Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
As the weather cools down, it’s a sure sign that the holiday and winter activities are just around the corner. One of my favourite winter activities is ice skating in Chicago. While there are several places to go ice skating in Chicago, one of my top picks is the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon. With its convenient downtown location in Chicago’s Loop, this is your complete guide to ice skating at the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon!
Everything to Know About Ice Skating at Maggie Daley
The ice rink at Maggie Daley Park is a quarter-mile rink that loops around the city’s 40-foot climbing wall as the city’s iconic skyline stands beautifully in the backdrop. Unlike any other ice skating in Chicago, this ice-covered winding path is twice the length of a traditional ice skating rink.
The ice skating ribbon is open for ice skaters of all levels of ability. People of all ages can be seen enjoying the ice, with skate aids available for hire on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lockers are available for hire, located inside the Fieldhouse and have both small and large sizes available.
When Does Maggie Daley Ice Skating Open?
The Maggie Daley Park Skating Rink usually opens just before Thanksgiving and will remain open well into the New Year, with the rink usually closing in mid-March. Ice skating is open every day during this time, with time between sessions dedicated to resurfacing the ice.
The rink even offers hours on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
That’s a lot of skating opportunities, so there’s no excuse to miss this fun Chicago activity!
How Much is Ice Skating at Maggie Daley?
If you’re a seasoned skater and lucky to own your own skates, you can skate for free at all time slots Monday through Thursday and during the 11 a.m. sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. All other slots Friday through Sunday will cost just $5.
Not a skate owner? Me either. Luckily, you can rent a pair of skates from the rink. Renting a pair of skates costs around $16 Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday when booked online. Alternatively, it costs $18 for walkups Monday through Thursday and $22 for Friday through Sunday. So I suggest if you want to save a few extra bucks for a hot chocolate, book your skate rental online when reserving your preferred time slot.
Getting to the Maggie Daley Ice Rink
Maggie Daley Park is located at 337 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601. The park can be accessed from the Randolph Street bicycle path along Lakeshore Drive, Monroe Street, or the BP Bridge which crosses Columbus Drive from Millennium Park.
Parking
Parking for the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon is available through street parking and nearby garage parking. These nearby parking options include:
Metered parking – Available on upper Randolph Street from $7 per hour.
Garage Parking – Millennium Lakeside Garage, located right below the park. They offer a $13 special for 12 hours, but you must book online to receive the parking discount.
Designated accessible parking is available on Randolph Street, as well as within Millennium Lakeside Garage which provides street-level elevator access.
Public Transportation
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates elevated trains (el) and buses throughout the city of Chicago, making public transport an easy way to get to the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon.
From the Green, Orange, Brown, Pink, and Purple Line Express el stops: Exit at the Randolph/Wabash station and walk four blocks east, or exit at the Madison/Wabash station and walk five blocks east (through Millennium Park).
From the Red Line el stops: Exit at State/Randolph or State/Monroe and walk five blocks east
Maggie Daley Park is served by buses 4, 20, and 60 which will exit at the intersection of Upper Randolph St. and Upper Columbus Dr.
Other buses that operate near Maggie Daley Park are buses 3, 26, 66, 124, 146, 147, 151, and 157.
Chicago Ice Skating - Maggie Daley Park
Visiting the Ice Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park is a must-do winter activity during your next visit to Chicago, Illinois. Whether it’s your first time skating, or you’re a pro ice skater, Maggie Daley Park offers an ice skating session for you. Catch you on the ice!
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