Hotels in Saranac Lake, New York

A little about Saranac Lake...

Saranac Lake is a village located in the state of New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population was 5,041. The village is named after Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lakes, which are nearby.

The Village of Saranac Lake is split between three towns (Harrietstown, St. Armand, and North Elba) and two counties, Franklin and Essex. The village boundaries do not touch the shores of any of the three Saranac Lakes; Lower Saranac Lake is a half mile west of the village. The northern reaches of Lake Flower, which is part of the Saranac River, lie within the village. The town of Saranac is an entirely separate entity, 33 miles to the northeast.

The village lies within the boundaries of the Adirondack State Park, about seven miles from Lake Placid. These two villages, along with nearby Tupper Lake, comprise what is known as the Tri-Lakes region.

Many tourists come to the village, which is unusually attractive owing to its setting and the preservation of unique older architecture. Much of the village fronts on Lake Flower, which was created by a dam in the Saranac River and named after Governor Roswell P. Flower.

Summer visitors enjoy canœing and other forms of boating, hiking in the forest, climbing in the nearby mountains, and visiting the local shops and restaurants. Camping is also a popular pastime in the Saranac Lake region (List of area's state campgrounds). During the long, cold, and snowy winters, visitors to Saranac Lake participate in cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshœing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and many other activities.

There is also an annual two week-long winter carnival, an event that has brought people together in celebration of winter for over 100 years. Each year the carnival is given a theme - 2007's theme was "The Fabulous 50s." The Winter Carnival parade reflects the theme, and Garry Trudeau, the creator of the comic strip Doonesbury who grew up in the town, creates artwork for a button that can be purchased each winter. The carnival's main attraction is the ice palace, along with various winter activities and competitions. These include a parade, which normally has several Bagpipe and drum marching bands and the always favorite Lawn Chair Ladies, along with more usual floats and local school bands. Each year a Winter Carnival King and Queen, whom preside over carnival activities, are selected from village residents based upon their contribution to Saranac Lake. There is also a winter rugby game.