Boulder Junction ice-skating ribbon becomes popular winter attraction

While North Woods snowmobile trails remain closed due to a lack of snow, winter recreation enthusiasts might want to experience the new ice-skating ribbon at Boulder Junction Winter Park.
Locally known as The Glide, the 0.8-mile meticulously maintained ice-skating loop opened Dec. 23 and has received thousands of visitors in just two weeks as people look for recreational opportunities during this low-snow season.
Boulder Junction Winter Park, located just .25 miles east of downtown Boulder Junction on Old Highway K, also features a lighted ice skating rink, sledding hill, picnic pavilion, bonfire pit, warming hut and portable restroom. It’s open from
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Vilas County holiday visitor Logan Southwell of Grand Rapids, Mich., said the skating ribbon was a unique experience.
“It definitely was fun and something very unique,” he said. “We made three loops around the trail, each taking about 15 minutes. It was very scenic and was a pretty good workout. The warming hut is nice for changing into your skates.”
For those who don’t have their own skates, there are a limited number of skates to borrow on site, donated by local residents and the Boulder Junctions Parks Board, who recently developed the unique ice-skating trail.
According to board members, The Glide was modeled after a wooded skating trail at Canada’s Arrowhead Provincial Park and was converted from a cross-country ski trail that was largely underutilized due to the flat terrain and short distance. But the pine forest presented an ideal setting for the one-way skating loop.
The board utilized a grant from the Boulder Junction Community Foundation and funds from the town room tax to purchase a 500-gallon water tank rig and a Zamboni attachment on a tractor to lay down the ice and maintain the trail during the season. There also are rest benches and lights along the trail for nighttime skating.
When people visit the park, the following safety advice is offered:
• Exercise caution in the parking lot and walking areas around the pavilion and warming hut. These areas are very icy and the board recommends wearing ice cleats for added safety.
• All skaters are encouraged to wear helmets as the ice is slippery and safety is a top priority.
While there is no charge to use the facility, donations are welcome and will help support the regular maintenance of the park.
For more information, contact the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce at (715) 385-2400 or visit boulderjct.org.