New York City has this weird habit of hiding its best spots in plain sight. Everyone flocks to Rockefeller Center to pay a small fortune for twenty minutes of shuffling around on a tiny patch of ice. Or they crowd into Wollman Rink in Central Park because that’s what the movies told them to do. But if you head uptown, right on the edge of the Hudson River, there’s something way better. The Riverbank State Park ice rink is a literal anomaly.
It’s huge. It’s covered, but outdoors. It’s cheap.
Most people don't even realize Riverbank State Park exists because it’s built on top of a sewage treatment plant. I know, it sounds gross. But honestly, you’d never know. The park sits 69 feet above the river, spanning 28 acres of greenery, athletic fields, and that glorious skating rink. It’s a massive feat of engineering that opened back in 1993, and while the rest of the city feels like it's getting more expensive and exclusive by the second, this rink feels like the "old New York" people always complain about losing.
What the Riverbank State Park Ice Rink Actually Offers
Let’s get the logistics out of the way. This isn't some tiny "boutique" rink. It’s a full-sized, NHL-regulation space. Because it’s a state park facility, the pricing is actually reasonable. You aren't dropping $50 just to get through the door. Usually, public skating sessions cost around $5 for adults and even less for kids. Even with skate rentals, you’re looking at a total that’s less than a decent lunch in Midtown.
The roof is the real MVP here.
Since the rink is covered by a high pavilion roof but open on the sides, you get the crisp winter air and views of the George Washington Bridge without getting soaked if it starts to sleet. It’s the perfect middle ground. You’re outside, but you aren't at the mercy of the clouds.
Timing is Everything
If you show up at 2:00 PM on a Saturday, yeah, it’s going to be packed. It’s a community hub. You’ll see local kids from Harlem and the Heights who actually know how to skate—I mean really skate—zipping around beginners who are clinging to the boards for dear life.
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If you want the ice to yourself, or at least some breathing room, you have to be tactical. Friday nights have a different vibe. It’s moodier, the lights reflect off the ice, and the river wind kicks up. It feels like a secret.
Public skating hours usually run from Friday through Sunday during the winter season, which typically starts in November and wraps up in March. But here’s the thing: always check the New York State Parks website or call the office directly (212-694-3600). I’ve seen people trek all the way up to 145th Street only to find out the rink is closed for a private hockey tournament or a figure skating competition. Don't be that person.
The Logistics of Getting There
Most tourists never make it past 96th Street. Their loss.
Getting to the Riverbank State Park ice rink is actually pretty easy if you aren't afraid of the subway. Take the 1 train to 145th Street. Walk west toward the river. You’ll hit a bridge that takes you right over the Henry Hudson Parkway and into the park.
If you’re driving, there is parking. Real, actual parking in Manhattan. It’s a miracle. But it fills up fast on weekends. If the main lot is full, you’re basically stuck circling the neighborhood, which isn't exactly a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Why This Rink Beats the Tourist Traps
Look, Rockefeller Center is iconic, sure. But it’s a circle. You just go in a circle with a thousand other people while tourists take photos of you from above. It feels like being in a fishbowl.
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At Riverbank, it’s about the sport and the community. You have space to actually pick up some speed. The air smells like the river—salty and cold. You see the GWB glowing in the distance. It feels expansive.
The facility also hosts the Riverbank Figure Skating Club and various youth hockey programs. Seeing the "Skate Riverbank" kids practicing their axels in the early morning puts the whole "NYC is just for billionaires" narrative to rest. This is a place where local athletes train. It has soul.
A Quick Note on Comfort
There is a snack bar. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a state-run park. Don't go there expecting a farm-to-table artisanal latte. Go there for a hot chocolate that’s basically sugar and water, or some crinkle-cut fries. It hits the spot when your toes are numb.
Speaking of numb toes: the locker rooms are functional, not fancy. They’re heated, which is the only thing that matters when you're peeling off skates. Bring your own lock if you want to use the lockers. They don't just hand them out, and you don't want to be that person carrying a backpack while trying to maintain your balance on the ice.
The Summer Twist
Once the ice melts, the rink doesn't just sit there gathering dust. It transforms.
In the warmer months, it becomes a roller skating rink. It’s one of the few places in the city where you can lace up quads or blades and roll around under that same massive roof. The energy changes. It goes from the quiet intensity of winter to a high-energy, music-filled summer hangout. If you think ice skating is hard, wait until you try to stop on roller skates while a teenager zooms past you doing a dance routine.
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Realities and Nuance
I’m not going to tell you it’s perfect. It’s a state-run facility. Sometimes the ice isn't Zamboni-smooth every single second. Sometimes the lines at the rental counter move with the speed of a tectonic plate.
You also have to deal with the wind. Since the sides are open, the wind coming off the Hudson can be brutal. If it’s 20 degrees outside, it’s going to feel like 5 degrees on that ice. Dress in layers. If you wear a massive parka, you’ll overheat once you start moving. If you wear a light hoodie, you’ll freeze while waiting for your friends. A thermal base layer is your best friend here.
Also, let's talk about the smell again. People hear "wastewater treatment plant" and they freak out. The North River Wastewater Treatment Plant is actually underneath the park. Advanced odor control systems are supposed to keep it smelling like... well, nothing. 95% of the time, it works. Every now and then, if the wind hits just right, you might get a whiff of something "industrial." It’s rare, but it happens. Honestly, it’s a small price to pay for a massive park in the middle of a crowded island.
Planning Your Visit
If you're serious about heading up to the Riverbank State Park ice rink, here is how to do it right.
- Check the weather. If it’s a blizzard, they might close. If it’s 60 degrees in February (thanks, climate change), the ice might get soft.
- Bring thick socks. Rental skates are notoriously unforgiving. Your ankles will thank you.
- Cash and Card. Most things take card now, but the vending machines or small lockers sometimes require quarters or small bills. Being prepared saves you a headache.
- Explore the rest of the park. Don't just skate and leave. Walk to the western edge of the park for the best views of the Hudson. There’s a carousel nearby that’s oddly charming, and the sheer scale of the athletics complex is impressive.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
To make the most of your time at the rink, follow these specific steps:
- Arrival Time: Aim to arrive 20 minutes before a scheduled public session starts. The line for rentals can get long, and sessions are usually timed. You don't want to spend half your session standing in line.
- Safety First: If you’re bringing kids, helmets aren't a bad idea. The ice is hard, and the rink can get fast.
- Travel Light: There isn't a ton of secure storage for large bags. If you can, just bring the essentials in a small pack.
- Post-Skate Food: Don't just eat at the snack bar. Walk back toward Broadway and 145th. There are some incredible Dominican spots and coffee shops like The Chipped Cup that are perfect for warming up after a few hours on the ice.
- Verification: Call the park office at 212-694-3600 on the morning of your planned visit. Website updates can be slow, but the staff on the ground know if the refrigeration system is acting up or if a high school hockey game ran over its time slot.
The Riverbank State Park ice rink represents a side of New York that is increasingly hard to find: accessible, functional, and genuinely cool. It isn't trying to sell you a luxury experience. It’s just providing a place to glide over the Hudson, which, when you think about it, is pretty spectacular.
Pack your bag. Grab your gloves. Head uptown. The view from the ice is better than anything you'll find in Midtown.