20+ Indoor & Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Michigan to Try this Winter

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Michigan

Skating on an ice rink as the snow falls is one of Michiganders’ favorite outdoor winter activities.

Warming fires, ice rinks lit up at night, and lots of laughter are just some of the things you can look forward to when you venture out.

Let’s all cross our fingers for great ice-making weather this year that will let us get out to enjoy the outdoors while ice skating.

Be sure to check with your destination before heading out for the most up-to-date open/closed status.

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In this Article

Outdoor Rinks in Michigan

Ice Skating locations are spread across Michigan, meaning that you shouldn’t have to travel too far to find an outdoor ice skating place.

Several Michigan ski resorts also offer ice skating.

Search for outdoor ice rinks by region or scroll the entire list!

1) The Frankenmuth Ice Rink in Frankenmuth

Skating Rink in Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at The Frankenmuth Ice Rink
Fully chilled outdoor rink in the heart of Little Bavaria.

Rates:
All day admission - $10
Skate Rental - $3

Concessions available for purchase

Check calendar for open skate times and dates. Themed nights also happening throughout the week!

Card only, no cash

More About The Frankenmuth Ice Rink
The Frankenmuth Ice Rink is a fully chilled, outdoor rink located in the heart of downtown Frankenmuth in Zehnder Park.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

2) Campus Martius Park in Detroit

Skating Rink in Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park
The rink at Campus Martius Park is the premier family-friendly outdoor skating rink in Michigan and the region.

Situated in the heart of downtown Detroit on Woodward Avenue, the rink offers one of the most beautiful skating experiences in the country.

Rentals available

2024 Winter Hours
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AND HOLIDAYS!

January 2 - March 3

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: noon - 8 p.m.

Admission Cost:

Adults (Ages 13-58): $12
Children (Ages 12 and Under): $9
Seniors: $9
Active Military: $8
First Responders: $8
Skate Rentals: $6

Tickets available for purchase online or upon arrival

More About Campus Martius Park
The first-ever winner of the prestigious, international Urban Land Institute Urban Open Space Award, Campus Martius Park delivers on its promise to be Detroit’s Gathering Place in the immediate downtown community and for the entire city and region. Detroit's signature public space presents spectacular skyline views in an extraordinary setting.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

3) Downtown Lansing Ice Skating Rink in Lansing

Skating Rink in Central Lower Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Downtown Lansing Ice Skating Rink
Free skate rental available across the street at the Capital Area District Library during open library hours.

Weather permitting

More About Downtown Lansing Ice Skating Rink
The City of Lansing in partnership with the Community Foundation is welcoming a 3,300 sq ft synthetic ice outdoor skating rink. Located in Downtown Lansing at Reutter Park on Capitol Avenue and Kalamazoo Street. Colorful lights, benches, and heaters will surround the rink.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

4) South Haven Ice Rink in South Haven

Skating Rink in Central Lower Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at South Haven Ice Rink
The covered outdoor ice rink is equipped with a cooling system that runs polyglycols through coils underneath the ice allowing the ice to remain frozen at a consistent temperature.

The ice is professionally cleaned with a full size ice resurfacer allowing for a great skating surface.

Skate Admission: $5
Skate Rental: $5
Season Admission Pass: $65

More About South Haven Ice Rink
The South Haven Ice Rink offers family fun within a walking distance to all the stores and restaurants of downtown. Enjoy the beauty of a winter night while skating under the seasonal lighting. The South Haven Ice Rink is located downtown South Haven across from City Hall, under the Pavilion. Skate rental available.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

5) City Square Ice Rink in Warren

Skating Rink in Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at City Square Ice Rink
The Warren City Square ice rink is located just north of 12 Mile on Van Dyke in front of Warren City Hall.

Free admission
Rentals $5
Sharpening $5

Special events throughout the season.

Friday 5-8 PM, Saturday 12-8 PM, Sunday 12-7 PM.

More About City Square Ice Rink
Bring friends and family for some outdoor ice skating

At This Destination: Ice Skating

6) Dodge Park Ice Rink in Sterling Heights

Skating Rink in Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Dodge Park Ice Rink
Special events throughout the season include Glo Nights, Date Night and Pride Night.

