Attending the Polar Plunge at Greenwood Furnace State Park

A collage of four photos capturing the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge. The top left shows a participant celebrating in icy water with arms raised in victory, while a safety crew member stands nearby. The top right features a large crowd of spectators bundled in winter clothing, gathered around a bonfire in a snowy setting. The bottom left captures a group of participants running into the frozen lake under the supervision of a safety crew member. The bottom right shows a smiling participant emerging from the icy water holding a colorful inflatable unicorn pool ring. The collage highlights the festive, adventurous spirit of this winter event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

If you’re looking for information about attending the 2025 Snowfest and Polar Plunge at Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon County, you’re in the right place!

Schedule of events for the 2025 Snowfest and Polar Plunge at Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon County, PA.
Image Credit: Greenwood Furnace State Park/Facebook.

The Polar Plunge is the final event on an afternoon packed with activities, and in 2025 it all takes place on Saturday January 18th between noon and 3 pm.

Participants at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge immersing themselves in a hole cut through the frozen lake, surrounded by floating ice chunks, while bundled-up spectators watch from the snowy shoreline. The scene captures the excitement and chilly atmosphere of this wintertime event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

If you’ve never been to Greenwood Furnace State Park, it’s located at 15795 Greenwood Road, Huntingdon, PA 16652.


What You’ll See at Snowfest and the Polar Plunge

Attending the Polar Plunge at Greenwood Furnace State Park is an exhilarating way to spend a winter afternoon.

A group of Polar Plunge participants, dressed in red shirts and shorts, pose together in the icy water for a selfie at Greenwood Furnace State Park. A safety crew member in a yellow suit stands nearby, and chunks of ice float around them. The frozen lake and snow-covered trees in the background highlight the wintry setting of this adventurous event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

The event kicks off with a 5-mile run, drawing enthusiastic participants to the snowy trails of this historic park.

A photo of a Pennsylvania historical marker for Greenwood Furnace, located at Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, taken during a snowy day. The marker describes the site's iron production history from 1837 to 1904, mentioning restored features like the furnace stack and Big House. Snow-covered trees and a roadway are visible in the background.

Food vendors offer warm drinks and hearty snacks to keep visitors fueled.

A large crowd of spectators bundled in winter clothing gathers at Greenwood Furnace State Park during the Polar Plunge event. Smoke from a nearby bonfire drifts through the air, and the scene is set against a backdrop of tall evergreen trees and a snow-covered building. The gathering reflects the community spirit and excitement of this cold-weather tradition in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

A bonfire on the beach creates a cozy gathering spot.

A group of warmly dressed spectators gathers around a large, smoking bonfire at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge. The scene captures the camaraderie and efforts to stay warm in the snowy, wintry environment during this cold-weather event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Smokey Bear delights attendees of all ages with his friendly presence.

Smokey Bear interacts with attendees at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge, standing on a snow-dusted path surrounded by bundled-up spectators. The snowy trees and overcast sky create a wintry backdrop, adding to the festive and educational atmosphere of this event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

As 2:30 pm approaches, anticipation builds for the main event: the Polar Plunge.

A man wearing camouflage overalls and a green sweater uses an axe to break through the ice, creating a hole in the frozen lake at Greenwood Furnace State Park for the Polar Plunge event. The icy lake surface and surrounding snow emphasize the frigid conditions of this winter activity in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Park staff create a hole in the frozen lake, and then it’s time for the plunge!

Preparations for the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge are underway as workers stand in and around a hole cut in the frozen lake. One person in a bright yellow safety suit stands in the water, while another in camouflage works on clearing ice. Tools and ice chunks are scattered along the snowy shoreline, with a forested hillside providing a scenic winter backdrop for this event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Spectators cheer as participants, young and old, brave the frigid waters of the frozen lake.

A group of Polar Plunge participants, including children and adults, rush into the icy water of a hole cut in the frozen lake at Greenwood Furnace State Park. A safety crew member in a bright yellow suit watches from the side as spectators in winter clothing observe from the snowy shoreline. The surrounding snow-covered trees and hills create a dramatic winter landscape for this chilly event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Some wear colorful costumes, adding a playful twist.

Participants dressed in colorful costumes, including a pink and a yellow shark onesie, brave the icy water during the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge. A safety crew member in a bright yellow suit provides assistance as the group stands in the frigid lake surrounded by floating ice chunks. The snowy, forested backdrop highlights the wintry conditions of this fun and festive event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Others opt for classic bathing suits.

A participant at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge emerges from the icy water, visibly reacting to the cold, while a safety crew member in a bright yellow insulated suit stands nearby. The frozen lake, surrounded by snow-covered trees, creates a stark winter backdrop for this adventurous event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

You may even see spot a few vikings and superheroes in the mix.

A participant dressed in Viking-style garb dives dramatically into the icy water of a hole cut in the frozen lake at Greenwood Furnace State Park during the Polar Plunge. A safety crew member in a yellow suit observes, while spectators bundled in winter clothing watch from the snowy shoreline. The snowy, forested landscape adds to the rugged atmosphere of this winter event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Some participants seem to genuinely enjoy the cold water immersion.

A man smiles while participating in the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge, seated in the icy water of a hole cut through the frozen lake. Beside him, a safety crew member wearing a bright yellow insulated suit and blue gloves stands ready to assist. The frozen lake and scattered ice chunks highlight the cold, wintry setting of this event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Others may take a moment to question their own sanity.

A group of participants at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge reacting to the frigid water as they submerge themselves in a hole cut through the frozen lake. Surrounded by ice chunks, some appear to be in shock from the cold, while others help each other in the icy water. Snow-covered trees and frozen sections of the lake provide a wintry backdrop to this adventurous event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

The energy and camaraderie among attendees make the event unforgettable.

Three participants at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Polar Plunge rush out of the icy water, their faces showing the shock of the cold. Dressed in wet black shirts, they splash through the frigid lake while spectators bundled in winter clothing walk along the frozen shoreline. The snowy trees and ice chunks set the scene for this brisk and exhilarating event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

The event draws a wonderful crowd, with everyone united in celebrating the brave souls who dive into the icy depths of Greenwood Lake.

A Polar Plunge participant stands triumphantly in the icy water at Greenwood Furnace State Park, raising both arms in celebration while wearing a vibrant blue and red shirt. A safety crew member in a yellow suit watches nearby, and chunks of ice float around them. The snow-covered lake and forested backdrop emphasize the wintry conditions of this exhilarating event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Whether you’re bundled up on the sidelines (like me), or joining in the plunge, the Polar Plunge at Greenwood Furnace State Park is a winter spectacle like no other.

A Polar Plunge participant at Greenwood Furnace State Park emerges from the icy water holding a colorful inflatable unicorn pool ring. Dressed in a wet Juniata Valley YMCA shirt and tropical-patterned shorts, the man shows a determined expression against the frozen lake backdrop. The surrounding ice and snow emphasize the chilly conditions of this adventurous winter event in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Be sure to stick around after the event concludes, and check out the gorgeous winter scenery at the park as well.

A scenic view of the stone spillway at Greenwood Furnace State Park, with water cascading over the dam and snow-covered banks framing the scene. A small stone building stands to the left, while the surrounding forested hills and vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds provide a picturesque winter backdrop. This tranquil setting contrasts with the lively atmosphere of the Polar Plunge event held nearby in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Nearby Attractions

24 Must-See Attractions in Huntingdon County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near Greenwood Furnace State Park.

The best things to see and do in Huntingdon County PA.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.