During the summer, Lake George is buzzing with tourists and activities. However, it is also a great place to explore the natural beauty of the Adirondack mountains.
Shelving Rock Falls offers a refreshing waterfall and hiking trail. Buck Mountain offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains, depending on the season.
Lake George Village
There is no shortage of things to do in Lake George – even on the cheapest of budgets! Spend a day relaxing on the beach and forgetting all your worries, or rent a boat for some high-speed nautical fun. Many restaurants and shops exist, including the popular Lake George Outlets in Queensbury.
If you’re looking for adult fun, the best things to do in Lake George is to venture to a local craft beverage distillery or winery for tastings and tours. Try some moonshine at the Lake George Distilling Company or sip spirits made from New York-grown grain and fruit at Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery in Queensbury. Remember the kids; they can bowl and play arcade games at Leonelli’s Playland or Funa’rama Fun Park.
Shepard Park hosts free concerts and shows all summer long in the theater. You can also head to one of the many fantastic waterfront dining locales, like King Neptune’s, Christie’s or DJ’s Nightclub. If you’re visiting during the winter, head to West Mountain for skiing, tubing, and other adventures in this four-season ski area.
Shelving Rock Falls
Whether you want something fun with the kids or a date night option, Lake George Village is the perfect place for all your needs. You can shop at various stores, explore a historic fort, take a boat tour or even check out the House Of Frankenstein Wax Museum!
Located on Shelving Rock Mountain, this hiking trail runs alongside active waterfalls down to the shore of Lake George. It is ideal for novice hikers, though it can still be slippery in places. The trail to the falls also features beaver dams and a stony pool that swimmers can frolic in.
Shelving Rock Falls is part of a large wild forest that’s a popular location for motorized recreational activities, fishing and snowmobile trails. The area is also an excellent spot for camping and picnicking. Many of the hiking trails are open to biking as well. If you’re looking for a challenge, try an aerial obstacle course at the Adirondack High Ropes Adventure Park.
Fort William Henry
Located on Beach Road, Fort William Henry offers an incredible educational experience that brings to life the encampment and siege during the French and Indian War. It’s one of the best things to do in Lake George for adults and kids. There’s plenty to see and do, including military demonstrations, museum exhibits, and a massive gift shop called the Sutler Shoppe.
You can purchase high-quality replica muskets, cannons, books, toys, candy, and more. The staff is well educated and very friendly.
While other Adirondack towns don’t get the huge summer tourist boom that Lake George village does, the city has an amazing mix of cottage-kitsch and historic experiences such as Fort William Henry and gorgeous hotels like The Inn at Erlowest. You can also enjoy fun and games, such as mini-golf and haunted houses at the various arcades on Canada Street and Beach Road. These are $10 or less and can be enjoyed by multiple ages.
Prospect Mountain
One of the top things to do in Lake George for families with kids is to head out on a scenic mountain trail. This is a particularly popular activity in fall when the temperatures cool, the mosquitoes scatter, and the trees burst with vibrant color.
The 6.6-mile round-trip hike up Prospect Mountain is an excellent choice for nature lovers who want to see stunning views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. The wooded start of the trail is easily accessible from town; you can park for free in a small lot on Smith Street or a larger space at the summit of Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway.
The hiking trail is open year-round, while the road to the summit is only available from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The route can be intimidating for young children, so the hike is primarily recommended for older children and adults.
