If you’ve ever tried to skate in a circle at a typical city rink, you know the vibe. It’s a bit like being a hamster on a wheel. You go left. You go left again. Maybe you dodge a toddler. Then you go left some more. Chicago decided to blow that whole concept up about a decade ago when they built the maggie daley park skating ribbon.
It isn't a rink. It’s a path. Honestly, it’s more like a frozen lazy river that snakes through a high-tech park with the Willis Tower (yeah, we still call it Sears sometimes) and the St. Regis looming over you. It’s 1,320 feet of undulating ice. That is a quarter-mile of "alpine-in-the-city" glory.
What is the maggie daley park skating ribbon actually like?
Most people assume it’s just a flat sidewalk with ice on it. It’s not. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the masterminds behind the design, added actual elevation changes. You’ll feel a slight incline as you push toward the climbing wall in the center, and a gentle, coast-worthy decline on the way back. It’s subtle, but enough to make your quads realize this isn't a mall rink.
The ribbon is twice the length of a lap around a standard NHL-sized rink. Because it’s a loop, the flow is unidirectional. You aren't constantly worried about someone cutting across the center of the ice to do a triple axel. You just flow.
The 2025-2026 Season details
If you are planning a trip right now, the ribbon is currently in its 10th-anniversary season. It opened on November 14, 2025, and is scheduled to stay open through March 8, 2026.
Timing is everything. The park runs on a strict session-based schedule. They clear the ice for the Zamboni between every slot, and if you show up halfway through a session, you still have to leave when it ends.
- Monday through Friday: 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 8:00 pm.
- Weekends/Holidays: They add an early 8:00 am session.
Each session lasts two hours. But here’s the catch: the last 30 minutes of many sessions are basically "Zamboni prep" or wind-down time. You want to be laced up and standing by the gate the minute your session starts to get your money’s worth.
The pricing trap and how to avoid it
Money is where people get grumpy. If you walk up without a plan, you might pay $23. If you plan ahead, you might pay zero.
Basically, if you have your own skates, skating is free during the 11:00 am sessions on Monday through Thursday (excluding holiday weeks like Christmas/New Year's). If you go during any other time with your own skates, it’s a flat $5 fee.
Rental prices for the 2026 season:
- Mon–Thu (Non-holiday): $17 online / $19 walk-up.
- Fri–Sun & Holidays: $21 online / $23 walk-up.
Don't even think about showing up for a walk-up rental on a Saturday night in December or January. You won't get in. The "sold out" sign is a permanent fixture on weekends. Reservations usually drop in blocks every few weeks. For example, tickets for the end of February usually open up at the beginning of the month. Check the official site on Monday at noon—that’s when the new slots usually go live.
What about lockers and gear?
They have lockers inside the fieldhouse. They usually run $3 to $5 depending on the size. Pro tip: don't bring a massive North Face backpack and expect it to fit in the small ones.
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Skate aids—those little plastic walkers for kids (or adults who are "skate-challenged")—are $11. You can't reserve these. It’s first-come, first-served, and they run out fast. If your kid needs one, get in line 20 minutes before the session starts.
Why this place feels different at night
Daytime skating is great for families, but 8:00 pm on a Tuesday? That’s the sweet spot. The "light masts" in the park are designed to mimic moonlight. Combined with the glow from the skyscrapers on Randolph Street, it feels like a movie set.
The maggie daley park skating ribbon is technically built on top of a giant parking garage. It’s one of the largest green-roof systems in the world. Knowing there are 4,000 cars parked beneath your skates while you're gliding past evergreen trees is kinda wild.
Real talk: The rules people hate
The staff—the "Skate Assistants"—are pretty strict. Here is what will get you whistled at:
- Phones on the ice. They will yell at you. If you want that Instagram shot, you usually have to stand near the boards or have a friend film you from the bridge above. Don't skate and text.
- Carrying kids. You cannot hold your toddler while skating. It's a safety thing.
- Backpacks. They generally don't want you wearing bulky bags on the ice.
- Reverse skating. Stay in the flow. Going against traffic is a quick way to get kicked out.
Getting there without losing your mind
Parking in downtown Chicago is a nightmare. The Millennium Lakeside Garage is the closest, but you’ll pay a premium.
If you’re taking the "L," get off at Washington/Wabash or Randolph/Wabash and just walk east toward the lake. You’ll cross the BP Bridge—that curvy, silver Frank Gehry bridge—and it drops you right at the ribbon. It’s a beautiful walk, even when it’s 20 degrees out.
Beyond the ice: What to do after
Once your two hours are up, you’re going to be freezing. The fieldhouse has some vending and a small café area, but it’s mostly just "fine."
If you want real food, walk a few blocks over to Michigan Avenue. Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe is legendary for brunch, but the line is often longer than the skating ribbon itself. For something cozy, The Gage has great pub food and a vibe that feels very "Chicago Winter."
Actionable checklist for your visit:
- Check the Zamboni Twitter: Follow @MDPZamboni. They post real-time updates on ice conditions and if they're running behind.
- Dress in layers: The wind off Lake Michigan hits the ribbon hard. A thin thermal layer is better than one giant, bulky parka you can't move in.
- Book 2 weeks out: If you want a weekend slot, you have to be fast.
- Check the weather: If it's above 50 degrees or raining, they close. The ice chilling system is powerful, but it can't fight a Chicago monsoon.
- Sharpness matters: If you bring your own skates, make sure they’re sharpened. The ribbon ice gets chewed up fast by rental skates, and dull blades will have you sliding all over the place.
This isn't just a tourist trap. Even for locals, the ribbon remains one of the few things in the city that actually lives up to the hype. It’s a bit chaotic, slightly expensive if you're renting, and the wind will definitely make your nose red—but gliding through those curves with the skyline sparkling above you is basically the peak Chicago winter experience.