Looking for the perfect ice rink to lace up your skates and glide across an unbeatable surface?
The Midwest has set a standard for ice rinks designed to serve athletes, families, and visitors. From community-driven rinks to innovative designs, these venues highlight how ice skating facilities can bring people together, drive economic growth, and inspire active lifestyles.
Here’s a guide to some of the Midwest’s top ice skating rinks and what makes them stand out as models of impactful infrastructure.
Ready to make an impact in your community?
Steinberg Skating Rink (St. Louis, Missouri)
When it comes to outdoor skating, Steinberg Skating Rink leads the pack. As the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in the Midwest, it offers skaters a sprawling surface to glide under the open sky. Located in St. Louis’ beautiful Forest Park, this rink provides a magical atmosphere complete with seasonal lights and charming surroundings. Open daily, even during holidays, Steinberg is a great backdrop for both daytime family outings and romantic evening skates.
What Sets It Apart:
- Largest Outdoor Rink in the Midwest: With 27,600 square feet of skating space, it offers ample room for both casual and experienced skaters.
- Year-Round Accessibility: In winter, the rink offers ice skating through mid‑November to late February. In summer, the concrete surface converts into lighted sand volleyball courts. Roller skating and other community‑led gatherings have been piloted on Mondays for a truly multi-purpose experience.
- Enhanced Visitor Experiences: Adjacent to the rink is the Snowflake Cafe, serving up snacks, burgers, pizza, hot chocolate, even beer and wine– turning skating sessions into full-day outings.
Woodman’s Center (Janesville, Wisconsin)
Woodman’s Center is a 140,000-square-foot, community-first facility designed to promote engagement and activity within Janesville. Offering pristine ice arenas for hockey leagues, skating events, and public skating, this center shows what happens when a city invests in its community spaces. Its focus on local families makes it an integral part of Wisconsin’s skating culture.
What Sets It Apart:
- Community-Driven Design: Caters to public skating, local events, figure skating clubs, and hockey leagues, including the Janesville Jets. From lessons to leagues, it maximizes engagement and foot traffic throughout the year.
- Strengthening Local Roots: The center collaborates with schools and recreational programs, maintaining a strong connection to families and youth.
- Year-Round Flexibility: The center offers 25,800 square feet of multi-use flexible space ideal for conferences, trade shows, expos, banquets, and other community events. It can also be configured for athletic use, supporting basketball, volleyball, pickleball, soccer, and more.
NSC Super Rink (Blaine, Minnesota)
Known globally as the largest ice arena complex in the world, the NSC Super Rink is a dream venue for both casual skaters and professional ice athletes. Featuring eight sheets of ice under one roof, this 300,000-square-foot complex hosts everything from hockey games to figure skating competitions. Its cutting-edge amenities make it a favorite among Midwest skaters.
What Sets It Apart:
- Host to High-Profile Events: Regularly welcomes large tournaments, such as the USA International Hockey Tournament, ISI World Figure Skating Championships, and the USA & Global Broomball Championships, drawing visitors and boosting the local economy.
- Advanced Infrastructure: Equipped with a professional-level training center, locker rooms, judges’ meeting quarters, dance/warm-up studios, an on-site cafe, pro shop, and more, it ensures high standards on and off the ice.
PSM Icehouse (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
At 116,000 square feet, PSM Icehouse has set the standard for ice venues in Indiana and is a pillar of the Fort Wayne community. As the only 3-sheet ice rink in the state, PSM Icehouse has the size and flexibility to host tournaments, leagues, and a variety of local programs. From hockey practice to open skating sessions, it offers a diverse range of opportunities for recreation and skill development.
What Sets It Apart:
- Pro, Semi-Pro, and Collegiate Residencies: The venue is the proud home of the Fort Wayne Spacemen of the United States Premier Hockey League, Indiana Tech’s men’s and women’s hockey teams, and events of all sizes. It’s also the practice facility for the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL.
- Extensive Amenities: Spacious seating, clean locker rooms, a fully equipped pro shop with sharpening services, and Overtime Bar + Grill serving up a full menu with cocktails and local brews– all overlooking the rinks.
- Exclusive Elite Training: Professional performance training integration via PSM’s EDGE Performance, sports medicine, nutrition, and mental skills programs—enhancing off-ice and on-ice development for all ages.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon (Chicago, Illinois)
Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Unlike traditional round rinks, the ribbon’s winding pathway provides skaters with an exciting ¼-mile of twists and turns, complete with stunning skyline views. This unique ice trail is perfect for capturing memorable moments and immersing yourself in the winter spirit.
What Sets It Apart:
- Innovative Design: A winding ice trail replaces the standard oval, providing a quarter-mile journey through curated twists and turns.
- Skyline Backdrop: Immersive surroundings delight visitors and offer a premier social media-worthy experience.
- Central Urban Location: Positioned in the heart of downtown Chicago, the venue is close to many of the city’s favorite attractions and never too far from a post-skate Italian beef sandwich (yum!)
AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk (Overland Park, Kansas)
The AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk represents a modern approach to ice skating in the Midwest. This ice facility is integrated into a massive 420,000 square foot multi-sport complex, featuring an impressive ice rink that hosts hockey players, figure skaters, and recreational skaters. The facility prioritizes the balance between athletic training and public enjoyment, making it a versatile hotspot for all ages.
What Sets It Apart:
- Teams & Competitive Partnerships: The official home ice and practice facility for the University of Kansas Hockey Club and Icehawks Club Hockey, offering NCAA‑regulation quality infrastructure for a range of skill levels.
- Outstanding Amenities: Fan seating (1,500 seats + suites), an 11,000-square foot performance training center, a 30,000‑square foot family entertainment center with arcade games, bowling, laser tag, an e-sports lounge, a roll glider, and sports simulators, plus locker rooms, a sports medicine area, and an on-site bar & grill.
- Scale & Community Impact: As part of a mixed-use Bluhawk District, the Sports Park is designed as a immersive lifestyle + sports destination projected to attract nearly 3.8 million annual visitors. Multisport amenities and the flexibility to host concerts, corporate events, graduations, trade shows, and other community gatherings attract a wider audience to maximize facility use.
Take Action to Bring an Ice Rink to Life
Inspired by these facilities? Whether you’re considering updating an existing rink or building a new one, a well-designed ice-skating venue can become a focal point for connection and growth in your community. By focusing on versatility, modern features, and engagement, your facility can leave a lasting impact.
Partner with The Experts
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) specializes in creating state-of-the-art sports facilities that transform communities. From initial concepts to fully operational venues, SFC works with you to deliver spaces that generate value for years to come.
Start Building Your Vision Today
Contact The Sports Facilities Companies today to start planning an ice skating facility that truly makes a difference. Together, we’ll design a space where individuals, families, and entire communities can thrive.
