How to Explore Lake George Village

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026 References

If you've traveled the Northway before and passed Saratoga and Glens Falls, you've probably also passed Lake George Village's signs without giving much thought to stopping in. If you want to stop in now, this article will describe what you'll find there and what to expect.

1

Watch the lead-up to Downtown.

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Lake George Village can be approached from the Northway segment of I-87, between exits 20 and 23, although both these exits are just outside the border. Officially, it's on US-9, as US-9 squiggles west and east of the north/south route Interstate 87.
- From the south, you'll encounter several options.
  - First, in Queensbury, just south of Lake George, you'll encounter the Aviation Mall (just off US-9A). It has 4 anchor stores, including a Dicks Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Ollie's, and a Target.^{[1]
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    Research source} Since a loss in the offline shopping market, it's seen some decline, but it is still useful in some offline needs, and for mall-walkers.
  - Keep going on US-9 to reach Six Flags: Great Escape. (exit 20) You'll find the park on your right as you travel north, and the parking is just past that, with the Great Wolf Lodge and parking following it.
  - If you travel a little further (to exit 21), you'll begin to travel past the Outlets at Lake George (with outlet stores on both sides of US-9) and Gift World. It's about 2.76 miles (4.44 km) between these two places.
    - Gift World has many wooden trinket sets, among the many other "Lake George Souvenirs" and small kid toy souvenirs that can sometimes become a parent fidget spinner.
    - If you travel just north of the Gift World, US-9 will pick up the local name Canada Street on US-9, just north of the NY-9N intersection, near the Wingate by Wyndham and the local Battlefield Park.
  - Arrive at Lake George Village's southern edge, though you'll still need to go a little further north to get into Downtown Lake George Village, where all the excitement is. (exit 22)
- As you enter the village, US-9 picks up the local name as Canada St. However, it's the same path heading mostly north, but at one point swerves to the northwest and continues north from there.
- From the north, you'll either be coming from the exits from Lake Placid and Plattsburgh, or from points south of there. Its next closest spot to the north includes the hamlet of Bolton Landing (exit 24); however, there's also the other hamlet, Diamond Point (exit 23), just south of that (with small motels and cabins, lake access points, and some restaurants and marinas). It's in the Adirondack Park area, and it's got very little. It's all a mountain town, and you'll need to descend that mountain before arriving in Lake George Village.

2

Arrive in Downtown Lake George.

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Lake George's downtown center is filled with shopping, restaurants, some activities, and even lodging (in lesser-known places, albeit not owned by local establishments). It has lakeshore housing on a street off a street off another street, but some can be seen from the main drag through town.
- Its main route, US-9, is also called Canada Street as it goes through Lake George, though as US-9 travels parallel to I-87's Northway segment, you'll find signage listing "Lake George Village" and only its numbered route.
  - Several exits correspond to routes that will get you onto US-9, but few are actually direct routes onto that road.
- Then there's Beach Road. This perpendicular route travels past some of the off-route stuff (like Lake George Steamboat Co.) and even an unnamed strip mall (including Steamboat Gift Shop), and if you travel far enough, down to Lake George Beach State Park (a fee-free beach formerly called the Million Dollar Beach).
- You'll feel that the "you've arrived" feeling will begin when the walls of motels and neon start to shift quickly, along with the presence of arcades and storefronts, and new souvenir shop densities show. You'll begin to see Shepard Park, and its big lawn erupt, along with more wooded roadside and walkable sidewalks, with its Fort William Henry area and food areas. even without seeing signage for "Lake George Village or seeing signs of the big lake — Lake George.

3

Park in Lake George.

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Although the downtown area is filled with some on-street parking, if you get lucky, you'll find some empty spots. However, most people aren't that lucky and end up having to find a space in alternate lots and walking, or parking elsewhere and forgetting the downtown area.
- Shoot for on-street parking. They fill up fast, but are super-convenient in a pinch. They are relatively inexpensive for an hour and a half, for window-shopping.
  - Electronic meters cost $2 per hour, while pay-and-display kiosks also cost $2 per hour. However, the street meters only operate between April 1 and October 31, so choose wisely.^{[2]
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    - If you didn't get a spot there, you may need to walk. Depending on where you got your spot, you may end up walking between two-tenths and a half a mile to get into downtown, which can take some time and isn't for the weak-hearted or disabled to travel.
- Watch for the Lake George Steamboat Company's paid lot, off Beach Rd. It's an open-air lot with some monitored Staff watching it during daytime hours. It's supposed to be for Steamboat passengers, but it becomes a haven for many Village-goers wanting Village access. It is a short walk to the Lake and US-9.
- Avoid Lake George Beach State Park's parking option, down Shore Dr. Not only do they collect a fee higher than the Steamboat's fee, but they are stricter if you park without going to the beach, and may tow in turn. If your destination is the beach, you shouldn't have a problem.
- Expect longer walks if you park elsewhere. You may end up walking between .2 to .5 miles (0.32 to 0.80 km), if you have to park elsewhere and walk, so plan during peak seasons.
- Know that only some lodging allows guest parking. However, they are geared towards helping on-site guests stay overnight, so they cater to them more.
  - Mom and pop locations have limited spaces, but other larger hotels have dedicated lots, but only for registered guests.