Monday through Thursday: 12-9 PM
Friday: 12-10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM-8 PM


Sterling Heights Residents: Free only with valid ID.
Non Sterling Heights Residents: $5 per person.
Skate Rentals: $4
Skate Sharpening: $5

Check the Ice Rink Weather Hotline at 586-446-2711 for up to date information on all days prior to coming to the rink, and especially on days where inclement weather is pending or exists.

More About Dodge Park Ice Rink
The refrigerated ice rink will be open when winter weather permits

At This Destination: Ice Skating

7) Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids

Skating Rink in West Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle
The 2023-2024 season begins on November 30 and ends on February 24.

Adult (18 and over): $4
Youth (17 and under): $2
Admission price includes skates.

Skate sharpening $5

Ice balance aids are available.

Open skate hours are weather-dependent. To see if the rink has closed, check our Facebook page, or call the cancellation hotline at 616.456.3699.

90-minute skating sessions with resurfacing between. Skate sessions are open to reservations and walk-up skating.

More About Rosa Parks Circle
This plaza is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. It features an ice skating rink that serves as a public seating/concert space in the warmer months.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

8) Midland City Forest in Midland

Skating Rink in Central Lower Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Midland City Forest
City Forest has one large lighted ice skating rink located directly in front of the chalet.

The rink is lighted daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Skates can be rented at the chalet (during hours of operation).

There is no hockey allowed on this sheet of ice.

Ideal for ice ice skaters of all levels.

Rink is weather dependent, check rain line for any cancellations 989-399-0506

More About Midland City Forest
Midland City Forest is a 520-acre city park open year-round. Winter activities include tobogganing, sledding, skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing.

Please call our weather app, Rainout Line, at 989-399-0506 or go online to check the conditions.

At This Destination: Sledding, Tobogganing, Snow Tubing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating

9) Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville

Skating Rink in Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Crystal Mountain
Guests can enjoy a few whirls on our ice skating rink, located in Barr Park right in the heart of Crystal's village.

All guests must obtain a rink pass from the Park at Water's Edge and complete a Winter On-Site Recreation Waiver prior to ice skating.

Ice skates are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Park at Water's Edge.

Complimentary for houseguests and four seasons guests. Day pass is $5.

Ice Skate Rentals are $12 per hour, per person. Ice Skate Rental includes rink pass.

Operating Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM daily, weather permitting

More About Crystal Mountain
Families love Crystal Mountain Resort in Benzie County.

This 1500 acre golf, ski & spa resort destination is just over a two hour drive from Grand Rapids, MI, or approximately 30 miles southwest of Traverse City, MI.

The skiing is good, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and the amenities consistently provide what families need to relax and have fun together.

If you’re looking for a Northern Michigan family ski vacation, Crystal Mountain should be on your list.

At This Destination: Fat Tire Biking, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Sleigh Rides, Ice Skating, Lodging

10) Bower's Farm Winter Park in Bloomfield Hills

Skating Rink in East Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Bower's Farm Winter Park
A favorite wintertime tradition, gliding across the ice at an outdoor rink is one of the most nostalgic experiences we can think of.

And all the better if it lies within picturesque surroundings of the Farm.

The rink is professionally chilled.

No reservations needed.

Rentals available for $8.

More About Bower's Farm Winter Park
Bowers School Farm is owned and operated by Bloomfield Hills Schools. With over 93 acres of forest, fields, gardens, and barns, there is always something new to explore.

In the winter you can:
~ Indulge in the comfort foods of the Farmers Kitchen
~ Warm up next to the bonfire
~ Shop the Farm Store
~ Lace-up for ice skating (weather permitting, bring your own skates)
~ Sip on Hot Cocoa and Enjoy Home-Made Cookies
~ Go snow tubing (reservations required)

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Ice Skating

11) Mt. McSauba Recreation Area in Charlevoix

Skating Rink in Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Mt. McSauba Recreation Area
Outdoor skating rink with warming fire!

Weather conditions may impact the condition of the ice.

Call Mt. McSauba Lodge at 231-547-3267 to confirm the rink is open.

