Saranac Lake Travel Guide

First settled in 1819, Saranac Lake thrived on logging and the guiding of the "sports." In 1876, the man who would transform the village, Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau, came to Saranac Lake to live out what he believed to be his last months. Dr. Trudeau suffered from tuberculosis. To his astonishment, the fresh mountain air in Saranac Lake restored his health, thus forming the basis for a curing regimen that established Saranac Lake as a pioneer health resort.

Today the Trudeau Institute, born of E. L. Trudeau's tuberculosis research, is one of the nation's leading biomedical research institutions conducting basic studies that combine expertise in immunology and infectious disease.

But that's only one part of Saranac Lake's vast appeal. The pristine lakes, evergreen forest, and nearby mountains that surround our village are enjoyable year-round. Miles of trails and waterways link you to the perfect vacation in Saranac Lake where you can hike, paddle, boat, swim, bike, fish, snowmobile, snowboard, ride horse trails all day - or just relax at water's edge. Golfers appreciate the variety of local courses, and families find trails for strollers, gentle sandy beaches, and lots of little summits for little hikers. In the evening, enjoy a lovely meal and settle into your comfortable Adirondack lodging. Our vital downtown is a true community center, offering shops and services as well as year-round theatre, art galleries and exhibits, and free outdoor summer concerts.

So whatever your interest or passion, come to Saranac Lake and let the Adirondack mountain air rejuvenate your body and replenish your spirit.