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The best way to enter into Lake George is by car. Lake George lies off of exits 21 and 22 on I-87. Either exit takes you directly to the village. To get there from the North, South or East you must first get to [wiki=35464e0ed96bea89f8d741fa2e71aa12]Albany[/wiki] then take Exit 24 to get onto I-87 North. To get to [wiki=35464e0ed96bea89f8d741fa2e71aa12]Albany[/wiki] you must take the NYS Thruway from the west, the Mass Turnpike from the east and route 87 from the south. To get to Lake George from the North take I-87 south.
*Traffic Note: Many people live in [wiki=25efc916cf9837e321f5157f8e9fed4c]Saratoga Springs[/wiki] but work in [wiki=35464e0ed96bea89f8d741fa2e71aa12]Albany[/wiki]. This makes for a lot of traffic during rush hour so drive carefully.
*Police Note: The New York Stare Police force patrols I-87 between [wiki=35464e0ed96bea89f8d741fa2e71aa12]Albany[/wiki] and [wiki=25efc916cf9837e321f5157f8e9fed4c]Saratoga Springs[/wiki] very frequently. You will be stopped if you speed over 63 mph due to the 55mph speed limit (the speed limit raises to 65mph at exit 10). The Troopers usually stay in the emergency U-turn lanes in the medians.
The closest train station with regular service is Albany-Rensselaer, which lies in [wiki=35464e0ed96bea89f8d741fa2e71aa12]Albany[/wiki], NY. From there you must take a car north to Lake George. There is also occasional service to closer Fort Edward with hourly bus service provided by Greater Glens Falls Transit.
The closest Airport is [wiki=35464e0ed96bea89f8d741fa2e71aa12#By plane]Albany International Airport[/wiki]. A car must also be taken north from this point to get to Lake George.
There is a bus station in Lake George but schedules are not available online.
The trolleys run daily from 8:30AM to 11PM from the end of June through Labor Day. There are five separate trolleys, two that go north and three that go south. They are the South RV A, South RV B, Glens Falls, North A and North B/C. Each trolley is clearly marked with a sign in the front and back windows. All trolleys originate in Lake George Village and travel down Beach rd to the steamboat docks. The base fare for all routes is $1 with children under 5 free and half price for those above the age of 60. There is a zone change fee but that only applies when traveling from a southbound trolley to the North B/C trolley or vice versa. All trolleys are easily spotted due to their bright red color but if you are unable to find one the docks are a good place to go because all routes begin there. The run times for trolleys differ per route but most run every 40 to 45 minutes.
South RV A
*This trolley travels down route 9 to route 149 and the Lake George RV park. This route is once an hour.
South RV B
*This trolley travels down route 9 to the Best Western/Travelodge Motels and the Wild West Ranch.
Glens Falls
*This trolley runs from the Village all the way down to [wiki=f21631a4263e4d34d1c83af06dd805df]Glens Falls[/wiki]. If you are going to the Great Escape and do not wish to drive this is the trolley to take.
North A
*This trolley travels down Canada St. and Lakeshore Rd. as far as the Hearthstone State Campground.
North B/C
*This trolley travels all the way to [wiki=e697513649373733e96108991d279681]Bolton Landing[/wiki] and [wiki=395ea5391fc12b2d59500aea12c58765]Diamond Point[/wiki] along Lakeshore Rd.
All of the main attractions of Lake George are contained on Route 9 so if you choose to drive its rather easy to get around. Parking and traffic though, can be a nightmare; especially during the Tourist season. All parking in the village is paid parking though you may be able to find some free parking on the back roads. There is a great deal of traffic during the daytime so be prepared to stop. Driving is probably the worst way to get around the village and you’ll burn more gas in traffic then actually driving.
Many of the motels in Lake George are within walking distance of the village so if you are tight on cash walking is a viable option.
Of course in the summer there is always fun to be had when you are out by the water. Lake George, like many vacation spots is no different; whether you are interested in a relaxing vacation or an adventure filled getaway, Lake George is worth looking into. However, it is by no means exotic; it is an area that thrives on tourism, so if you are looking for a place that offers an out of the ordinary twist on a vacation this may not be the place for you.
The Great Escape
*This amusement park is part of the Six Flags family. It has many different rides including the Boomerang, a roller coaster that goes forwards and then backwards on its track, the Desperado Plunge, a fun water ride, and the Comet, one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the United States. The Great Escape also contains a water park open for most of the day. There is also a hotel with an indoor water park right across the street.
Rafting and Tubing
From an easy stroll down stream to the more adventurous whitewater rafting, Lake George and surrounding areas has plenty to offer. To name a few:
* North River
* Wevertown
* North Creek
* Fun rafting and tubing tr5ip for the whole family! We offer rafting trips on the Hudson and Sacandaga rivers. All inclusive trip with equipment, meals and fun experienced guides. Family own and operated since 1984.
Boating
Lake George wouldn’t be a lake without plenty of boat activities available. Some fun things to try include:
* Lake George, NY Considered by some locals to be Lake George’s “claim to fame” is the authentic Steamboat Company, always a tourist attraction (so be ready for a crowd). There is a fleet of 3 boats, each one different from the other offering special highlighted amenities to guests like full or partial tours or lunch specials. All 3 boats have food, restrooms and a gift shop.
