Location: Lake George
Top Things to do in Lake George
Top 10 Things to do in Lake George, United States
When people find a great vacation getaway, they keep coming back. This 32-mile-long "Queen of American Lakes" is chock-full of lodging, attractions, eateries and just about any form of recreation you can name. A significant player in American history, Lake George is the site of two great forts, Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonderoga, both open to the public. Before plunging into the myriad activities in this family-friendly town, start off with a relaxing lake cruise to learn about the area. Then, take your pick of recreation: parasailing, fishing, diving, jet skiing, hiking, golfing, minigolf, horseback riding and more. If you've got kids in tow, you can't get away without visiting the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, New York's largest amusement park. Hikers gravitate to the international trail system or Prospect Mountain, which offers panoramic views from the top; for an easier way up, hop on the tram. Among the cleanest and clearest of major U.S. lakes, Lake George is as splendid today as when Thomas Jefferson described it as "...without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw."
Restaurants in Lake George
1. Lake George
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
During a 1791 visit, Thomas Jefferson was moved to say, "Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw." Not much has changed. Today this 32-mile long, 3-mile wide dazzling lake draws vactioners who come to enjoy a plethora of outdoor endeavors including sailing, swimming, cruising on historic steamboats, hiking and more.
Reviewed By Patrick C - Hudson Falls, NY
When you put together a fantastic scenic location with a fun festival you get a winter destination from watching the outhouse races to the motorcycle and snomobiles then add in great restaurants and of course some hot chocolate from Stewart’s or dunkin you’ve got a fun filled and economical four weekends of February
2. Prospect Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 966 reviews
A 2,030-foot mountain in Lake George that offers trips to the summit in "viewmobile" vans for awesome views.
Reviewed By MoccasinMike - Duluth, Minnesota
Nothing finer than a day in the woods getting away from a tourist trap town to hike up the mountain to a 100-year defunct tourist trap. Not much for scenic viewing until you get to the top, but the top is really good. Two hours up and one hour down.
3. Adirondack Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
The premier winery of the Adirondacks since 2008! Featuring over 20 hand crafted, award winning, fruit infused and varietal wines... With a touch of Adirondack Nostalgia! Enjoy a Wine Tasting Session with us. Taste several wines of your choice for a nominal fee & keep our souvenir wine glass! Gourmet cheese, fine foods, delectable chocolates, unique souvenirs & gifts available too! We're consistently rated a top attraction in the region and our wines have won hundreds of awards! We're Open Year-Round with special events all year. No Reservations required, except for parties of 8+.
Reviewed By Lucy G - South Plainfield, New Jersey
This place has wine for every palate. From novice to wine snob, they've got you covered. Service was excellent, a special shout out to Matt and Jackie, the 2 of you enhanced my experience. This was actually my second experience at this establishment and you did not disappoint. I look forward to my next visit.
4. Shelving Rock Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
A serene and beautiful waterfall located along an unmarked hiking trail in the Lake George system.
Reviewed By sokobird - NY
It's a short hike to see this beautiful waterfall. Can be crowded on summer days, but worth the trip. Another hike to the Lake as well if you are up to it. Wear appropriate shoes--not flip flops!
5. The Fort William Henry Museum & Restoration
Overall Ratings
4 based on 679 reviews
Fort William Henry Museum and Reconstruction is located on the site of the original French and Indian War fort at the south shore of Lake George. Experience how the soldiers fought and died at this wilderness outpost and learn the REAL history behind the surrender and massacre made famous by James Fennimore Cooper's, "Last of the Mohicans". Cannon and musket demonstrations at 10am, 12, 2, 4pm daily. Free admission to active duty military, veterans, police and firefighters with ID. Open May - October.
Reviewed By Alex L - San Diego, California
This fortress is in great shape, pretty well maintained. There are lots of interesting stuff to look at and experience. The boys and guys will love this place. I loved it. The ladies won't be too bored, either. They also have shows and gun demos, which is also fun!
While at Lake George area, this would be considered a must-see.
6. Million Dollar Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 331 reviews
Reviewed By paws0810 - Port Saint Lucie, Florida
just sat early morning each morning on vacation to view the sunrise - cool temps. clean beach and clear water. beautiful sunrises
7. Warren County Bikeway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Ingrid U
The Warren County Bikeway is easy to find due to excellent markings and location. The start is from Lake George across from the Steam Boat Company. It is a wide pawed path, however the first couple of miles were moderate uphill. We took our two boys (9 and 4). The 4 yr. old has a bike with training wheels and is a very strong "biker". However, the 40 - 50 min. non-stop uphill was very tiring for him. We had to abandon mission and turn back after couple miles, so not sure how the rest of the bikeway looks like. It is appropriate for ages 7 and up. It is in the woods, so nicely shaded. It has numerous historical markings, good for stops and learning the past.
8. Buck mountain hiking trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Wendy C - Manlius, New York, United States
Beautiful hike -- gorgeous views! Very well marked trail. Really steep at points -- you need to crisscross to get across the rocks. And there are 3 or 4 water crossings which can be slippery and lots of large rocks which aren't good to those with weaker ankles or knees. If you have walking sticks, bring them -- I wish I had one and had to pick up a stick along the way to help me get down the mountain.
Suggestion: Bring food, and at least 2 quarts of water per person and a gallon if you can for the trek -- you will need it as this is a vigorous, heart-pumping hike! Start your trip early in the day. During October, it gets dark by 6 -- and you need a bright flashlight to make it back because it becomes pitch black.
Having said that -- the views from the summit are amazing! Book yourself a soak down at the Gideon Putnam/The Roosevelt Spa the next day to soothe your aching muscles and you'll be fine! This is good for older kids (teens) as it's too tough for really small children -- they will want to be carried during the rough and steep parts!
9. Magic Forest
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 381 reviews
A family fun park, in the Adirondacks, that features 25 amusement rides, including the Safari Ride, plus live animal performances, magic shows and the ever-popular "Rex the Diving Horse."
Reviewed By michapok - Poughkeepsie
According to Wikipedia the 'uncanny valley' occurs when human replicas appear almost, but not exactly, like real human beings and elicit feelings of eeriness among observers. I bring this up because the Magic Forest is home to some of the best examples of this I've ever seen (do a google image search on 'magic forest lake george' and you'll see exactly what I mean). I mean this in the best possible way - the place is unforgettable.
Sure, everything needs to be updated and the rides are no fun for the 10 and older crowd, but you didn't come here with kids 10 and older. You're coming here with young kids who will have an absolute BLAST! No lines anywhere, reasonably priced admission, lots of shade and kid friendly food (along with picnic tables so you can bring your own food into the park). Our oldest is now five and we've been going here since he was two years old. Every time it's one of the highlights of our annual Lake George trip.
Oh, and the magic show is great too - comes free with admission and Jimmy has lots of fun with the crowd. The only negatives are the safari ride, which isn't that great, and the diving horse. Otherwise we'll be coming back every year!
10. House of Frankenstein Wax Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By j3welz - Newark, New Jersey
So I brought my little brother to this Wax Museum and I thought it was cool. There were some scares but more laughs than anything. I wish we were able to take pictures with the waxes but they were behind glass and some are robotic but I thought it was a cool place. My little brother liked it, he gets scares easily so it was def worth it.
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