Recreation Outdoors

Later Skater: Three Places to Ice Skate in the Valley

it’s literally a cool winter hobby!

Julie Quinn, photos by Taylor Smith |

Winter fun at Pinehurst Park in Eau Claire.
Winter fun at Pinehurst Park in Eau Claire.

Boyd Park

1202 Fairway St., Eau Claire

Bundle up and brave the winter cold while skating at Boyd Neighborhood Park! This beautiful park features a family-friendly outdoor ice-skating rink and a snow-banked hockey rink open to the public. School’s Out Skating hours begin Dec. 26 from 11am-8pm. Beginning Jan. 2, open skate hours will run 4-8pm Monday through Friday as well as11am-8pm Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget to socially distance! For more information, call (715)-839-5032.

Pinehurst Park

3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire

Enjoy Eau Claire’s winter wonderland at Pinehurst Park. In addition to hockey and general ice-skating rinks, Pinehurst Park features a snowboard terrain area, ski trails, and sledding, skiing, and snowboarding hills. Through the park’s “Gear Share Program,” individuals can check out recreational equipment for free at Pinehurst Winter Recreation Area. And as always, be sure to socially distance to keep yourself, and others, safe.

Hobbs Ice Arena

915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire

Whether you want to impress a date with your Olympic figure skater dance moves or practice your hockey skills for the next match, this ice arena offers three different rinks available for open skate, freestyle skate, open hockey, broomball, and pickleball! Both youth and adult programs are available. Registration is required. Before entering the facility, skaters must call (715)-839-8559 to answer a pre-screening health questionnaire. Upon entering, skaters must sanitize their hands and complete a health screening. Face coverings and social distancing are required on and off the rink. The arena is open Monday through Saturday from 8am-10pm. Skate times vary, so be sure to go online for more information at eauclairewi.gov.


Here’s a full list of outdoor rinks operated by the City of Eau Claire.

Best of Menomonie is brought to you by:

Westconsin Credit Union

Explore Menomonie

University of Wisconsin Stout

Best of Menomonie is brought to you by:

Westconsin Credit Union

Explore Menomonie

University of Wisconsin Stout