Discover 5 of the Largest Ice Skating Rinks in Illinois this Winter

It’s almost wintertime! That means it’s time to bundle up, slap on some skates, and have some fun on the ice. Ice skating rinks come in many sizes. Rinks used by the National Hockey League (NHL) measure 200 feet long by 85 feet wide, or 17,000 square feet. That’s pretty big! Believe it or not, there are ice skating rinks in Illinois that are even bigger than NHL-regulation-sized rinks. Here are five of the largest ice skating rinks in Illinois that you and your family can discover this winter.

1. The Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon — 27,500 square feet

At the top of our list is the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon in downtown Chicago. This beautiful ice skating rink measures 27,500 square feet, making it the largest in the state of Illinois. It can hold up to 700 skaters at one time.

The Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon features an interesting design, comprised of a winding ribbon of ice that loops around Maggie Daley Park. Skaters enjoy views of Chicago’s magnificent skyline, especially after the sun has set and the skyscraper lights are sprinkled across the night sky like nearby stars. It’s safe to say that this unique skating rink is as huge as it is romantic. The Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon is open 7 days out of the week during the winter season, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Tickets often sell out at this rink, so snagging some spots in advance is definitely recommended.

2. First National Bank of Decatur Arena — 27,032 square feet

Head to Decatur, Illinois to find another massive ice skating rink. The First National Bank of Decatur Arena measures a whopping 218 feet long by 124 feet wide, for a total of 27,032 square feet. It is just 18 square feet short of matching the size of the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon. As of November 2023, admission to Public Skate events at the arena costs $6.00, plus an additional $3.00 if you’d like to rent a pair of ice skates. Visitors can also sign up for basic ice skating lessons, figure skating lessons, and hockey coaching. When it is not filled with ice, people use the First National Bank of Decatur Arena as an exhibition space for trade shows, concerts, weddings, and all kinds of other events.

3. The University of Illinois Ice Arena — 22,080 square feet

Coming in at 22,080 square feet is the University of Illinois Ice Arena in Champaign, Illinois. This large skating rink is 192 feet long by 152 feet wide. There is much to enjoy at this university ice skating rink. Visitors can drop in for some rat hockey (a term for pick-up hockey games) or stick-and-puck to practice their shooting skills. Lunch skates and public skates are open to the public. The facility was built in 1931 and features four party rooms for hosting skating get-togethers. A concession stand called the Penalty Box offers food and drinks, including hot chocolate, to skaters. People can visit the Pro Shop to buy winter accessories and equipment for hockey and ice skating. Next time you find yourself in the Champaign-Urbana area, make sure to stop by the Ice Arena.

4. Fox Valley Ice Arena — 20,000 square feet

The Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva is among the largest in Illinois. It features not one, but two large ice skating rinks! The larger of the two measures 200 feet long by 100 feet wide, for a total of 20,000 square feet. This is roughly the size of a standard Olympic ice skating rink. The smaller of the two rinks is still quite large at the NHL regulation size of 17,000 square feet. The arena can seat a total of 3,500 people.

Enormous ice skating rinks are not all that the Fox Valley Ice Arena has to offer. It also features a fitness center, a store for purchasing sporting goods, and even a pub and grill. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in skating lessons and free skate events at Fox Valley.

5. Seven Bridges Ice Arena — 19,800 square feet

We end our list of some of the largest ice skating rinks in Illinois with Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge. Like the Fox Valley Ice Arena, this arena has two ice skating rinks — one approximately Olympic-sized and the other NHL-regulation size. The larger of the two rinks at Seven Bridges measures 200 feet long by 99 feet wide, for a total of 19,800 square feet.

Check the Seven Bridges calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on their fun skating nights, which include public skates and family skates. Seven Bridges also offers “Disco Public Ice Sk8s” for those who wish to get groovy on the ice with DJs and show lights. Don’t forget your giant Afro wig and your bell bottoms! In addition to being accessible during public skate nights, Seven Bridges’ large ice skating rinks are available to rent by the hour or through a long-term contract.

Summary of 5 of the Largest Ice Skating Rinks to Discover in Illinois this Winter