6 Spectacular Ice Skating Spots in Wisconsin

No matter your skill level, there’s something special about the feeling of gliding across the ice with friends and family in tow. As lakes and ponds throughout Wisconsin begin to freeze, spectacular skating rinks begin popping up in their place, accompanied by some man-made beauties.

From lively city spots to remote rinks surrounded by breathtaking natural splendor, read on to discover your next favorite place to skate.

The Edgewater - Madison

Guests and visitors alike are welcome to enjoy the 4,000 square feet of skating space at Madison’s Edgewater Hotel, as well as a snack bar with warm and tasty treats.

Here, you and your crew can enjoy picture-perfect views of both the Wisconsin State Capitol building and Lake Mendota while gliding together. Whether you opt for a day on the ice or a night view of Madison’s illuminated skyline, your group will be poised for a full day of downtown adventures.

Winter Park - Boulder Junction

This winter, discover a one-of-a-kind ice skating experience at Winter Park in Boulder Junction. The Glide is a 0.8-mile skating ribbon that leads you through the towering trees of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The park also offers a traditional ice skating rink, and both the rink and ribbon are illuminated after dark for magical skating adventures with friends. After gliding across the ice, cozy up together in the warming house or with a bonfire for the perfect winter outing.

Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park – Milwaukee

Situated in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park provides skaters with a well-maintained rink surrounded by a glowing cityscape. The huge oval even has a three-and-a-half-foot handrail along the border for those seeking a little extra support.

Restrooms, lockers and skate rentals are available on-site, with free ice sled rentals for skaters with mobility impairments. If you’re bringing your own skates, you can even have them sharpened for a small fee!

When you and your crew are ready to warm up, head on over to the coffee shop/warming house that’s conveniently located just outside the rink.

Winter Park – Minocqua

After the snow begins to fall, Winter Park in Minocqua truly becomes a winter wonderland full of snowy activities.

Maintained by volunteers each season, the Chip Wulff Memorial Pond is flooded and frozen for a full season of skating surrounded by Wisconsin’s snow-covered scenery. Admission is always free, and ice skates are available to borrow at no cost.

In addition to ice skating, you and your group can explore over 80 miles of groomed trails by ski or snowshoe, go tubing with the whole family and even try skijoring! With multiple shelters, fire pits and snacks to keep you fueled up, this is truly the perfect place to make the most of a magical Wisconsin winter.

Ice Road – Bayfield

Each winter, the bay between Bayfield and Madeline Island transforms from a ferry route into the famous “Ice Road.” With rare exceptions, the ice gets so thick that visitors can safely snowshoe, skate and even drive across the entire two-mile stretch lined with evergreen trees! Be sure to check weather and ice conditions before heading out on this one-of-a-kind adventure across the world’s largest freshwater lake. 

Plan your visit during the Bayfield Winter Festival and your group can join the Run on Water, an event in which winter enthusiasts can ski, run, walk, snowshoe, skijor, skate or even bike the 4.3-mile round-trip course to Madeline Island and back.

Mill Pond Ice Skating Rink - Plymouth

Head to Wisconsin’s Mural Capital for a winter getaway filled with small-town charm. Situated on the east end of Main Street, your group will find delight at the Mill Pond Ice Skating Rink.

If you don’t have skates, don’t worry! Head to the warming house, which offers free skate rentals as well as a selection of warm drinks and snacks. 

Explore more of the city together by raising a glass at Plymouth Brewing Company or Moxie Coffee Shop and browsing antiques at the Shoppes on Mill Street.

Keep the fun going and discover more places you can't miss this winter in Wisconsin!