Overview
The little mountain village of Lake Placid is known the world over as a place where miracles happen. The 1980 Winter Olympics – held February 13 through 24 – was the second time Lake Placid hosted the Games (the first in 1932), and the brilliance of those 12 days still reverberates powerfully through our Olympic Legacy venues and the mountains that surround them.
One evening during those twelve days, the U.S. men’s hockey team stunned the world by defeating the Soviet powerhouse and forever changed what it takes to be a champion. Dubbed the Miracle on Ice, that most iconic moment in sports was not the only such miracle at those Games. With many of the U.S. hockey players looking on, speed skater Eric Heiden raced to five gold medals, setting a Winter Olympic record that still stands today and further cementing the legacy of those ’80 Games.
Throughout this winter season 45 years later, we will celebrate these extraordinary athletes and all the athletes who participated, the Games’ organizers, the venues where it all took place, and our entire Olympic Region, including the countless residents, businesses, and volunteers who made it all possible.
Pop-Up Exhibit at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum “Remembering 1980” | On-Going | the exhibit commemorates the 45th anniversary of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. The exhibit offers visitors an immersive journey through one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history with displays featuring personal stories, cherished memories, and captivating oral histories, bringing the spirit of the Games to life.
Lighting of the Olympic Center | February 20-24, 2025 | The Olympic Center will be illuminated in gold to honor Eric Heiden’s remarkable five gold medals and red, white, and blue in celebration of the “Miracle on Ice” hockey victory amongst other achievements made by Team USA at the 1980 Games.
Community Skating on the Oval | February 13-24, 2025 | A perfect way for locals and visitors to step into Olympic history by skating on the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, especially with 1980-themed music.
Hockey Week Across America | February 21, 2025 | Lake Placid will participate in USA Hockey’s national celebration with Hockey Jersey Day with a 1980 twist (wear your vintage 1980 jersey or any Team USA hockey jersey) around town!
Behind the Scenes | Tuesdays at 11 am – 12 pm at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum | Learn more about our archives and collections by exploring objects not currently on display. Chat with a Museum Educator and examine artifacts from the 1980 Games. The special theme in February will be “A Spectator Starter Pack” with 1980 Winter Olympic artifacts from the archives.
Touch-a-Torch | Fridays & Saturdays at 2 – 3:30 pm at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum | In celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games, visitors have the unique opportunity to hold the 1980 torch and learn about the torch relay.
Gallery Talk | Saturdays at 10 am during February at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum | Journey through time to revisit the world, the nation, and the village of Lake Placid as they were during the 1980 Games. Entitled ‘Remembering 1980’, celebrate and continue the legacy of our role in the Olympic Winter Games through inspiration and engagement.
Sk8 to Elimin8 | February 22, 2025 at 4 -6:00 pm at the Olympic Oval | Participate in a special commemorative skate honoring those impacted by cancer, Sk8 to Elimin8, featuring Scott Hamilton, who was the U.S. flagbearer of the 1980 Games.
Golden $5 Ticket Day | February 23, 2025 at the The Lake Placid Olympic Museum | $5 admission in honor of Eric Heiden’s legendary achievement, providing an affordable way to explore Olympic history. Purchase here.
1980 Roadshow: A Night at the Museum | February 26, 2025 the Lake Placid Olympic Museum | An evening dedicated to sharing stories and artifacts from the Games. Attendees are encouraged to bring memorabilia and personal recollections to contribute to the event’s Community Show-and-Tell, where participants can display and discuss their cherished Olympic keepsakes. The night will also feature Storytelling & Shared Memories, allowing guests to hear firsthand accounts from those who experienced the Games and an exclusive look at the museum’s new “Remembering 1980” pop-up exhibit. Those interested in sharing an artifact or a three-minute story should arrive early to secure a time slot. Artifact and Exhibit Preview 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Storytelling 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. These events will be held in the Empire Room at the Olympic Center and are free and open to all ages. For more information, contact museum director Courtney Bastian at [email protected].