4

Explore Downtown's attractions.

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Downtown Lake George has most of its attractions on Canada St. However, some are off Beach Rd. You'll find options such as the Fun World Arcade, the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, and Shepard Park. There's the Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, just outside downtown but still walkable.
- Walk down the Waterfront Walkway, Lake George's Boardwalk-style path. This path goes from Shepard Park Beach to the steamboat docks, and is the most popular stroll there.^{[citation needed]}
- Take in a tasting or similar, at Adirondack Winery. It has tastings, flights, and events.
- Visit the Lake George Historical Association Museum in the old courthouse, for local history.
- Watch for Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail stops. These include the Lake George Distilling Company, Adirondack Winery, and Extreme Heights Cidery.
- Look for the Lake George Village mall, with its quirky, retro experience.
- Explore the acoustic anomalies at the Lake George Mystery Spot behind the Visitor Center, near the center of the village.
- Watch for haunted houses, escape rooms, and mini golf at The Adirondack Expedition/Adventure (just south of the Village).
- Take in a concert at Shepard Park Amphitheater, most all summer.
- Take a walk down Beach Rd. There you'll find the Funa'rama Fun Park and Fort William Henry.
  - There's a historical marker for a "Submerged Track" (talking about the track offshore set for a disaster of cars being swept off the track and then submerged up to 205 feet between 1910 and 1950) down near Lake George Beach State Park. ^{[3]
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- Off Beach Rd is NY-6. On this route, you'll find more monuments and even the Lake George Battlefield State Park, talking about the Revolutionary War battlefield existing here.

5

Tour around Lake George.

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- There are walking tours available, along with steamboat tours on the lake (Lake George Steamboat is the more reputable company with its Minne-Ha-Ha paddlewheel, Mohican, and Lac du Saint Sacrement boats). There are several self-guided village walking tours, historical walking routes, and nature trails near the village in Prospect Mountain and at Battlefield Park.
- In 2005, one of Shoreline Cruises' boats, the Ethan Allen, capsized. ^{[4]
  X
  Research source} However, although that boat is gone, its bigger boat, the Adirondack, still operates well and is stationed within the village, along the lakefront walk, almost at the corner of Beach and US-9 at the southwest corner of the lake.
- There's plenty of other tours on the Lake.
  - There's the Blue Lagoon Resort's Tourboat on the Lake. It's quieter and offers intimate, bigger boats for more scenic tours.
  - There's the True North Boat Tours, which offer private charters with somewhat custom routes for families and small groups.
  - Watch for Daley's Adventure Boat Tours and Bolton Boat Tours & Water Sports.
  - Take a cruise on the Lake. Try out the Lake George Tiki Tours, a floating bar cruise.
- There are parasailing tours over Lake George, but they can be expensive at about $109. You can find both Parasail Joe's and Parasail Nation, but the mention during the summertime of free parasailing with caveats to come down is somewhat false.
- You can take your own two feet to stroll down the roads and streets looking for your own activities, but then you'll encounter things never talked about in any article online.
- There's a trolley that operates within the village center only. However, it takes you to certain spots where you can walk to and from your location. It costs $1.50 per ride with an extra charge ($1) to ride past the Hearthstone Camp to Diamond Point or Bolton Landing, all paid with the Token Transit app or cash. It stops within Ridge St in Glens Falls, at the Lake George Outlets, at Six Flags Great Escape, at the Lake George RV Park, and inside Beach Rd at Lake George Village.^{[5]
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- There are also horse and buggy rides, but they can be highly costly for larger parties, and don't really stop anywhere but back at the same spot near the shops along Beach Rd. They are offered only during peak season and make narrated rides around the village.
- There are several tours within Fort William Henry, including guided fort tours, musket demonstrations, reenactments, and several ghost tours (seasonally); however, each tour is a paid tour.

6

Shop in Downtown Lake George.

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Lake George is filled with shopping opportunities. You'll find souvenir shops, local boutiques, outlet areas, and specialty stores.
- Beach Road has some shopping, but they are all mom-and-pop shops. From handbags to other gifts, this is a good spot.
- However, just east of that is the Lake George Steamboat Gift Shop. Bring your parking ticket for a discount on your purchase.
  - Right on US-9, there's also a Lake George Village Mall. It's a small mall with more mom-and-pop shops.
    - Across from that, still on US-9, is the Lake George Shop. It has Lake George souvenirs.
    - Also across from that mall is the Village Emporium. Here, you'll find more Lake George clothing to purchase in various sizes, styles, and colors.
  - At the intersection of US-9, Beach Road, and McGillis Ave lies "Riley's At the Lake." Here at the former McDonald's is another souvenir shop.
  - Remember: just outside the village lie more souvenir shops in both the Lake George outlets and Gift World, both on US-9!

