You’ve seen the photos. Those glowing, long-exposure shots of people gliding under a massive arched roof while snow dusts the streets of downtown Valpo. It looks like a Hallmark movie set, honestly. But if you’re planning on ice skating Valparaiso Indiana this season, there is a lot more to it than just showing up with a pair of thick socks and hoping for the best.
Most people think you can just wander over to Central Park Plaza anytime the temperature drops below freezing.
Wrong.
The William E. Urschel Pavilion is a high-tech operation. It’s an 80-by-120-foot sheet of ice tucked under a 12,000-square-foot open-air pavilion. Because it’s refrigerated, the rink stays solid even when Indiana’s weather decides to be 45 degrees and drizzly in the middle of January. That’s the magic of the place. You get the crisp air and the outdoor vibe without the slushy mess of a "natural" pond.
The Reality of the Urschel Pavilion
The rink is the crown jewel of the downtown area. Located at 63 Lafayette Street, it’s basically the heartbeat of the city from mid-November through early March. But here’s the kicker: the schedule is a moving target.
You can’t just assume it’s "Open Skate" all day. On Monday and Tuesday nights, for example, the local 4-on-4 adult hockey league takes over. If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Monday expecting a romantic date night, you’re going to find a bunch of guys in pads chasing a puck instead.
Honestly, it’s better to check the Valpo Parks calendar before you leave the house. They have these specific "Give Back Nights" where $2 of your admission goes to local schools or robotics teams. It’s a cool way to support the community, but those nights get crowded. If you want space to actually move without dodging a seven-year-old in a VHS jersey, maybe pick a random Tuesday morning for a "Parent & Tot" session or a quiet Thursday afternoon.
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What it Costs (and How to Save)
Let’s talk money. In 2026, the rates are pretty straightforward, but they can add up if you’re bringing a whole crew.
General admission is usually around $7 per person. Skate rentals are another $5. If you have your own skates, bring ‘em. You’ll save the five bucks and, more importantly, you won't have to break in a pair of rental boots that have seen better days.
They also offer "Skate Aids"—those blue walker-looking things that help beginners stay upright. They’re $5 to rent. Some people think they’re just for kids. I’ve seen grown men clutching those things like life rafts. No shame in it.
- Pro Tip: If you’re a regular, look into the 10-admission pass. It usually knocks a couple of bucks off the total price.
- Safety First: Helmets are required for all lessons and highly encouraged for open skate. You can rent one for free at the rink, or just bring your bike helmet from home.
Beyond the Open Skate: Lessons and Leagues
If you’re tired of clinging to the boards like a barnacle, the Valparaiso Parks Department runs some legit skating lessons. They break them down into "Tots" (ages 3-5) and "Beginners" (ages 6-17).
The Session 2 classes for 2026 just kicked off in early January, but there’s usually a Session 3 that starts in February. It’s a 6-session commitment. You’ll see kids learning to "swizzle" and "march" on the ice. It’s adorable, but it’s also serious business. If you miss the registration window, you're out of luck until the next block.
Then there’s the hockey. The 4-on-4 league is a staple here. It’s recreational, sure, but the competition under the lights of the pavilion gets intense. There are 16 teams this year, up from 12 last season. It’s a fast-paced game because of the smaller rink size compared to a full NHL sheet, which makes for great spectating even if you aren't playing.
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Why Location Matters More Than You Think
The brilliance of ice skating Valparaiso Indiana isn't just the ice itself. It's the "après-skate" scene.
You are literally steps away from some of the best food in Northwest Indiana. You finish your session, your toes are a little numb, and you walk across the street to Stack’s or Lincoln Dogs. Or you hit up one of the coffee shops for a hot chocolate that actually tastes like chocolate and not watered-down powder.
There’s a fireplace inside the Indiana Beverage Activity Center (right next to the rink) where you can warm up, but the real move is heading into the downtown shops. It makes the whole trip feel like an event rather than just a workout.
Comparing the Alternatives
If the Valpo rink is too packed, people often wonder about Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point or Bulldog Park.
Deep River has a massive 14,500-square-foot plaza, but it’s a different vibe. It’s more of a "destination" spot. Bulldog Park is great too—it’s an NHL-sized rink—but it’s a bit more exposed to the wind.
The Urschel Pavilion in Valpo strikes that weirdly perfect balance. The arched roof blocks the wind and the snow, but because the sides are open, you still feel like you're outside. It’s the "Goldilocks" of Indiana rinks. Not too big, not too small, and just protected enough from the lake effect winds that can ruin a perfectly good Saturday.
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The "Wicked" Night and Theme Events
One thing Valpo does better than almost anywhere else is the theme nights. For January 2026, they’ve got a "Wicked Night" scheduled for the 24th.
They’ll blast music from the soundtrack, change the LED lighting to green, and basically turn the rink into Oz. They’ve done "Rock N’ Skate" nights with live DJs and "Senior Skates" for the 60+ crowd who want a slower pace without the chaos of teenagers zooming past.
These events are what make the rink a community hub. It isn't just a place to exercise; it’s where Valparaiso hangs out when the sun goes down at 4:30 PM and everyone is starting to get a little stir-crazy from the winter.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want a smooth experience, follow this checklist:
- Check the 24-Hour Calendar: Go to the Central Park Plaza website. Look for "Private Events" or "Hockey League" times. Nothing kills the mood like a "Closed for Private Party" sign.
- Dress in Thin Layers: Most people overdress. You’ll be freezing for the first ten minutes, but once you start moving, you’ll sweat. Wear wool socks, but make sure they aren't so thick that they cut off your circulation in the skates.
- Arrive 20 Minutes Early: Especially on weekends. The line for rentals can get long, and they do have a maximum capacity for the ice. If the rink is full, you’ll be waiting on the "one-in, one-out" rule.
- Check the "Give Back" Schedule: If you’re coming on a Wednesday or Thursday, see if your favorite local charity is the beneficiary. It’s a nice way to make your $7 admission do a little extra work.
- Parking Hack: Don't just circle Lafayette Street. The parking garage on McLean is usually your best bet on busy Friday nights. It’s a short walk, and you won’t lose your mind looking for a spot.
The rink usually stays open until the first week of March, weather permitting. After that, they melt the ice, pack up the chillers, and start getting ready for the summer farmers markets. You've only got a few weeks left to catch the winter magic, so get out there while the ice is still cold.