Ice rinks
When do Madison's free outdoor ice rinks open, and how do I check whether they're open?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 10, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
City of Madison Parks runs free outdoor skating at 20 rinks and designated lagoons in 14 parks. There's no fixed opening date: the rinks open once Parks staff have assessed the ice as safe, which depends on a stretch of cold weather, and they close again if meltwater shows on the surface, to keep the ice from being damaged. Check the City's Ice Skating page, which lists each rink's status, or call the Parks office before you go (after hours, weekends and holidays, the Park Rangers line). Groomed hockey rinks with boards are at Elver, Tenney, Westmorland and Vilas. When they're staffed, usually into early or mid February, the warming shelters at Door Creek, Elver, Tenney and Vilas rent skates and sell snacks, and Olbrich, Rennebohm, Warner and Westmorland have a limited supply of free loaner skates. Bikes and pets aren't allowed on any rink or lagoon. Source: City of Madison Parks, Ice Skating (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 10, 2026