Rentals available $2 (2023 pricing)

Monday: 4 - 8 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday and Friday: 4 - 8 PM
Saturday: 12 Noon - 8 PM
Sunday: 12 Noon - 6 PM

All days are weather dependent.

More About Mt. McSauba Recreation Area
Rated one of the top three small ski areas in the U.S. by Ski Magazine, Mt. McSauba offers truly affordable family skiing. More than just a ski slope, Mt. McSauba is a winter recreation playground. There is a skating rink with a warming cabin on the south side, a lighted sledding hill on the north side and behind the towering dune, a cross-country ski trail.

At This Destination: Sledding, Snow Tubing, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating

12) Buhr Outdoor Ice Arena in Ann Arbor

Skating Rink in Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Buhr Outdoor Ice Arena
Buhr Park's outdoor ice rink is covered and has a cooled subfloor that allows us to maintain ice even when it is over 60 degrees outside!

Activities include public ice skating, drop-in hockey and rental hours.​

Skate rentals and sharpening are available.

The 2023-24 season runs Nov. 11-March 24, weather dependent.

Admission Fee:
Adult (18+), $6
Youth (17 & under), $5
Senior (60+), $5
Skate rental, $3
*Skate learners are free. Rental skates are available on a first come first serve basis.

Open Skate Hours:

Sunday, 3:15-5:30 p.m.
Monday, 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Thursday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. ​
Friday, 7-8:45 p.m.
Saturday, 2:45-4:30 p.m. and 7:15-8:30 p.m.


Frosty Fridays happen every other Friday complete with themes and music.

More About Buhr Outdoor Ice Arena
Buhr Park is a 39-acre park serving the south central part of Ann Arbor. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year round and features softball diamonds, two tennis courts, play equipment, a basketball court, open field play, a sledding hill, picnic facilities with a grill, an outdoor pool with a family activity pool (open in the spring/summer) and an open-air ice arena (open in the fall/winter).

At This Destination: Sledding, Ice Skating

13) Petoskey Winter Sports Park in Petoskey

Skating Rink in Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Petoskey Winter Sports Park
Outdoor ice rink and hockey rink with free admission and limited skate rental ($7.00 fee) and skate sharpening ($7.00).

The ice rinks are resurfaced daily.

Eight free high quality ice "scooters" are available to assist those that need some help learning how to ice skate.

Park features a warming house with concessions available for purchase. Also equipped with free internet, large HDTV and board games available for check out.

More About Petoskey Winter Sports Park
Seasonal park with ice rinks, sledding/skiing/snowboarding hills & a warming house with concessions.

At This Destination: Sledding, Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating

14) Boyne Mountain Ski Resort in Boyne Falls

Skating Rink in Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Boyne Mountain Ski Resort
A maintained ice rink is located outside Stein Eriksen's behind the Clock Tower Lodge and is open daily in the winter season, weather permitting.

Complimentary figure and hockey skates are available in the chalet next to the rink on a first come, first serve basis.

Ice skating is complimentary for resort lodging guests.

More About Boyne Mountain Ski Resort
Boyne Mountain is a favorite when it comes to Michigan ski resorts.

Located in Boyne Falls, this family destination has a lot to offer.

In addition to 60 downhill ski runs on 415 acres of skiable terrain, Boyne Mountain also has other winter activities to keep you busy, like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire snow biking, and even a winter zipline course.

Beyond that, you'll find fun at Avalanche Bay, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, or at their spa.

In the summer, two golf courses, disc golf, lift-serviced mountain biking, and beach activities are a big draw.

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Fat Tire Biking, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Lodging

15) Grand Traverse Resort in Acme

Skating Rink in Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Grand Traverse Resort
Outdoor rink available some years. Contact resort for current availability.

More About Grand Traverse Resort
Our 900-acre property is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Traverse City and features 3 golf courses, spa, private beach club and more.

At This Destination: Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating, Lodging

16) Meridian Skating Rink in Okemos

Skating Rink in Central Lower Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Meridian Skating Rink
Open 7 days a week from dawn until 9 PM

Free admission and limited free skate rental

More About Meridian Skating Rink
The 40’x92’ outdoor artificial ice rink located at the Marketplace on the Green Pavilion.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

17) Muskegon Winter Sports Complex in North Muskegon

Skating Rink in West Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Our rink is built with natural ice (no refrigeration).

The rink is located right beside our lodge, with space for family skating and for playing hockey.

Skate at night too! The ice rink and trail are lighted and open every day from 10:00 am to 9:45 pm, weather permitting.

Our one-of-a-kind ice skating trail takes you on a 1/4 mile figure-eight loop through the white pine forest.

The trail is about 5 feet wide with smooth ice and is lighted every night.

Figure and hockey skate rentals available

Daily Rink Pass $10
Daily Skate Rental $8
Hockey Stick $3
Helmet $1

Glice Skating open January 5-6

Rink will open for the winter season when there is at least 4" of snow and temps stay below freezing.

More About Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Muskegon is your place for adventure sports with an ice luge and wheel luge track featuring a 1/4 zip line and several other outdoor recreation sports.

At This Destination: Luge, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating

18) The Homestead in Glen Arbor

Skating Rink in Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at The Homestead
Skate rentals are based on a first come, first served basis.

Homestead and Beach Club members are eligible for discounts.

Member Prices:
Child with Adult - $8
Youth (6-17) - $10
Adult (18-64) - $12
Senior (65-79) - $10
Super Senior - Free

Non-Member Prices:
Child with Adult - $11
Youth (6-17) - $13
Adult (18-64) - $15
Senior (65-79) - $13
Super Senior - Free

2023 prices TBA

Open on weekends and holidays
Rentals available

More About The Homestead
It may be small when it comes to skiable terrain, but The Homestead (near Sleeping Bear Dunes and situated on Lake Michigan) has one of the best ski resort views in the state.

The Homestead is a beachfront resort offering a wide range of unique lodging choices supported by luxurious facilities designed for romantic getaways, family vacations, weddings, reunions and corporate meetings.

At This Destination: Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Lodging

19) Kensington Metropark in Milford

Skating Rink in Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Kensington Metropark
Enjoy outdoor ice skating on Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark. (Outdoor ice skating happens near the Boat Rental Building.)

Families and hockey players can skate on separate, natural rinks, which are well-lit in the evenings.

Afterwards, warm up in the nearby heated Boat Rental Building.

Skate rentals NOT available

Weather permitting

More About Kensington Metropark
Kensington’s 4,481 sprawling acres of wooded, hilly terrain surrounds beautiful Kent Lake and is home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl.

Kensington Metropark offers a multitude of recreational activities throughout the year.

At This Destination: Sledding, Tobogganing, Snow Tubing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Sleigh Rides, Ice Skating

20) Royce Park in Escanaba

Skating Rink in Upper Peninsula Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Royce Park
Escanaba’s neighborhood rinks are supervised during scheduled hours.

Both rinks have warming shelters with skate changing areas and restrooms. Rinks are lighted during evening hours. Music is provided via an outdoor PA system.

Hours:
Monday – Friday 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

*Weather Permitting*

Rinks are open to the public, free of charge.

More About Royce Park
The City of Escanaba builds and maintains two outdoor neighborhood ice skating rinks at Royce Park and at the Webster School.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

21) Riley Park Ice Rink in Farmington

Skating Rink in Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Riley Park Ice Rink
The 4,800-square-foot refrigerated ice rink can hold up to 50 skaters at a time.

Admission is FREE, but donations are appreciated to help offset the maintenance costs.

The ice rink does not have skate rentals, but does have skates on hand to borrow.

Special events throughout the season.

The Riley Park Ice Rink is open daily, weather permitting.

Rink hours are:
Sunday through Thursday: 10 AM-10 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10 AM-11 PM

More About Riley Park Ice Rink
The Riley Park Ice Rink is a 4,800-square-foot refrigerated rink, located in the heart of Downtown Farmington, opens in mid-December. It turns Riley Park into a Currier and Ives-type setting, making the park an all-season destination. Riley Park is home to the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, Rhythmz in Riley Park and the Harvest Moon Celebration.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

22) Bear Creek Nature Park in Rochester

Skating Rink in Michigan

Outdoor Ice Skating at Bear Creek Nature Park
When rink is closed and the no skating sign is permitted, no use of the rink is permitted.

No hockey permitted. Children 12 years old and under must have adult supervision. Children 6 years old and under must wear a helmet.

Hours: 10 AM-5 PM

Call 248-651-4440, ext. 289, to verify rink is open.

More About Bear Creek Nature Park
Oakland Township park. Outdoor ice rink is open daily weather permitting.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

Indoor Ice Skating Places in Michigan

Just for good measure, we’re also listing several indoor ice skating rinks in Michigan.

Search for ice rinks by Michigan region here:

1) Griff’s Georgetown in Hudsonville

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in West Michigan

West Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Griff’s Georgetown
We offer public skating all year at Griff’s Georgetown, as well as skate rental.

Open skate Admission & Skate Rental: $10.00 per person

Skate mates are available upon check-in for $3 each.

Check website calendar for current schedule.

Freestyle open skate sessions are available for figure skaters for practice time to work on figure skating skills including jumps, spins and all-around routines.

Private lessons also available.

Also offers hockey leagues and Learn to Skate lessons.

More About Griff’s Georgetown
Welcome to Griff’s Georgetown, formerly known as Georgetown Ice Center. Griff’s Georgetown is now owned and operated by the owners of the Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate).

We offer two ice rinks for public and private use, as well as programs, leagues and much more.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

2) Griff’s Icehouse in Grand Rapids

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in West Michigan

West Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Griff’s Icehouse
Open skate for the public, including lunchtime skate, year-round.

Adult hockey leagues also available

$10 for all ages (includes skate rental)

Check open skate schedule for current times and dates

Lunch skate runs on Fridays for $5.

Pre-registration recommended for all programs.

More About Griff’s Icehouse
Griff’s IceHouse is a publicly owned facility. Its management team is from the owners of the Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate) and is also the official practice facility of the Grand Rapids Griffins.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

3) Lakeshore Sports Centre in Muskegon

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in West Michigan

West Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Lakeshore Sports Centre
Public skate is for all ages for $10, free skates with admission.

Practice figure skating in freestyle.

More About Lakeshore Sports Centre
We are an ice skating rink with two sheet of ice and a soccer field. Youth Hockey programs, adult league, learn to skate and figure skating are offered!

At This Destination: Ice Skating

4) Patterson Ice Center in Grand Rapids

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in West Michigan

West Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Patterson Ice Center
Open skate for all ages is $10 and includes skate rental.

Plus Open Hockey for ages 18+ and Stick & Puck for all ages. Helmets required for both.

Learn to Skate and Figure Skating lessons available beginning at age 4. Private lessons also available.

More About Patterson Ice Center
Patterson Ice Center is West Michigan's premier skating facility. Our ice rink features include two, fully refurbished NHL sheets of ice, nearly two dozen locker rooms, and concession stand. Patterson Ice Center is home to: The Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club, high school and college hockey teams and men's and women's hockey leagues.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

5) Southside Arena in Byron Center

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in West Michigan

West Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Southside Arena
Open Skate is usually Sunday evenings 4 PM -5:50 PM, but check calendar ahead of time.

Admission is $5 (Ages 6+, 5 and under are FREE)

$2 for skate rental

Our Figure Skating Bridge Program is designed for skaters to learn the important fundamentals of Figure Skating and grow in their skills, for level 3 skaters and above.

Skaters in the Bridge Program also have opportunities for show performances and competitions.

Also offers eight week Learn to Skate classes for ages 5 - 17.

Private lessons and hockey classes also available.

More About Southside Arena
The Southside Ice Arena is one of the premier family ice sports complexes in the Western Michigan area featuring two NHL sheets of ice. We are home to Fox Motors Hockey Club, and Byron Center High School, Catholic Central, and Aquinas Hockey Teams.

We also specialize in our introductory skating programs including Learn to Skate, Learn to Hockey Skate, Cross-Ice, and Figure Skating Group Lessons. Call us today for more information!

At This Destination: Ice Skating

6) Walker Ice & Fitness Center in Walker

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in West Michigan

West Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Walker Ice & Fitness Center
Open Skate: $10 admission for non-members (free for members)

Skate Rental: $5 for members (free for non-members with admission cost)

Helmets recommended

We offer a range of skating and hockey classes, ice rentals, open skate sessions and more.

Learn to Skate lessons provides a fun way for skaters of all ages to learn the fundamentals of ice skating including the correct techniques of the basic elements of skating.

More About Walker Ice & Fitness Center
Where Active Families Play
Affordable Ice Rink & Fitness Center located in Walker, Michigan
Childcare, saunas, fitness classes, personal training, open skating and more!

At This Destination: Ice Skating

7) Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Centre Ice Arena
Open skate
Admission: $5
Skate Rental: $5

Twilight open skate:
Admission: $7
Skate Rental: $5

Check website for current hours

Also offers stick & puck and drop in hockey. Learn to skate and hockey programs available.

More About Centre Ice Arena
Ice arena in Traverse City, MI. Contains two rinks - David's and West.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

8) Big Valley Ski and Tube in Newberry

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in Upper Peninsula Michigan

Upper Peninsula Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Big Valley Ski and Tube
The Barn Ice Rink has a synthetic surface for year-round ice skating but in the winter months, the rink is frozen over with real ice.

Open weather permitting

Daily: $2.00
Rental: $2.00
Skate Sharpening: $5
Annual Pass: $30.00 (Tag System)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebarnicearena

More About Big Valley Ski and Tube
A ski and tubing destination operated by Luce County Parks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Ice skating rink.
Open Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Check Facebook for updated conditions and open/closed status.

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Downhill Skiing, Ice Skating

9) Little Bear East Community Center in St Ignace

Indoor Ice Skating Rink in Upper Peninsula Michigan

Upper Peninsula Michigan

Indoor Ice Skating at Little Bear East Community Center
Monday/Wednesday: 2:30-4 PM
Tuesday/Thursday: 2:30-4 PM
Friday-Sunday: TBD

Open skate $5

Skate Rental $3

Skate Sharpening $5

More About Little Bear East Community Center
The Little Bear East Community Center has a convention room, multi-purpose exhibit space, NHL size ice rink and fitness center.

At This Destination: Ice Skating

Choosing Ice Skates

To start, you’ll need ice skates. While many places offer skate rentals, others do not.

The listings below note if rentals are available. You are always welcome to provide your own ice skates. If you’d like to invest in a pair, you can purchase ice skates for kids on Amazon for $30-$60.

Adjustable ice skates grow with your child. Hockey skates are more rigid than figure skates and do not come with a toe pick. My kids preferred the hockey skate style when they were first starting because it felt more stable, but kids will generally get used to the feel of whatever skate they have access to.

Kids who want to get into hockey or figure skating should start with the appropriate skates for that sport. Otherwise, the skate type doesn’t matter that much for recreational skating.

Some younger kids have success using double runner ice skates.

Double Runner skates have two blades on the bottom rather than one, therefore providing more balance than a single blade skate. The drawback to these skates is that they easily get clogged with snow and make it harder to glide.

How to Dress for Outdoor Ice Skating in Michigan

Successfully dressing for outdoor ice skating in Michigan happens when you layer clothing.

Start with a synthetic underlayer, then and add as many layers as you will need to remain comfortable outdoors for an hour or longer.

Kids will likely do best in snow pants or a snowsuit. Expect that they will fall several times while skating. The snow gear will keep them warm and dry, and serve as a little cushion to break their falls.

Older kids, teens, and adults can get away with layering long underwear under jeans. Just be aware that if you fall and the location is wet or snowy, your jeans will get wet and you’ll be uncomfortable. Better to choose a synthetic fabric where possible.

Here’s more on dressing for winter.

Be sure to wear a warm pair of gloves, a hat, and something to keep your neck warm.

A balaclava is something every Michigan kid should own. balaclava

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Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink in Downtown Grand Rapids

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1 thought on “20+ Indoor & Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Michigan to Try this Winter”

  1. I’m so glad you mentioned the ice skating rink at Camp Clemens in Traverse City! My family and I love visiting there during the winter months. The outdoor rink is beautifully lit at night and the warmth of the arbor takes away the chill in the air. Definitely recommend adding it to your list! 😊

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