It's no secret that the Badger State is known for cold weather. We've got so many great places to enjoy outdoor winter attractions in Wisconsin, and ice skating is always a favorite. Tenney Park is a magical 37-acre municipal park in Madison, just off Lake Mendota. It's got its own lagoon that circles through the park. In winter, the lagoon freezes up and it becomes one of the best natural ice skating rinks in Wisconsin. Tenney Park ice skating is a yearly tradition for many Wisconsin families, and you'll definitely want to visit and try it out this year!
This is such a gorgeous park, and it's truly a dream for those of us who love ice skating. It almost feels like the park was especially made for an ice skating experience. You get to follow the lagoon's loop under bridges and circle through a good chunk of the park.
There's even a warming house with restrooms and concessions. The warming house opens up once the lagoon has frozen over.
Make sure to check out the posted hours, as they may change throughout the week. You ca stop inside to warm up for a bit if you get too cold, and you'll also find equipment for rent. Hockey skates and figure skates are typically available, plus hockey sticks. There's even a local skate sharpening business inside.
In addition, throughout the winter you'll find scheduled special events. Experiences like the nighttime Glow and Glide makes this ice skating place in Wisconsin even more enchanting!
The ice can get pretty crowded on nice days, so try to arrive early if you're looking for a more secluded experience. The bright side is that if you're wanting to enjoy a pick-up hockey game, you'll find plenty of new friends to play with!
If you're willing to brave the park on really cold or windy days, you may find that you have the ice all to yourself.
This is a great spot for younger skaters to learn and take their first strides upon the ice.
This natural ice skating rink in Wisconsin is so joyful. We Wisconsinites complain about the cold sometimes, but this place is the embodiment of everything that's wonderful about winter.
Grab some friends, put on some layers, and plan to head on out to Tenney Park for a wonderful winter experience.
Adult and child skate rentals are typically available. You can rent by the hour and then pay a reduced rate for additional hours if you'd like to stay longer.
The hours of operation are fully dependent on the conditions of the ice. The city's parks department keeps a close eye on weather conditions and the surface of the ice to make sure that everyone stays safe.
Whether you're a seasoned skater or looking to glide out over the ice for the first time, Tenney Park's ice skating area is so much fun. There's something so special about skating in natural outdoor environments, and this is one of the best spots around for it.
This is one special excursion that you won't regret, so take the time to head out here and lace up your skates.
Check out this great video of Tenney Park ice skating from Youtube user Cheryl Schenck:
Have you ever gotten the chance to get out and enjoy this natural ice skating rink in Wisconsin? Share your experiences in the comments!
And if you want to experience even more outdoor winter attractions in Wisconsin, don't miss Minocqua Winter Park. It's an absolute blast for the whole family.
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