You Can Now Ice Skate On this Historic Upstate New York Rink

Imagine ice skating on one of the world's most historic rinks, right here in New York State.

Some of the greatest athletes in the history of the Olympics have skated on the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval in Lake Placid, NY. As of Saturday November 29th, people of all ages and ability levels can skate there too.

The 1980 Winter Olympic games were held in Lake Placid, NY in February of 1980. Some of the highlights from these games include the U.S. Men's Ice Hockey, "Miracle On Ice", gold medal team and, of course, speed skater Eric Heiden winning 5 gold medals on James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval.

Today, that same speed skating oval offers outdoor public skating sessions where you, your friends and family can skate on the same rink where Eric Heiden won all those medals. The Speed Skating Oval is one of the few outdoor rinks of its kind left in the country.

The speed skating oval is open most days from now until March 2, 2026. Check their complete schedule HERE. Admission and rental pricing varies:

• $15 - Adult Admission (Ages 20-64)
• $12 - Junior, Teen, and Senior Admission (Ages 7-19 & 65+)
• $12 - Military (w/valid Military ID)
• FREE - Child Admission (Ages 6 & Under)
• $10 - Skate Rental (All Ages)
• $5 - Skate Assister Rental (All Ages)
• $5 - Gear Rental (Helmet, Elbow Pads, Knee Pads)
• $50 - Season Pass (Public Sessions Only)

According to the United States Olympic Museum, in a span of nine days, Heiden won an unprecedented five gold medals, sweeping the entire men’s speed skating slate and setting Olympic records in every event, from the 500-meter sprint to the grueling 10,000-meter race in which he set a new world record by more than six seconds.