Best Spots to Go Ice Skating in Minneapolis
Yes, winter is a time to wear sweatpants, your favorite fuzzy socks and hunker down with movies and popcorn until the snow starts melting and Daylight Savings Time brings more sunshine into our lives (later sunsets for the win). But in Minneapolis, we refuse to let cold days win. You'll find us spending our time submerged in a multitude of outdoor activities - ice skating included, lacing our skates and testing the waters... on ice! Whether it's a decidedly romantic date night or a family day out there's a frozen park or body of water for you in Minneapolis.
Last Updated: 1/8/25
Ice skating is open for the season!
*Ice Safety: For guidelines and safety information regarding lake ice thickness, visit Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Our Favorite Ice Rinks
One of five lakes in Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes, Lake of the Isles is one of the more popular ice rinks in the city, and home to the annual Luminary Loppet. On East Lake of the Isles you will find recreational rinks for hockey and broomball lovers while the rest of the frozen lake is perfect for ice skaters of all skill levels! And no need to brave the cold for too long, hop inside the warming house when you need a break! (Lake of the Isles warming house hours vary from other lakes - find more information on Minneapolis Parks and Rec. ice rinks page). While you're already out and about, check out some of our favorite places to dine and spend time in the area!
Home to the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Lake Nokomis is the perfect place for exactly that: pond hockey! What's the difference from regular hockey? Well, pond hockey is played on a frozen body of water (lake hockey just doesn't have the same ring to it). And what better way to spend a weekend than getting your BFFs together for a friendly game. Losers buy drinks...maybe? And by drinks we mean hot cocoa. Visit any of the neighborhood hot spots to warm up at before and after the game! (Warming house at Lake Nokomis is only open during pond hockey league games, so bundle up!).
Not a body of water, but never lacking in ice rink appeal. Yes, Minneapolis has plenty of frozen lakes for all your skating dreams, but we also have a whole lot of parks! Perfect for skating and hockey, Linden Hills Park is just one of many that offer ice rinks for all. From leisurely skating to hockey and broomball, we guarantee there is a park nearby with a rink for your needs.
This taproom favorite has set up a their very own ice rink in the parking lot. Come by for themed open skate nights on Fridays or a join in on a broomball or curling match. Every day of the week has something different going on, so check online (and sign your waiver) before you head out.
More Outdoor Ice Rinks
Minneapolis Parks and Lakes
- Armatage Park
- Bohanon Park
- Bryant Square Park
- Hiawatha School Park
- Kenny Park
- Lake Hiawatha Park
- Lake Nokomis Park
- Lake of the Isles
- Linden Hills Park
- Logan Park
- Longfellow Park
- Lyndale Farmstead Park
- Lynnhurst Park
- Matthews Park
- McRae Park - Broomball & Hockey Only
- North Commons Park
- Pearl Park
- Powderhorn Park
- Sibley Park
- Van Cleve Park
- Webber Park
- Windom Northeast Park
Check out this interactive map to see which Ice Rinks are open or closed.
Outdoor Ice Rink Season for Parks and Lakes
As soon as ice conditions allow - March 1st, 2025 (weather and ice permitting)
All outdoor ice rink locations have a warming room and offer free loaner skates available on a first come, first served basis. Sizes and quantities vary by location.
Warming Room Hours for Parks and Lakes
Monday–Friday: 5–9pm
Saturday: Noon–9pm
Sunday: 1–5pm
In the event of inclement weather (such as heavy snowfall) the warming rooms will be closed.
Indoor Ice Rinks
- Northeast Ice Arena: group hockey and skating rentals
Group rentals available by reservation only - Parade Ice Garden: open hockey, public skating
Offers locker room, off-street parking, spectator seating and concessions. Check website for hours.
