Toboggan Slide to Open January 30, 2026
We’ve endured a cold winter so far, but there’s a plus side to the frigid weather. The Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide will open on January 30 and remain open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as conditions permit.
This event always draws a crowd, and it’s easy to see why. Made entirely of ice blocks from the nearby lake, the slide is about a quarter-mile long and reaches speeds up to 45 miles per hour. A delight for kids and adults alike, it is also a major fundraiser for our local fire companies.
Experience a Winter Tradition 120+ Years in the Making
Eagles Mere is often dubbed “the town that time forgot.” Surrounded by the historic cottages and quaint mountaintop views, the toboggan slide brings the town’s old-time traditions to life.
The idea started when Captain E.S. Chase’s grandchildren asked him to build a “real good” toboggan slide. If anyone could dream up the perfect slide, it was Captain Chase. He had already laid out the street plans for Eagles Mere and created the village’s trails, including the beloved Laurel Path.
In the winter of 1904, the local men gathered to cut massive blocks of ice with hand saws. They hauled the blocks with horse-drawn wagons and sleds and built a slide beyond any kid’s wildest dreams. The icy track started at the top of the hill on Lake Avenue and continued across the frozen surface of Eagles Mere Lake.
Over 120 years later, volunteers are still creating the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide according to Chase’s original blueprints. Custom-made equipment has made the work a bit easier, but it still requires hundreds of volunteer hours and endless dedication. The Eagles Mere Volunteer Fire Company, along with fire companies across Sullivan County, work together to make it a reality. The slide is their biggest fundraiser of the year.
Of course, Mother Nature has to cooperate. The ice needs to be at least 12-14 inches thick for construction, and temperatures need to stay cold to keep it operating. Both 2025 and 2026 boasted frigid temperatures, but sometimes it takes years to get the perfect conditions. The long wait makes the ride even more special.
Event Details
The Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide is set to open the weekend of January 30, 2026. Always check the conditions before traveling to town. For the latest updates, visit eaglesmeretobogganslide.com, follow the Eagles Mere Volunteer Fire Co. on Facebook, or call the information hotline at 570-525-3244.
Here are some other tips to know before you go:
Location: The slide is located at the intersection of Route 42 and Lake Avenue in Eagles Mere. Toboggan rentals are at the bottom of the hill. You cannot bring your own sled; the rentals are specially built to fit the slide.
Hours: Hours of operation are Fridays 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sled rentals are available until one hour before closing. It’s best to arrive early in case there’s a long wait.
Cost: The cost is $30 per toboggan and includes one ride. Up to five adults can ride on one toboggan. Cash only. Reservations are not available.
Parking: Visitors are advised to park along Pennsylvania Avenue.
Places to Stay Near the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide
In Eagles Mere:
Eagles Mere Cottages: Rental properties available on VRBO.
Eagles Mere Inn: Historic bed and breakfast offering special rates.
Robin Vacation Rentals: Rental cottages through Fish Real Estate.
10-15 Minutes Away:
D&D Brew Works: Hotel rooms in Muncy Valley.
Endless Mountains Lodge: Motel between Dushore and Laporte.
High Rocks Cabin Rental: Airbnb/VRBO property near Laporte.
Keystone Mountain Park Trust: Lodge and stone house just outside Eagles Mere.
Nickey’s Nest: VRBO cabin rental in Laporte.
Sonestown Country Inn: Hotel rooms in Sonestown.
Thorne Haven: Large vacation rental in Laporte.
Woodland Pines: VRBO rental in Laporte.
20-30 Minutes Away:
Elk Creek Escape: Rental home and cabins in Hillsgrove.
Falling Waters Campground: Cabin rentals and winter camping in Shunk.
The Farmhouse on North Mountain: VRBO property near Muncy Valley.
Holly Hill Haven: Vacation rental near Dushore; Monday through Friday only.
Hotel Dushore: Modern hotel in Dushore.
Lusch Acres Lodge & Retreat: Airbnb properties near Dushore.
Morgan Century Farm: Country inn and cottage rentals in Lincoln Falls.
Scenic Mountain View Getaway: Large Airbnb rental near Dushore.
Twin Spruce Tourist Home: Historic bed and breakfast in Dushore.
View our Places to Stay directory for a full list of local accommodations.
Restaurants Near the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide
In Eagles Mere:
A.C. Little’s Drinkery: Upscale casual restaurant and bar at the Eagles Mere Inn. Open for dinner only on Fridays, lunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays
The Barn Tavern: Bar and restaurant just outside of town. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Setzer’s Sandwiches & Market: Deli in the Eagles Mere Historic Village. Serving breakfast and lunch daily.
Snack Shack: Refreshments on-site at the toboggan slide
Sweet Shop: Cafe across the street from the slide. Special hours during toboggan slide weekends.
10-15 Minutes Away:
Country Friends Café: Family restaurant in Muncy Valley. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
D&D Brew Works: Bar and restaurant in Muncy Valley. Open for dinner only on Fridays, lunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.
Forksville Inn & Tavern: Bar and restaurant in Forksville. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Sonestown Country Inn: Bar and restaurant in Sonestown. Open for dinner; closed Sundays.
20-30 Minutes Away:
Baumunk’s General Store: Breakfast, pizza, sandwiches, and more in Shunk. Closed Sundays.
High Knob Inn: Restaurant and bar in Hillsgrove. Open for lunch and dinner Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Jolly Trolley Variety: 1950s style luncheonette in Dushore. Open for breakfast and lunch daily.
The Mad Bakers: Bakery and café in Dushore. Open for breakfast and lunch; closed Sundays.
MaryBeth’s WestSide Deli: Family restaurant in Dushore. Open for lunch and dinner; closed Sundays.
McCarty Mercantile: Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Hillsgrove. Special pizza nights and Saturday Night Jams.
Pam’s Restaurant: Family restaurant in Dushore. Open for breakfast and lunch daily (breakfast only on Sundays).
Smith’s Bar & Grill: Restaurant and bar in Dushore. Open for lunch and dinner on weekends.
View our Restaurants page for additional dining options.
Additional Activities Nearby
Eagles Mere Conservancy: Trails for winter hiking and cross-country skiing.
Eagles Mere Museum: Free local history museum; often has special hours for toboggan slide weekends.
Laporte Ice Skating Rink: Ice rink at Cosgrove Park with skates available to borrow. Free admission. Open dawn to dusk. Presented by the Laporte Enhancement Committee.
Loyalsock State Forest: Twenty-one miles of cross country ski trails available off of Worlds End Road. Also offers opportunities for snowmobiling, winter hiking, and ice fishing.
Mokoma Conservancy: Hiking trails outside of Laporte.
Summit Loop Trail: One-mile hiking trail outside of Laporte.
Worlds End State Park: Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.