7

Dine in Downtown Lake George.

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In terms of dining options, the majority of options lie along Canada St (the main drag through the village) and some along the malls lining Beach Rd. You'll find casual food, family-friendly food, lakefront food, and coffee & snack areas.
- Although popular places are split into the restaurant's main genre (like Seafood vs. American vs. Etc), most are mom-and-pop shops. However, these mom and pops still serve good food; however, they are trying to make a quick buck by charging higher prices to beat the competitor.
  - Along Canada St's southbound side, you'll find the Biscotti Brothers Cafe, SALUTI, Adirondack Pub & Brewery, The Lobster Pot, DJ's Nite Club, Forefeathers Chicken Madness (Halal), Gyro Hut Lake George, 163 Tap Room, Fire & Ice Bar & Grill, Monte Cristos Family Grille, Mezzaluna, Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery Lake George Tasting Room, The Breakfast Spot Club - Lake George, Lake George Distilling, Charlie's Bar & kitchen, Mario's Restaurant, and later at the Number 1 Pizza, and many more.
  - Along the other side of Canada St's northbound side, you'll find another Fire & Ice Bar at the Fort William Henry Hotel, Mama's Corner Cafe, Jamo's Pub, and Charlies On the Lake, The Lagoon (set in off the roadway and unseen), Duffy's Tavern (off Amherst St), Lake Crest Cafe, Taste of India, and more.
  - Along Beach Rd eastbound, you'll find suitable places within the village, starting with Frozen Yogurt (near the corner of Beach & Canada), Candy Apple (candy store), Lookout Bar & Grill, and Alif Cafe on the Lake George Beach.
  - Along Beach Rd westbound, you'll find very few options due to the lakefront being on that side.

8

Sleep along downtown Lake George.

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Although there are mom-and-pop shops of lodging in Lake George hoping to make themselves a big name, there are also other smaller lodges of bigger names within Lake George's Village. There are budget options in Lake George, along with mid-range hotels, lakefront resorts, and cabin rentals.
- Watch out for the Tiki, just at the southern end of the village. Although it looks a bit Hawaiian and has some additional dinner-theater attractions with a Hawaiian theme, it's also much pricier, so most folks won't afford a stay unless it's only overnight.
- Down Canada Street, there's the Wingate by Wyndham Lake George, Hampton Inn and Suites Lake George, Westbrook Inn Lake George, and even the Courtyard by Marriott Lake George.
- If you want a different experience, there's even a lodge affiliated with the fort where you can stay, called the Fort William Henry Lodge. However, it's themed and more pricey.
- There's the Howard Johnson's Lodge towards the northern end of town.
- There are several cabin-style resorts along the edges of the Lakefront. However, they are higher priced, so expect it! There are more cabins/cottages along Lake Shore Dr, which runs just west of the lake from end-to-end, before dropping the Lake Shore Dr name north of Bolton Landing to become just NY-9N, and as it heads eastward, then northward before entering Ticonderoga and doing other things off Lake George. However, contact one of these before setting your money down to pay for a cabin for any period of time. You can find these as the Lake George Beach Cottages, the Gold Eagle Cabins, the Lodges at Cresthaven, Sun Castle Resort, and many more.
  - Do your research well off a search engine of Google Maps, and select wisely.

9

Be aware of special events.

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Watch for Lake George's Americade, Winter Carnival, Fireworks, and Summer concerts.
- The Americade is held within Shepard Park, Lake George Waterfront, and on the Lake George Steamboat Company's cruises in June. Some are free to enter/watch (like the Block Party stunt shows, slow riding world championships, and concerts), but the boat cruises are all paid events.^{[6]
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- The Winter Carnival is also held within Shepard Park, Shepard Park beach, near the Visitor Center (Beach Rd & Canada St.), and Battlefield Park, in February. Most events are free, but the others have some low costs, with some requiring advanced ticketing, with fireworks during the Carnival.^{[7]
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- The Fireworks are held over the Southern area of Lake George, but can be seen from anywhere in the Village, on most summer Thursdays and during major holiday events (like Independence Day and Labor Day). There are cruise options for the Americade, but these are all paid events, with the best view from the Lake.^{[8]
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- The Summer Concerts are held mainly at the Shepard Park Amphitheater, which is free.^{[9]
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The Lake George Village Information Center is set near the corner of Beach Rd and Canada St.^{[10]
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Research source} It fields questions about the lake and things you can do.

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Charge an electric car at multiple spots along Canada St. However, if your resort/hotel has charging stations, check first and charge your vehicle there instead.
- The closer you get to the lake, the more expensive the cabins/cottages will be. However, you'll need to do the searching for the best fares/fees.
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Don't forget that Lake George is best checked out for their summer crowds, fall foliage, winter closures, and spring weather.

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