Best Ice Skating Rinks to Visit in the U.S.

Yahoo Travel Partners

By Emily Wasserman

Ice skating is the quintessential winter pastime. When temperatures drop below zero, Americans lace up their skates and take to the rink. Whether the backdrop is palm trees or skyscrapers, rinks across the country offer unique experiences to fit every traveler. Here are our picks for the best ice skating venues in the United States.

Sun Valley Ice Rink
Where: Sun Valley, Idaho

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Courtesy: Sun Valley Resort

For picturesque views of the mountains and year-round entertainment, visit the Sun Valley Ice Rink. The outdoor rink is one of the few to stay open year-round, and it offers skating lessons and ice shows. Visitors can also rub elbows with Olympic and world-class skaters, as the rink is a popular training spot for athletes.

Rockefeller Center
Where: New York

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Photo: Stuart Monk/Shutterstock

Skating in Rockefeller Center is a time-honored New York tradition. The rink is small and only accommodates 150 guests at a time, but skating underneath the center’s sparkling Christmas tree is well worth the wait. Crowds of visitors watch from the sidelines as skaters jump, twirl, and spin around the rink.

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National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
Where: Washington, D.C.

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Photo: Erman Akdogan/Flickr

Guests can view spectacular works of art at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. The rink is conveniently located on Washington’s National Mall and features sculptures by renowned contemporary artists. The nearby Pavilion Café offers panoramic views of the garden and rink as well as a variety of food and beverages.

Wollman Rink
Where: New York

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Photo: cdrin/Shutterstock

Wollman Rink has appeared in movies like Serendipity and Love Story, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals. Visitors can enjoy views of the New York skyline and sign up for private lessons through the rink’s skating school.

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Where: Chicago

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Photo: Blanscape/Shutterstock

Each year, more than 100,000 skaters visit McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Located in Millennium Park, the rink is steps away from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and is the perfect place for people watching. The rink’s state-of-the-art chiller system prevents ice from melting in unseasonably warm weather, ensuring winter-long skating.

Ice at the Galleria
Where: Houston, Texas

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Photo: Judy Baxter/Flickr

Texas and ice-skating aren’t generally associated with one another, but Ice at the Galleria defies expectation. The popular indoor rink is located at the center of Houston’s Galleria mall, and offers public skating sessions and classes. The rink also features weekend night skating parties with DJs.

The Depot Rink
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Provided by The Depot Rink, located at The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel

Downtown Minneapolis is home to The Depot Rink, one of the country’s oldest skating destinations. The rink was established in 1899 and features floor-to-ceiling glass walls with views of the city skyline. Unlike most rinks, Depot is heated meaning guests will find much-needed solace from the chilly Minneapolis winter.

See more of the best ice skating rinks

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