Take a brief journey into the past on the Ice House Ruins Loop, an easy and fascinating hike in Connecticut. Nestled inside The White Memorial Conservation Center, this unique pathway has it all: stunning sights, incredible wildlife, and historic wonders. If you haven’t explored this area yet, add it to your Connecticut bucket list.

The Ice House Ruins Loop spans about one mile, so it's the perfect length for a quick afternoon adventure.
Lauren LaPorta/AllTrails
You'll find these peaceful pathways along the yellow-blazed Lake Trail.
Matthew Czaplicki/AllTrails
The beginning of the trail can be accessed from the Lake Trailhead near the museum.
The walkway weaves around the sparkling waters of Bantam Lake.
Matthew Czaplicki/AllTrails
The history behind this area is truly fascinating.
Ice House Tour/Website
Before everyone had refrigerators in their kitchens, they used iceboxes. And from 1908-1929, Bantam Lake was home to one of the largest ice harvesting operations in the United States.
The impressive operation could hold 56,000 tons of ice and measured 700 feet by 125 feet.
Ice House Tour/Website

Related Stories

Take A Breezy 2-Mile Hike At Haddam Meadows State Park, A Lovely Hidden Gem In Connecticut

Take A Breezy 2-Mile Hike At Haddam Meadows State Park, A Lovely Hidden Gem In Connecticut

 Tobys Rock Mountain Loop Trail Is A Low-Key Connecticut Hike That Has An Amazing Payoff

Tobys Rock Mountain Loop Trail Is A Low-Key Connecticut Hike That Has An Amazing Payoff

 An Underrated Natural Area In Connecticut, Michael Donnelly Preserve Is Home To Vibrant Forest Views

An Underrated Natural Area In Connecticut, Michael Donnelly Preserve Is Home To Vibrant Forest Views
But sadly, a fire ravaged the ice house in 1929, leaving behind only a few stone pillars and heaps of ash.
Ice House Tour/Website
Today, you can still see what's left of the ice harvesting operation.
Derek Clark/AllTrails
Eerie stone pillars stand among the majestic trees as a poignant reminder of days gone by.
Jim VanAmburg/AllTrails
For an even better view, journey to the top of the observation and look out over the land below.
Meg McSherry/AllTrails
There is so much to discover along this historic hiking trail in Connecticut.
The White Memorial Conservation Center/Facebook
Before setting out on your journey, pick up an educational brochure from the museum. Guests can also scan a special QR code to learn even more about the incredible ice house operation. For more information on this historic hiking trail in Connecticut, visit the website for The White Memorial Conservation Center.

Have you ever hiked the Ice House Ruins Loop in Connecticut? What’s your favorite outdoor destination in the Nutmeg State? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

For more fun, check out these 10 kid-friendly hiking trails in Connecticut.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Connecticut

Featured Addresses
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA