The 5 Best Ice-Skating Rinks in the United States
Looking for a great ice-skating location? Cold and hot climates alike have rinks and arenas, but it takes a lot to be dubbed best in the nation. At Riedell, we partner with dealers on an international scale to provide handcrafted ice skates for beginners and for competitive skaters.
We did some research and have narrowed down the top five best ice-skating rinks. So, whether you’re with your family looking for the best ice skating in NYC or you’re in Chicago planning a fun date, this post will highlight the best of the best ice skating rinks across the nation.
#5 Millennium Park
Chicago, IL
Few top-tier ice skating rinks also offer a quick walk to internationally acclaimed art museums and a view of one of the Great Lakes. Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink does just that. Residing under the Cloud Gate sculpture (you know, the mirror bean), this rink was an obvious choice for both its convenient location and eclectic setting.
The rink is open about four months out of the year and is currently celebrating its 20-year anniversary. Plus, admission is free. But if you want to reserve a spot ahead of time, you’ll have to pay.
#4 Keystone Lake
Keystone, CO
Keystone, Colorado is 10,804 feet above sea level and is the pinnacle of United States winter recreation locations. If you’re in the area and you want a great place to skate, the Keystone Lake ice rink in River Run Village is your spot.
Keystone Lake Ice Rink offers beautiful Rocky Mountain valley views, amenities, and nearby lodging – not to mention the affordable skating fees (free for seniors and children under four). You can also rent hockey sticks and pucks as well as skating assistant pull sleds.
#3 Beaver Creek Village
Beaver Creek, CO
Colorado gets another nod. Let’s face it, it’s hard to compete with the Rockies. A quick drive from Avon, the Beaver Creek Ice Rink in Beaver Creek Village is open five months a year. Like Keystone Lake, this ice rink is surrounded by facilities for you to take advantage of. Everything from equipment rental to bars, restaurants, and lodging is just a quick walk away. And, of course, you can take in some beautiful scenery while you’re at it.
#2 Rockefeller Center
New York, NY
Decorative lights, towering skyscrapers, and the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – the ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center is a must-visit. This is our second-best rink for its long history, perfect tourist-friendly placement on Manhattan Island, and of course its beauty.
Not only is it gorgeous, but Rockefeller Center ice skating provides a relatively cheap activity for tourists and residents hoping to save a few bucks while looking for a great outdoor experience in a historic part of the city. Rockefeller Center also offers membership pricing as well as private and group skating lessons.
#1 Sun Valley Ice Rink
Sun Valley, ID
Split the ice with your favorite pair of skates under epic Bald Mountain (“Baldy” to some locals) in Sun Valley, Idaho. Sun Valley Ice Rink offers a picturesque scene under Idaho blue skies and boasts exposure to Olympic skaters. That includes autographs, lessons, and entertainment.
That’s what pushes Sun Valley into the number one spot – who doesn’t want a glimpse of an Olympic skater? Plus, Sun Valley Ice Rink is cheap for what you get out of it. Currently, adults pay as much as $16 per person and kids are even less. This place is a no-brainer for our list.
Honorable Mentions
We’d be hard-pressed not to highlight some honorable mentions. On many lists, for example, you’ll find Curry Village in Yosemite – and with good reason. It’s beautiful. But for the casual tourist and ice skater, getting to the heart of a national park for a quick skate isn’t exactly convenient. Other popular rinks include Centennial Lakes Park in Edina, Minnesota and Blue Cross River Rink in Philadelphia.
While You’re Looking for a Rink Near You, Check Out One of Our Local Dealers
We hope this post gave you something to consider next time you plan a trip! And don’t forget to check out some local ice skate dealers near you. Riedell offers a wide range of quality boots and blades. Check out our casual series, we’ve got ice skates for women, men, and kids. In fact, junior skates can be ordered to match the adult sets!
Reach out with the online form if you have any questions.