Westchester Lagoon

Westchester Lagoon sits right in Anchorage's heart, where the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail meets Chester Creek Trail in a perfect outdoor playground that transforms with Alaska's seasons. This 35-acre gem within Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park offers year-round recreation that's completely free and just minutes from downtown.

Winter brings magic to the lagoon when temperatures drop and the water freezes solid. You'll find couples on ice-skating dates, college hockey players practicing their moves, and parents teaching kids to balance on blades for the first time. Every Saturday from January through mid-March, family skate events draw crowds of 100-plus people from 1 to 3 PM—free skating with hot chocolate to warm your hands between runs. The wintertime disc golf course adds another layer of cold-weather fun.

Summer transforms the lagoon completely. Kayakers and paddle boarders glide across the calm water while you watch from the grassy banks. The playground buzzes with kids testing slides and monkey bars, and the outdoor exercise stations get plenty of use from locals staying fit along the trail system.

But it's spring when Westchester really shines for wildlife lovers. Migrating shorebirds, waterfowl, and arctic terns arrive in waves, turning the marshy edges into a birding hotspot. You'll spot loons diving for fish and hear their haunting calls echo across the water. The Anchorage Audubon Society leads guided walks here during peak migration—perfect timing to learn which calls belong to which species.

The trail connections make this spot a natural gathering place for Anchorage's active community. Runners, cyclists, roller skiers, and walkers converge here where two major trail systems meet. The viewing platform offers prime spots for watching both wildlife and the steady stream of outdoor enthusiasts passing through.

## Planning Your Visit

Before heading out, gear up at Big Ray's for outdoor equipment, including ice skates during winter months. After your lagoon adventure, explore more Anchorage trails like the challenging Williwaw Lakes Trail for experienced hikers. Cap off your outdoor day at the Anchorage Museum to learn about Alaska's natural history and the wildlife you observed.

Free parking fills up quickly on weekend mornings, especially during summer and prime skating season. Dogs must stay leashed, but they're welcome to explore the grassy areas and trail connections that make this lagoon a true neighborhood treasure.