*Boat Owners:There are a few docks and ramps, but be sure to plan ahead for this. Not all ramps have free access and there is not always space for docking. There are beautiful Islands out on the lake to visit; Diamond Island being the most popular. Many people enjoy snorkeling and searching for quartz crystals in the water surrounding the island.
Parasailing
*There are some places to do this right on the boardwalk as your walking by, it’s really convenient and definitely a fun must do for those who aren’t afraid of heights.
Kayaking
* Bolton Landing; This is a great way to get out on your own and check out the lake. Just be sure that you can handle all the paddling, and watch out which way the wind is blowing because it can take a lot longer to get back to shore if the wind is against you!
* Diamond Point Going out on a charter boat is great for people who want a boating day out on the water, who don’t have a boat of their own. Fishing is always fun; most places help you from start to finish, so anyone who isn’t skilled can still take part and there are plenty of places to choose from.
Golf
*
This is a typical old fashion mini golf, with the classic windmill type obstacles; very affordable prices.
*
This choice is the more expensive of the two mini golf options. It was recently built and has nice greens and newer obstacles.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
*There are a few companies to choose from if you are interested. The views from above are amazing and not to be missed!
Shopping
*A multitude of shops are all along the “main drag”, they are smaller and tourist oriented; these are great for souvenirs and within walking distance of hotels on the water. Also there is a shopping complex, if you are looking for department and outlet stores. It is located south of the village on Rt 9.
Horses
*In Lake George and surrounding areas there are a few options for those who are interested in horses. Horseback riding is always popular, either near the water or off the beaten path on a trail, for different skill levels. Also horse drawn carriage rides through town, for getting around or just a simple scenic tour. The average cost of these rides is $8 per person, depending on how far you are going of course.
Hiking
*There are some trails offered as well as guided hikes usually up or around Prospect Mountain.
Swimming/ Waterside
*Million Dollar Beach is ironically a FREE beach. Good for sunbathing or swimming and other lake activities. There is also a sand bar that reaches out into the lake that you can walk along.
Lake George is not just a summer vacation spot; there is plenty to do here in the winter as well. For those who like the outdoors there is skiing, hiking, snowmobiling and the scenic Hudson River Railroad runs in the winter as well. If you would rather stay indoors and out of the always changing and unpredictable weather in the North East, you may like to try wine tasting at the Adirondack Winery and Tasting Room, indoor golf, checking out local museums and historical sights or stopping into some of the local shops in the heart of the village.
Skiing/ Boarding
*Gore Mountain
*White Face Mountain
*Lake Placid - This amazing ski getaway is located only an hour and a half away and was home to the 1980 Winter Olympics.
There are a great many places to stay in and around Lake George, all within walking distance of the main drag. So no matter what your price range, Lake George is the place for you!
Here are a few hotels located in Lake George of all different price ranges. But remember, these aren’t the only hotels around; there are plenty more where these came from!
Open whenever the clean mountain air calls and the sparkling water haunts your waking dreams. You can rent by night or by week, but typically will only stay a long weekend. Cost varies heavily with the quantity and proof of beverage. Ammenities include an on-site frolf course, boat house with 2nd story boardless diving board, neo-baroque hunting trophy billards room, and an antique wooden electric boat. Guests should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time doing all of these things. So much time, in fact, that at the end of your stay, you will struggle to understand how you did all of the things you did with only your God-given twenty four daily hours. Lakeside swimming available 24/7, with nude hours from dusk + 2 hrs to dawn - 2 hrs. Warning to parents with small children: there may be unruly nude men sleeping on a couch in the morning when you wake up. 5 out of 5
* Open May to September. You can rent by night or by week, but one night’s deposit is required for nights spent under four nights. It costs $63.00-110.00 per night depending on room Monday through Thursday. There is an average of $5 increase in price per night depending on room on Friday through Sunday. Offers both motel rooms as well as cute little cabins. They are all roughly the same price; the cabins are not more expensive than the motel rooms or vice versa. The beds in all rooms are changed every two days and you can request new towels whenever they are needed. Perfect for families with children as the grounds feature a large, picturesque lawn, a playground, as well as a swimming pool. The pool is open from 10AM to 10PM. The lawn is located behind the cabins and there are fire pits located around this area, as well as plenty of lawn furniture and outdoor games. With the exception of having the family dog around, as there are no pets allowed, sitting in this yard will make you feel like you’re sitting in your backyard at home! With all these wonderful features, as well as a friendly staff, you will feel right at home. 4 out of 5
* Closed until April, this hotel is part of a chain of hotels spread all throughout the United States. If you join their frequent traveler program, you will get special benefits, including special rates, room upgrades, etc. The hotel has a continental breakfast as well as free local calls and free high-speed wireless Internet access; however no pets are allowed. Costs $80.10-99.00 depending on room. All rooms are non-smoking. The rooms either feature two queen sized beds or one king sized bed. Some rooms have a microwave and a refrigerator. Some rooms with a king-sized bed have a Jacuzzi right in the room. Maids clean the rooms daily and rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request. There is also a large swimming pool on site. Between the rooms and all the other amenities that this hotel has to offer, the price per night is quite the deal, but bear in mind, like with most huge chains, you get what you pay for. 2.4 out of 5.
