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Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide Returns for 2026

The Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide in Sullivan County, a cherished winter destination in the Endless Mountains, has been thrilling visitors since its inception in the early 1900s. The 2025 season marked the long-awaited first year back after an 11-year hiatus. Now the iconic toboggan slide is officially ready to thrill riders again for the 2026 winter season. The icy run sends riders flying from the hilltop and skimming across the frozen lake at up to 45 miles per hour.

A family zooms by on a toboggan across the ice in Eaglesmere, PA.

 

Racing the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide

Rent your toboggan and race down the hill at speeds up to 45 MPH! Each run sends riders soaring from the top of the hill and skimming across the frozen lake below—an unforgettable winter adrenaline rush. But your trip to the Toboggan Slide isn’t just about speed. It’s a full winter day trip experience. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and other refreshments at the on-site snack shack., purchase a souvenir, or warm up by the fire. The village shops and museum are only a short walk down the hill.

The Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide stands as a testament to community spirit and the enduring appeal of winter recreation. Its return in 2026 is a celebrated event, promising thrilling rides and cherished memories for all who participate.

 

Hours of Operation:
Fridays – 5:00PM-9:00PM
Saturdays – 10:00AM-8:00PM
Sundays – 10:00AM-6:00PM

Toboggan Rental:
Up to 5 Adults – $30 for 1 ride (cash only)
• Toboggan rentals are first come, first serve and are available up to 1 hour before closing.
• Riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Information Hotline:
570-525-3244

*All proceeds from the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide are shared among the Eagles Mere Volunteer Fire Company and various local fire companies who routinely volunteer their time.

Learn More

Crafting Winter Magic

Created and still operated by the Eagles Mere Volunteer Fire Company, the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide has been delighting visitors since 1904. Its return each year stands out as a beloved cold-weather attraction, drawing visitors back and energizing the community. Accessible in under 1.5 hours from Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, NEPA residents flock to Eagles Mere for chilly family fun.

A family gets ready to go for a toboggan ride in Eaglesmere, PA.

 

Building the toboggan slide is a meticulous process

It all begins with marking out an ice field on the lake measuring approximately 140 feet by 40 feet. Workers use markers and strings to delineate the area, creating lines 22 inches apart. The ice is then cut into blocks measuring 15.5 inches wide and 44 inches long, with a typical thickness of 12 inches. These blocks, each weighing around 256 pounds, are floated through a channel to an elevator system, which lifts them onto a chute for loading onto trucks. After transporting them to the hill, they are meticulously arranged to form the slide. The entire construction process requires approximately 700 man-hours, utilizing multiple pickup trucks to haul around 1,000 ice blocks, totaling 120 tons.

A blue sign proives the history of the Eaglesmere toboggan slide in Eaglesmere, PA

 

Ice, Speed, and Tradition

The origins of the toboggan slide trace back to 1904 when local fire Captain E.S. Chase, inspired by his grandchildren’s request for a “real good” toboggan slide, designed a structure that would provide safe and enjoyable winter recreation. The initial construction involved the collective effort of local men and boys. They declared a holiday to build the slide once the lake’s ice reached a solid twelve inches or more. Using hand saws, they cut ice blocks and transported them with horse-drawn wagons to the foot of Lake Avenue to assemble the slide.

The inaugural run occurred in January 1904, illuminated by electric lights strung overhead. Still constructed by hand each season, the slide is a true labor of love—and a living piece of Pennsylvania winter history.

Woman walking along snow-covered trail around Prompton Lake in Prompton, PA

Explore More Winter Fun

When our lakes freeze over and snowflakes start falling, we’re bundling up and heading out for plenty of cold-weather fun. Find countless things to do this winter all across NEPA!

Article updated from its original version published on 1/30/2025.