetop adventures, with an opportunity to book two adventures at a discounted rate.

Ski on Gore Mountain

Looking for the best places to ski on your Lake George vacation this winter? Gore Mountain is the star of the show.

Gore Mountain is popular for alpine skiing and snowboarding, with a vertical drop of 2437 feet and 115 trails. It also has the most skiable area in the state, so you don’t have to worry about competing for space.

If you aren’t a fan of zooming down a mountain that steep, then opt for the North Creek Ski Bowl. It’s for cross-country and snowshoeing, which is less thrilling but still fun.

Tip: Warm up between runs with hot food and views of the High Peaks at Saddle Lodge or relax après-ski with some of the best tapas and drinks in town at barVino.

Join ATV and UTV Tours

No trip to Lake George is complete without an off-road adventure! Book a tour with Adirondack ATV Tours for a guided adventure over rugged terrain.

The best part? After a brief safety training, you get to drive your own UTV as you follow the guide car through the forest.

It’s a fun way to get your adrenaline pumping while you explore the natural beauty of the Lake George area.

ATV tours are open May and October and reservations are required. For the tour, you need to be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license.

You’ll likely get pretty dirty, so I recommend bringing a change of clothes if you plan to go anywhere else after the ride.

Explore Natural Stone Bridge and Caves

Last but not least, visit the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves while you’re in Lake George. The Stone Bridge here was carved out by Trout Brook and is the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern USA.

Natural Stone Bridge has several ways for you to dive into the ancient Adirondack geology:

1. Self-guided nature trail – perfect for a leisurely hike, featuring the massive Stone Bridge, Trout Brook, waterfalls, surface caves, and grottos. It’s a ¾ mile trail with over 500 stairs, and you can take your time, resting on the benches along the way. Takes about an hour to complete.
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2. The Adventure Tour – for thrill seekers only! This is a 3-4 hour cave crawl through sandy passageways, an underground waterfall, and more, finishing with a float through Garnet Cave.
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3. Two hiking trails – Catamount Trail (1.8 miles) or the Green Mountain Trail (4.6 miles), which both have amazing views and double as snowshoe trails in winter. These are 2 of 10 Chester Challenge hikes in Warren County.

Things to Do at Lake George: FAQs

While we’ve covered the top Lake George attractions above, here are some answers to questions that are commonly asked about planning a visit to Lake George NY:

Is Lake George Worth Visiting?

Yes, Lake George is absolutely worth visiting. Apart from the beautiful water and the view of the landscape surrounding it, there are many lakeside activities that visitors can take part in regardless of their age.

Further, there are also a number of things to do near Lake George, like visiting Ausable Chasm or even Lake Placid.

What Does Lake George Have to Offer?

Lake George is popular for its beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, historic museums, boat cruises, amusement park, water activities, and rewarding hikes.

What Is the Nicest Part of Lake George?

While nice is subjective, a lot of people think that Lake George Village is the nicest place in Lake George. This is because of the plethora of tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and lakeside views all within walking distance. 

Wrapping Up the Best Lake George Things to Do

With that, you’re caught up on the best Lake George activities, regardless of the type of traveler you are.

From fun in the water and learning about history to hiking and shopping, Lake George has it all. The only thing left to do is to choose what you want to do and get ready for an unforgettable visit.

Did you enjoy this guide to the best things to do in Lake George? Let me know in the comments!

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