Where to Start Wild Ice Skating in the United States

Whether you prefer swinging a hockey stick or sketching pirouettes, there’s no better venue than a secluded, tree-ringed pond. You’ll need to proceed safely—ideally skating with an experienced local, and testing ice thickness—but the profound quiet and snow-dusted scenery are well worth the effort. Here are some of the best places to start.

Arthur Park, Vermont

Vermont is rife with skatable backcountry ponds, but Arthur Park might be home to one of the most unique. In winter, you can skate across the park’s eponymous pond and right into the Invernale Sea Caves, a series of caverns floored with smooth ice. 

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 

When the Colorado Rockies experience a cold autumn and a late first snow, Emerald Lake freezes into a glassy, transparent rink perfect for alpine ice hockey. Keep an eye on conditions starting mid-October.

Jacob’s Pond, Massachusetts 

Just a half-hour south of Boston, this well-maintained pond provides valuable bird and fish habitat in the summer and skateable ice in winter. The park’s dozens of miles of trail are also open to snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

Flathead Lake, Montana

Locals have been skating the north shore of Flathead Lake for more than 100 years. The Somer’s Bay area is frequently home to thick, clear, skateable ice. Just be sure to check local conditions before you go out.

Seagull Lake, Minnesota

Early freezes often lock Minnesota’s Seagull Lake into a thick layer of polished black ice. Located within the Boundary Waters wilderness area, Seagull is rimmed with coniferous forest, giving it a truly wild feel—and a stunning backdrop come sunset.

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