The Spectacular Ice Skating Lagoon In Alaska That Will Make Your Winter Complete
Alaska is pretty much a giant frozen wonderland this time of year, and that means opportunities for ice skating are abundant. Here in our state, we wouldn’t dare spend the day in an indoor ice skating rink. After all, there are SO many outdoor ice skating destinations that are worth checking out. The ice skating lagoon featured below is a treasured winter destination for many Alaskan families. Boasting tons of room for you to speed around the ice and heavenly views, this lagoon is about to become your favorite place to spend a winter day.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Make your winter one to remember and spend some time at this incredible ice skating lagoon. Westchester Lagoon is a wild oasis just a short walk away from downtown Anchorage, and it's a must-visit destination this season.
Westchester Lagoon is where the locals come to play all year long. However, it's a particularly wonderful place to visit during the winter. Once the temperatures begin to drop, the 50-acre lake turns into a marvelous frozen wonderland—perfect for ice skating.
The lagoon is simply massive, giving skaters plenty of space to spread out and skate to their heart's content. As you zip around the lake, you'll enjoy tremendous views of the wooded hillsides and the stunning Chugach Mountain Front.
Westchester is an especially popular destination for families. On the weekends you'll usually see a casual skirmish of hockey being played and plenty of people warming up around the huge metal barrels of fire scattered around the lake.
Another big draw of the lagoon is Family Skate, which takes place every Saturday afternoon in January and continues through the middle of March. Family Skate is free to join and boasts free hot chocolate, games, and a different theme for each week.
The lagoon is routinely monitored and maintained throughout the winter once the ice grows to at least 12-inches thick. This ensures that visitors can continue to skate regardless of snowfall or other weather conditions.
Rumor has it that the lagoon is currently skate-able, but be sure to check out the Ice Conditions Forum here for the latest updates. Westchester Lagoon is located at 1824 W 15th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501. Make some wonderful winter memories and be sure to visit soon!
Have you had the chance to visit this ice skating lagoon? Tell us about your favorite skating destination in the comments below! For more seasonal must-do’s, check out our list of 18 Awesome Places To Visit In Alaska This Winter.