Located right on scenic Lake George, this resort is only open May to September. Costs $69-199 per night depending on room and the time of your trip. The three different types of rooms are called Courtyard, Lake View and Beachside. Children under 12 can stay free, however there are no pets allowed. There is a deposit requirement of one night for confirmed reservations, but are refundable if notified one week prior to arrival. Bear in mind that during the busy season (July and August, as well as on holidays and during special events), reservations must include at least one Sunday night (or alternatively, a specific amount of nights stayed). This resort has a private beach, an outdoor heated pool, jet skiing, white water rafting, amongst many other activities, mostly conveniently located on the resort (and the rest are close by)! If a relaxing, beach vacation is just what you’re looking for, then this is the resort for you; you barely even need to leave the resort! 3 out of 5.
* This resort is open May through October and is quite close to the main drag of Lake George. Rooms rates are based on two people and are $89-159 per night depending on room, with each additional person over eight costing $59 per person (children under eight cost $29 per). Also, you may be able to get a special deal, so check their website before making reservations. The Main Lodge is where all the indoor activities are hosted; however, the rooms are not located in this building. The rooms are located in three different units, the Island View, the Abigail Cheyenne Calgary, and the new Monterey Suites (which features a living and a sleeping room for each suite). Each unit has about ten rooms in it. Each room has two double beds (though some of the rooms in the Calgary and the Monterey Suites have additional beds), color television, and all the other amenities expected in a good resort. At first glance, the rooms may be small, but they are comfortable and cozy. The resort itself highlights many activities such as tennis courts, wilderness riding and has nightly entertainment. Horseback riding is another feature of this resort, costing $28 per ride. Also, their indoor pool is heated. Featuring grand banquet rooms, this resort is also perfect for weddings, conventions, and other large group social events. 2.5 out of 5
. This is a relatively new hotel (opened in 2003) and it is open year-round! Costs $149-329 per night depending on room. Various packages are offered, so check these out before you make a reservation. There are three hotels on this large property. One, the Grand Hotel includes five floors and wireless Internet access. These rooms come either with a king size bed or a double size bed. The rooms with king size beds come with a double sleeper sofa, while the double size beds come with a twin sleeper sofa. The rooms in the Premium East Hotel come with two double beds or one king size bed. The Standard West Motel has two floors with outside entrances, which makes moving in and out a breeze! Each room here has either two double beds or one double bed and a full size sleeper sofa. All rooms come with a safe, which is important if you’ve brought a lot of spending money. There are many different restaurants on site, including a Hershey’s Ice Cream Store, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. There are many things you can do, without even leaving the resort, but for those who wish to get out and see more of Lake George, the main drag is mere minutes away. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a family with kids, a newlywed couple on your honeymoon, or an older couple enjoying their golden years. This resort is also perfect for weddings and other events. 3 out of 5.
* Open since 1883, this year-round resort is a mere twenty to thirty-minute drive from the heart of Lake George. Though there are many hotels that may be closer to Lake George, this one makes the distance worth it. This resort has huge, luxurious grounds; a spa; on-site restaurants; golf courses; etc. You can stay at your choice of four different units; The Historic Hotel, The Lodges, Condominiums, and The Castle. The Castle can have up to 12 people in it, so it is perfect for large groups. The Condominiums are also perfect for large groups (especially families traveling together) Prices differ for each unit and range from $130-4000 (yes, that really says four-thousand) depending also on the time of year in which you are staying. Note: Dining is NOT included in the room price and it is in your best interest to make reservations. There are different specials throughout the year, so it is best to check their website before making a reservation. There is an extra person charge of $25 per person per day for those age 13 and over (this changes to age 6 and over during the busy season from June 19 to September 4) for all accommodations with more than two occupants (more than four occupants in the Condominiums). The resort is completely smoke and pet free. No matter what room you choose, you’ll feel like you’re in the comfort of your own home; you can’t even tell you’re in a hotel!
Camping is beyond huge in the Adirondacks. This is just one of the many fantastic campgrounds located in Lake George. Like with the hotels, remember, there are more where this came from!
* Open May 1 to Columbus Day. $39-45 depending on site with a $5 charge per each additional person, but children under 3 are free. Perfect for those with an RV or other camping unit, but not perfect for those who want to pitch a tent (tents are not allowed). This RV park is fantastic for the whole family as there are activities for the older (such as Boccie or shuffleboard) as well as the younger (such as a playground) members of the family, however leave Rover at home for there are no pets allowed. You might be “roughing it”, but you don’t have to sacrifice basic hygiene and privacy to do it. Tiled restrooms, hot showers, and private dressing rooms, as well as a Laundromat are located in this RV park. There is also a fantastic pool. Step off the property and you’re right where everything’s happening in Lake George.