Travel to the Grand Canyon of the East this winter to see the ice volcano that forms every year.

Inside Letchworth State Park there's a fountain in front of the Glen Iris Inn. It's been spraying water all year long since 1860.

Once the weather gets cold, the water turns to ice, creating a magical ice volcano people travel from miles around to see. And it's COLD!

Photo Credit - John Kucko Digital via Facebook
Photo Credit - John Kucko Digital via Facebook
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50-Foot Ice Volcano

The size of the ice volcano varies from year to year depending on the temperatures.

In 2015, New York experienced an extended deep freeze, creating a volcano that reached 50 feet tall.

Photo journalist John Kucko captured just how big 50 feet is by standing next to the massive ice formation.

Photo Credit John Kucki
Photo Credit John Kucko
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2025 Ice Volcano

The volcano is just starting to form for the 2025 season. It's a long way from 50 feet.

However, the freezing temperatures are helping the phenomenon grow higher.

Credit - Letchworth State Park
Credit - Letchworth State Park
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Stay off the Ice

If you plan to visit the ice volcano this year, please remember to be safe.

Stay off the ice formation and surrounding frozen water in the pond. It's usually roped off to keep everyone at a safe distance but still close enough to take pictures.

While you're there, don't stop with the ice volcano. Play in the winter wonderland of Letchworth State Park, by enjoying everything Mother Nature has to offer.

Go cross-country skiing on groomed trails. Bring your sled to the famous hill near the Humphrey Nature Center. Hike through the snow-covered mountains, past several beautiful falls. You can even get warm by the fire at Trailside Lodge.

The park is open from 6 AM to 11 PM daily and the best way to access the falls area inside the park is through the Castile gate near 6787 Denton Corners Road.

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