Winter is finally upon us.
That’s good news for the many Wisconsin residents who have a winter hobby.
For those who enjoy ice skating, the Milwaukee area has several public indoor and outdoor ice rinks for skaters.
Some offer skate rentals, while others offer only public skating at select times throughout any given week.
But make sure to check the availability of outdoor rinks during periods of below-freezing temperatures. Also, be sure to check COVID-19 safety guidelines at local ice skating rinks before you head out.
More: Home and garden calendar: Milwaukee-area events in winter 2022
From West Allis to Hartland, Milwaukee to Delafield — check out these rinks this winter. Note that this list is not exhaustive; there are other rinks out there, but we offer these to help get you started.
Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park, Milwaukee
Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St., has long been a popular ice skating destination for residents and visitors of the Milwaukee area. In the heart of downtown Milwaukee, this ice rink offers beautiful views for avid skaters or for those who just want to take it all in.
Public skate hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Skate rentals are $9 for adults and $7 for skaters younger than 18. Skating is free if you bring your own ice skates. You can also rent a skater aid for children for $1.
A warming house, with a Starbucks and fireplace, are inside near the skate rental area. Restrooms, as well as an ATM, can also be found inside.
Learn more about Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park at bit.ly/sliceofice.
Pettit National Ice Center, West Allis
The Pettit National Ice Center, located near Wisconsin State Fair Park at 500 S. 84th St., is the sixth oldest official training site for the U.S. Olympic speed skating team. But don’t worry; you don’t need to be an Olympic-level skater to enjoy the ice at this facility.
Public skating hours differ by day; a complete schedule can be found at thepettit.com. Public skate admission for ages 19-59 is $7.50, for ages 13-18 is $6.50 and for ages 4-12 and 60 and older is $5.50. Children 3 and younger skate for free. You can rent skates for $3.50.
The facility, which is indoors, has an inventory of 1,000 pairs of skates for figure, hockey and speed skating. There are also several areas inside the facility to sit and watch others skate.
Eble Park Ice Arena, Brookfield
Eble Park Ice Arena, 19400 W. Bluemound Road, was once home to the Milwaukee Admirals. Now, recreational ice skaters across the area often use the facility.
The Waukesha County-run facility is a great indoor ice skating option for experts or for those looking to hone their craft.
Public skate hours are offered year-round, but check the website at waukeshacounty.gov/ebleicearena for more information on the full schedule, as the schedule changes often. Skating admission is $6; it costs an extra $3 to rent skates.
The facility also offers skating lessons at $125 for a seven-week session or $220 for a 14-week session. More information is available on the website. You can also host birthday parties at the facility.
Sussex Civic Center Ice Rink, Sussex
Those who already own ice skates will be right at home at the Sussex Civic Center ice rink, an outdoor rink that got up and running in 2017. The rink, at N64 W23760 Main St., is a 76-by-152-foot rink in front of the Sussex Civic Center.
The rink usually opens in mid-December (weather permitting) and is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting. Check the status of the rink first at villagesussex.org/services/ice-rink. There are no skates available to rent, so you’ll have to bring your own.
There are restrooms available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll also find a designated area to remove and put on skates before entering the rink.
Konkel Park, Greenfield
The Dan Jansen Family Fest Rink at Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave., can fit up to 100 skaters. It’s quickly become a popular destination for local ice skaters.
The rink is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For the most current information on the rink, call its hotline at 414-297-9008.
Admission to the rink — as well as a limited number of skates — are free. The rink also features a warming area and concessions during the hours of operation.
Learn more about the rink at bit.ly/konkelice.
Hart Park, Wauwatosa
A public ice rink at Wauwatosa’s Hart Park, 7300 W. Chestnut St., first opened during winter 2021. It was so popular that the city decided to construct the 100-by-60-foot ice rink again, near the parking lot area at Hart Park.
The ice rink is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the week.
No skate rentals are available, but a restroom and plenty of parking are available near the rink.
Naga-Waukee Ice Arena, Delafield
The Naga-Waukee Ice Arena, 2699 Golf Road, Delafield, holds public skating hours on weekends, but hours vary.
Those interested should check waukeshacounty.gov/nagawaukeeicearena for a complete schedule.
General admission to the arena costs $6. Skates are available to rent for $3.
Mullett Ice Center, Hartland
Several youth hockey teams use the ice at The Howard G. Mullett Ice Center, 700 North Ave. But the public can use it too, during public skate hours.
Admission is $7 for adults and $6 for youth and seniors. You can also rent skates for $3.50.
Public skate hours vary week by week; a schedule is available at mulletticecenter.com.
Buchner ice rink, Waukesha
A public ice rink is ready for skaters at Buchner Park, 223 Oakland Ave., Waukesha. The rink is open all day; skating is free. There are no skate rentals available, so bring your own.
A warming shelter is open from noon to 3 p.m. Sundays.
Fox Point village ice rink
The village ice rink, 7343 N. Longacre Road, is open, weather permitting, from 3:30 to 9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. Bring your own skates.
Evan Casey can be reached at 414-403-4391 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @ecaseymedia.