This story was written in 2021 and updated in 2024.

We’ve all had our plans foiled. We waited too long, the trailhead filled up, the rain moved too fast, or the season changed too quickly to fit in that perfect trip. Don’t let the inevitable ruin your experience. 

Rain or shine, Saranac Lake has a lively downtown filled with indoor opportunities. Whether you’re interested in arts, music, history, or craft beer, anyone can have an authentic Adirondack experience no matter the weather. Just like the town, these destinations embody an inspiring culture and provide waypoints for connecting with locals.

For the craft beer connoisseur

Hex and Hop

This brewery and apiary is a unique opportunity to experience a wide variety of craft beers and local North Country meads. Frequent events, detailed craftsmanship, and their dedication to local agriculture and artisans make Hex and Hop a must for beer lovers in Saranac Lake.

Bitters and Bones

Bitters and Bones already had everything you could ask for: a rustic Adirondack atmosphere, freshly-brewed beer, inventive food crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, and signature cocktails. Stop by for a craft brew and a bite to eat, you won't regret it!

Raybrook Brewhouse

In classic Adirondack style, this casual, rustic, and open space is a place to explore. Raybrook Brewhouse provides a mix of traditional and innovative brews with a menu to match. So swing by and try out a local beer inspired by the Adirondack landscape and beyond.

For our museum lovers and history buffs

Saranac Laboratory Museum

Come explore Saranac Lake’s storied past! Learn about the town’s role as a tuberculosis treatment center with interesting exhibits on science, patient care, and other special local topics. If you’re looking to invest yourself in the history of the place you’re traveling to, do it at the Saranac Laboratory Museum.

Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center

For our natural history lovers, the Paul Smith’s VIC is a year-round opportunity for environmental education and outdoor recreation. For those days where the weather doesn’t lend itself to enjoying its 25-miles worth of trails, the nature museum, butterfly house, and art gallery are more than enough to keep you busy and entertained as long as you want.

Charles Dickert Wildlife Museum

Master taxidermist, Charles Dickert, created over 100 pieces of native Adirondack species that now live on in an impressive display at the Dickert Memorial Wildlife Museum. Call ahead to Saranac Lake Free Library to make an appointment.

Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation

Ever wonder about those eerie calls coming from the water? Ask the experts directly! The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation offers interactive exhibits all about loons, their behavior, and their conservation. Come learn more about those mysterious Adirondack icons.

For the artists and art appreciators

ADK ArtRise

Whether you dabble in oil paints or you’re a master of stick figures, ADK ArtRise is sure to inspire. Serving as studio space for artists, exhibition space for selling their work, and a community center for a range of local events, ArtRise has become a staple in the creative culture of Saranac Lake’s downtown.

NorthWind Fine Arts

To appreciate a wide range of art mediums and local artists, stop in to NorthWind Fine Arts cooperative gallery. A great place to meet and mingle, the gallery hosts free opening receptions for each featured artist on the first Friday of each month.

Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery

Another cooperative gallery of 14 unique local artists, this gallery is also provides support for community art events including Third Thursday ArtWalks, the Adirondack Plein Air Festival, and the Saranac Lake Studio Tours. Come take a peek at the Artists Guild, and grab a little piece of Adirondack art to take with you when you leave.

BluSeed Studios

This 1930’s industrial warehouse has been fully transformed into a non-profit community arts center and performance space. Hosting well known artists, musicians, events, and workshops year-round, you’re sure to find a fun and fascinating event coming up on the BluSeed Studios calendar. Of particular interest to artists in the know, is "Shop the Blue", their art supply thrift store, available during regular operational hours. 

For the music lovers

Waterhole Music Lounge

The Saturday night music series at the Waterhole is a hub for local and visiting music lovers alike. With an impressive list of bands and musicians, a wide variety of drinks, and a laid back environment, the Waterhole is a great stop for anyone looking to dance the night away.

The Garagery

Have a song to share? You won't want to miss Monday nights at The Garagery (back entrance at Grizle T's) where the Saranac Lake Hootenany is taking place! This weekly open-mic event is presented by The Garagery and hosted by Charlie Reinersten. If you fancy yourself more of a listener than a musician, relax, have a drink, and enjoy! 

For the kids (and the adults too ... let’s be honest)

Goody Goody’s

Real toy stores are few and far between nowadays, but Goody Goody’s on Broadway is a shining light for kids, board game lovers, and puzzle fanatics. No matter what your interest, the passionate and friendly owner knows just what you need, and will more than likely show you how it works while you’re there.

Adirondack Carousel

With 24 native hand-carved animals to ride on, local art hung above, and a gift shop and playground to enjoy after your spin, the Adirondack Carousel is gorgeous, old fashioned fun for any weather.

PlayADK Clubhouse

Located at 84 Main Street, PlayADK has opened a temporary outpost called "The Clubhouse," where they offer free play, play groups, and other exciting activities while the plans for the future Adirondack Children's Museum are underway.

Saranac Lake Free Library

Home to the usual library features: books, computers, and other resources, the Saranac Lake Free Library stands apart with their programing. With a variety of classes for all ages, the Saranac Lake Free Library is particularly kid-friendly with reading groups, infant and toddler music group, and a dedicated children's room with books, games, and more!

Come see it

Despite what your soggy to-do list of trails and waterways might say, Saranac Lake has a beautiful balance of vibrant indoor and adventurous outdoor activities. So get out of the rain, pick a place, and experience something decidedly different.