Public Skating Rinks in Michigan

Ice skating, whether for recreation or sport, is great exercise and not limited to cold winter days. Some public skating rinks are seasonal and outdoor, but many other locations offer year-round skating at indoor facilities. Drop-in skate times accommodate even the busiest schedule, and clubs for those who wish to learn to skate are available as well. Here are four popular rinks in Michigan.

  1. Canlan Ice Sports

    • Monroe Multi-Sports Complex offers public indoor ice skating through Canlan Ice Sports. Drop-in skating is offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. for $2, plus $2 for skate rental. Friday evening, Canlan Ice Sports offers guests a "Frugal Friday" special that includes nearly two hours of skating for the same weekday price. Normal weekend prices are $5 for admission and $2 for skate rentals. Monroe Multi-Sports Complex also offers hockey, freestyle figure skating times and an inflatable bounce play zone for children.

      Monroe Multi-Sports Complex
      333 N. Dixie Hwy.
      Monroe, MI 48162
      (734) 242-1300
      icesports.com/monroe/Default.aspx

    Echo Valley

    • Echo Valley boasts a 43,000-square-foot outdoor rink that allows skaters freedom of movement and the ability to learn in an uncrowded space. This public rink is only open on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. But the $7 admission, which includes skate rental, gives skaters unlimited access. Echo Valley has an added touch of a 2,400-square-foot warming lodge that offers a fireplace and refreshments after a day of skating.

      Echo Valley
      8495 East H Avenue
      Kalamazoo, MI 49048-5804
      (269) 349-3291
      Echovalleyfun.com

    Arctic Edge

    • Arctic Edge in Canton offers skaters the choice of two NHL-sized rinks and is home to an internationally recognized figure skating club. Arctic Edge offers public skating and hockey at many drop-in times throughout the month, typically four times per week. Rates are $5 for adults and $3 for children 14 and under, with a $3 skate rental fee.

      Arctic Edge
      46615 Michigan Ave.
      Canton, MI 48188
      (734) 487-7777
      Arcticarenas.com

    John and Dede Howard Ice Rink

    • John and Dede Howard Ice Rink offers outdoor public skating with the feel of an indoor rink thanks to an overhead cover. Busier than most area rinks, open skate is available every day of the week. Admission for adults is $5, children 5 and under skate free, and skate rental is $3 per skater. The rink does not supply the double-bladed skates for children but does offer young skaters walkers that assist in keeping their balance when on the ice.

      John and Dede Howard Ice Rink
      2414 Willa Drive (Whittlesey Park)
      St. Joseph, MI 49085
      (269) 983-8795
      sjcity.com/inside.php?a=PG:75