As things begin to continuously freeze over here in Buffalo, you’ll start to find that our residents will become more and more eager to dive into our favorite winter activities. If you’re someone who’s been itching to break out your ice skates all year long, then you’ll want to get a good look at how you can glide across a natural rink at this small-town park in Erie County! It’s the best outdoor ice skating in Buffalo.

Open all throughout the year, Akron Falls Park lies roughly a half-hour east of us in Buffalo — and one of the best things about it is it's a free park to visit.
William House/Google
Covering nearly 300 acres of land here in Erie County, the park is one of the oldest in the area, acquired by Eerie County Parks in 1947, and draws in explorers from all around Western New York and beyond.
TheKiltedWolf/Google
The heart of the park is the roughly 40-foot-tall Akron Falls, a natural wonder that looks like something out of Frozen during the wintertime.
TheKiltedWolf/Google
Luckily for us though, frozen waterfalls aren't just the only thing that this park offers visitors during the wintertime!
Azraels Kitten/Google
Once things have frozen over, the snow has fallen, and the weather's just right, Buffalonians can make their way to Akron Falls Park to get out on a natural ice skating rink.
John N/TripAdvisor
Weather permitting, the free natural ice skating rink remains open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the winter months and will leave you feeling completely enchanted.
Benson Kua/Flickr
Instead of gliding your way around an indoor rink, come out to this breathtaking park to enjoy Western New York's beautiful scenery and some fresh air as you skate across this natural rink here in Erie County.
Sharon Hann/Google
To find out more about ice skating at Akron Falls Park and all of the other winter activities that are featured, visit the Akron Falls Park page of the Erie County Parks Department website or the Erie County Parks Department Facebook page!
Akron Falls Park page of the Erie County Parks Department website</a> or the <a href=https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-york/buffalo/natural-ice-rink-buff/"https://www.facebook.com/ErieCountyParks" target="_blank">Erie County Parks Department Facebook page</a>!" loading="lazy" data-pin-url="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-york/buffalo/natural-ice-rink-buff/" />
Len Chelius/Google

Ready to take on more of Western New York’s best outdoor adventures? Then be sure to also read about one of the largest snow tubing parks in the U.S.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Outdoor Ice Skating In Buffalo

AnneMarie | November 12, 2022

Where else can I go ice skating in Buffalo?

There are a lot of ice skating rinks in New York, but some of the other places to go ice skating in Buffalo include:

  • Canalside ice skating rink, a huge 33,000 square foot space that also offers bumper cars on the ice
  • Rotary Rink, located downtown at Fountain Plaza
  • The North Buffalo Ice Rink
  • Cazenovia Buffalo Ice Rink

 

What else is there to do at Akron Falls Park?

There are lots of other things to do at Akron Falls Park no matter the season, including picnicking, bird watching, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, playing tennis or basketball, fishing, bicycling, and hiking. There are grills available and picnic shelters that can be reserved. It’s also a great place for photographers to capture images of animals or general nature shots, such as the waterfall or in the Rock Garden. You’ll see a variety of wildlife species in the park, including squirrels, deer, raccoons, and more. It’s a great place for families with children who enjoy a wide variety of activities. There is something for everyone at this park. 

Is there another natural ice skating rink in New York?

Mirror Lake at Lake Placid in North Elba is another natural ice skating rink in New York. It’s two miles long, open 24 hours, seven days a week, and free to use. Since the winter of 2013, the surrounding village has created this rink for the public to enjoy. The mountain scenery is beautiful, and annual skating shows and individual skating competitions are hosted here as well. Skate rentals are available.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Akron Falls Park, 44 Parkview Dr, Akron, NY 14001, USA