There is nothing more Minnesotan than ice skating in the winter! Whether your family is new to skating or regularly plays pickup pond hockey games, there are endless opportunities to find ice in the Twin Cities. From natural lakes to refrigerated rinks, daytime skates to nighttime glides, and big rinks to winding loops, here are some of our favorite spots to practice your toe loops and slap shots, or at the very least stay upright! And remember, because ice is fickle and outdoor locations rely on freezing temperatures to make their rinks smooth, be sure to check location-specific websites for updates on rink openings. Additionally, most communities across the metro-area have outdoor ice rinks in local parks; this list is just a starting point!
Outdoor Rinks
Groveland Ice Rink | 2021 St. Clair Ave., Saint Paul, MN
Hours: Sun 7 AM-7 PM, Mon-Sat 7 AM-9 PM
Fees: Skate Rental is FREE. Rental available Mon-Fri 3-9 PM, Sat 9 AM-9 PM, Sun 9 AM-7 PM
This facility, located in the great Mac-Groveland neighborhood is home to five different skating areas here: two hockey rinks, one general rink, a pond hockey rink, and a skating oval. The entire rink is volunteer-run, always free, and has a great warming hut for taking breaks with your family.
Sociable Cider Werks | 1500 Fillmore St NE, Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Fri 2 PM-12 AM
Fees: Skating is FREE. Bring your own equipment.
One of our favorite Twin Cities cideries hosts curling leagues in the winter and their rink is open on Fridays for open skate. Tasty drinks, mood lighting, DJ, romantic skate–sounds like the perfect date night, right? Word on the street is they have hosted themed dance nights in the past like hits of the 2000s, Taylor Swift (!), and Teenage Angst. I’m calling the babysitter now!
Lake Nokomis Ice Skating | 3125 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Daily, weather permitting. Check updates here.
Fees: Skating is FREE. Bring your own equipment.
Many parks and lakes in the Minneapolis Park System are open for skating fun, weather permitting, but our family’s favorite location is Lake Nokomis. You just can’t beat the view of skating on a wide-open lake. It’s also home to our favorite winter event–the US Pond Hockey Championship. It’s endless entertainment, an exciting atmosphere, and a classic Minnesota experience that can’t be missed.
Central Park Ice Skating Loop | 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN
Hours: Daily 10 AM-9 PM
Fees: Skate Rental is $7.50.
Come skate the 810-foot long and 20-foot wide trail designed for pleasure skating. The loop has refrigerated ice which means it is open now. Warm up around the fire pits or in the warming hut with a snack.
Centennial Lakes Ice Skating | 7499 France Ave. S. Edina, MN
Hours: Sun-Fri Noon-9:30, Sat 10 AM-9:30
Fees: Skate Rental $8, located inside Hughes Pavilion by the parking lot.
Centennial Lakes Park consists of three main groomed ponds connected by winding canals giving it that magical skating experience. Nestled in between buildings, the lights at night make it especially cozy and special for a winter activity. Snacks are available in the warming hut.
Guidant John Rose Oval | 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville MN
Hours: Public skate hours change daily so check the website for the schedule.
Fees: Admission is $8, and skate rental is $5.
The Guidant John Rose MN Oval in Roseville is the largest outdoor refrigerated skating facility in North America, making this a great option no matter the weather. Four laps around the Oval is one mile which means there is plenty of room for all to twirl on the ice.
Additional Local Outdoor Rinks
Minnetonka & Hopkins Ice Rinks
Indoor Rinks
Parade Ice Garden | 600 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Public skate hours change so check the website for the schedule.
Fees: Adults and youth Admission is $4, Kids under 5 skate FREE! Skate rental: $3, Skate aid: $3
The Parade Ice Garden was completely renovated in 2015 and features two full size rinks and a studio size rink. With open ice time for the public, adult open hockey times, and open figure skating time with a skating pro, this rink is perfect for skaters of all levels and abilities.
The Rec Center & ROC (Recreation Outdoor Center) | 3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park
Hours: Public skate hours may change, so check the website for the schedule.
Fees: Adult $5, Youth and Senior $4. Skate rental is $3.
This unique setup has both an indoor rink and an outdoor covered rink, offering some protection from the elements during the winter months. Skate rentals are available for indoor and outdoor open skating times.
Charles M. Schultz- Highland Arena | 800 South Snelling Ave., Saint Paul
Hours: Public skate hours may change, so check the website for the schedule.
Fees: Admission and Rentals are FREE
This indoor ice rink (part of the Ramsey County system) is unique in that both admission to public open skate time AND rentals are FREE!
TCO Sports Garden | 1490 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights
Hours: Public skate hours may change, so check the website for the schedule.
Fees: Admission and Rentals are FREE
Like its fellow Ramsey County system Highland Arean, TCO Sports Garden (formerly known as Vadnais Sports Center) offers both admission to public open skate time AND rentals for FREE!
Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center | 5600 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN
Hours: Public skate hours may change, so check the website for the schedule.
Fees: Adults: $4, Kids 18 and under & Seniors: $3, Families $11, kids 4 and under Free (with paying adult). Rentals: FREE
The Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center offers daily Open Skate times, for skaters of all ages and abilities. Skate rentals and skate trainers are free with price of admission.
Bloomington Ice Garden | 3600 West 98th Street, Bloomington
Hours: Public skate hours may change, so check the website for the schedule.
Fees: Admission $5, Skate Rentals $5
Bloomington Ice Garden offers open skate times year-round on their three indoor ice sheets. Open ice time is also dedicated to those wanting to work on their hockey skills or figure skating skills with a coach.
