Saranac Lake | Adirondacks

Saranac Lake is a historic and scenic village located in the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York State. It offers a distinctive blend of small-town charm, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure, making it a year-round destination for travelers seeking an authentic Adirondack experience. Though often mentioned alongside nearby Lake Placid, Saranac Lake has its own deep identity, rooted in history, health, and natural beauty.

Geography and Setting

Saranac Lake sits within the boundaries of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, the largest protected area in the contiguous United States. The village is surrounded by wilderness, including more than 30 lakes and ponds, miles of rivers, and extensive mountain ranges. The main lakes associated with the area include Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lakes, along with Lake Flower, which lies directly within the village.

Historical Significance

Tuberculosis Era and Health Tourism

In the late 1800s, Saranac Lake gained international attention as a center for tuberculosis treatment. Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau, himself a tuberculosis sufferer, believed in the curative power of fresh air and mountain climate. In 1884, he established the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium, one of the first institutions of its kind in the United States.

Patients came from around the world to "take the cure," resting for hours on porches of specialized homes known as "cure cottages." Many of these buildings still stand today, and their architecture tells the story of that unique medical history.

The Saranac Laboratory Museum, founded by Trudeau in 1894, was the first research facility in the U.S. dedicated to tuberculosis and now serves as a museum highlighting this period.

Cultural Figures and Influence

Saranac Lake attracted a number of famous visitors and residents.

Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, spent the winter of 1887-88 in the village. His cottage is now a small museum.

Béla Bartók, the Hungarian composer, spent the final summer of his life here in 1945, working on his Third Piano Concerto.

The town has long been a retreat for artists, writers, and musicians.

Outdoor Recreation

Hiking

Saranac Lake offers some of the best hiking in the Adirondacks. The village is home to the Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge, which invites hikers to summit six nearby peaks:

Baker Mountain

Ampersand Mountain

Haystack Mountain

McKenzie Mountain

St. Regis Mountain

Scarface Mountain

Those who complete all six can ring a ceremonial bell in the village to commemorate their achievement.

Water Activities

Saranac Lake is located on the Saranac Chain of Lakes, offering endless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The area is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which stretches 740 miles from New York to Maine.

Popular paddling and boating areas include:

Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes

Weller Pond

Raquette River

There are ample opportunities for fishing, with species such as lake trout, northern pike, and smallmouth bass common in local waters.

Winter Activities

In winter, Saranac Lake becomes a snow-covered playground.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available at Dewey Mountain Recreation Center and the Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center.

Ice fishing is popular on Lake Flower and nearby ponds.

Mount Pisgah is a small, family-friendly downhill ski area in the village that also offers tubing.

Snowmobiling trails connect the village with other Adirondack towns.

Culture and Arts

Despite its small size, Saranac Lake has a thriving arts scene.

The Pendragon Theatre is a professional year-round theater company offering plays, musicals, and educational programs.

Art galleries such as the Adirondack Artists Guild and NorthWind Fine Arts feature work by local and regional artists.

Seasonal art walks, music festivals, and public art installations are part of the town’s creative spirit.

Annual Events

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

This iconic event has been held annually since 1897 and is the longest-running winter carnival in the eastern United States. It features:

The building of a full-size Ice Palace, made from blocks of ice harvested from Lake Flower

Parades, concerts, outdoor games, and fireworks

Themed costumes, buttons, and traditions that locals and visitors embrace with enthusiasm

Can-Am Rugby Tournament

Every summer, Saranac Lake and nearby communities host the Can-Am Rugby Tournament, one of the largest rugby gatherings in North America. Teams from across the U.S. and Canada participate.

Dining and Accommodations

Saranac Lake has a growing culinary scene with a mix of cozy cafés, family-run diners, and innovative restaurants. Popular dining options include:

Blue Moon Café – a local favorite for breakfast and casual fare

The Fiddlehead Bistro – eclectic menu featuring international flavors

Left Bank Café – French-inspired cuisine in a relaxed setting

Craft beverage fans can visit local breweries like Ray Brook Brewhouse and Bitters and Bones for locally brewed beers and lively atmospheres.

For lodging:

Hotel Saranac, a restored 1927 hotel that blends historic charm with modern amenities

Local bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and nearby lakefront cabins offer varied experiences

Nearby Attractions

The Wild Center in nearby Tupper Lake offers an interactive museum and a treetop walkway called the Wild Walk.

Lake Placid, just a 10-minute drive away, features Olympic venues, more shopping and dining, and further hiking options.

Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which offers heritage train rides through the region (seasonal).

Summary

Saranac Lake is more than just a tourist destination — it’s a working Adirondack village with deep roots in medicine, culture, and the outdoors. Whether you're interested in hiking, paddling, art, or simply relaxing in a historic lakeside setting, Saranac Lake offers a well-rounded and enriching experience in every season.