You’ve probably seen the photos. A winding path of ice, glowing under the towering Chicago skyline, looking like some kind of urban winter fairy tale. It’s the ice skating ribbon in Chicago at Maggie Daley Park. Most people call it the "ribbon."
Honestly, it's cool. It really is. But if you show up thinking it’s just a long, skinny version of the Millennium Park rink, you’re in for a surprise.
The ice skating ribbon in Chicago is essentially a quarter-mile "frozen lazy river" that winds through a landscape of pine trees and climbing walls. It's twice the length of a lap around a traditional oval rink. But here’s the thing: it’s not flat.
The Incline Nobody Warns You About
Most ice rinks are level. Not this one. Because it follows the natural (and man-made) contours of Maggie Daley Park, the ribbon actually has slight inclines and declines.
For an experienced skater, it’s a blast. You can pick up speed on the "downhills" without even moving your feet. If you’re a beginner? It’s kinda terrifying the first time you feel yourself accelerating toward a curve with no way to stop.
Don't panic. There are sturdy railings on both sides of the path. You’ll see plenty of grown adults clinging to those rails like their lives depend on it. No judgment here.
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Reservations are Not Optional (Anymore)
Gone are the days when you could just wander up to the fieldhouse and hop on the ice. Well, you can try, but walk-up availability is basically a myth on weekends.
The Chicago Park District releases tickets in blocks. For the 2025-2026 season, they’ve been dropping slots about every two weeks on Mondays at noon. If you’re planning a trip for late February, you need to mark your calendar for the February 2nd or February 23rd release dates.
Pro tip: If you want to skate for free, you’ve got to be strategic.
- Monday–Friday: The 11:00 am session is free if you bring your own skates.
- Weekends/Holidays: Only the 8:00 am session is free with your own gear.
- Otherwise: It’s $5 just to get on the ice if you have your own skates, or $17–$23 if you need to rent.
If you don't book online, you'll pay a couple of bucks more at the window. Plus, if the session is sold out online, they won't even sell you a walk-up ticket. It’s a total bummer to haul your family downtown just to be told "no."
The Penguin Situation
If you have kids—or you’re just really wobbly—you’re going to want a "skate aid." They have these plastic penguins and snowmen you can push around.
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They cost $11.
They are first-come, first-served. You cannot reserve them. If you’re in the 5:00 pm session on a Saturday, good luck getting one. People hoard them like gold. If you see one sitting unattended near the entrance, grab it immediately.
Logistics: Parking and Warmth
Don't even try to find street parking. It's the Loop. It's a nightmare.
The best bet is the Millennium Lakeside Garage. It’s right under the park. If you book your parking online via the Millennium Garages website before you arrive, you can often snag a rate around $15 or $16 for several hours. If you just drive in, you might pay double that.
The fieldhouse is the "hub." It’s where the lockers are.
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- Small lockers: $3
- Large lockers: $5
- Payment: Credit card only at the kiosks.
The lockers are for three hours. If you’re skating the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm session, that’s plenty of time. Just remember your locker number; they all start looking the same after a few laps.
When to Actually Go
If you hate crowds, avoid the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot. It’s the "date night" rush. It gets packed, the ice gets choppy, and the line for hot chocolate at the Rink Café becomes a test of human patience.
The 11:00 am session on a Tuesday? It’s a ghost town. It’s beautiful. You actually have room to move.
The ribbon is scheduled to stay open through March 8, 2026, weather permitting. Chicago winters are unpredictable. If it hits 50°F, the ice turns into a slushie. If it’s -10°F, they might close for safety. Check the Maggie Daley Park Twitter or website before you leave the house.
Real Talk: Is It Worth It?
Yes. Even with the crowds and the $11 penguins.
There is something about skating between the skyscrapers while the "L" train rumbles in the distance that feels uniquely Chicago. It’s better than the Millennium Park rink because it feels like a journey, not just a circle.
Just wear thick socks. Rental skates are notoriously stiff and "broken in" by a thousand other people. Your ankles will thank you.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Calendar: Look at the upcoming Monday at 12:00 pm CST to see if a new block of reservations is dropping.
- Book Parking First: Use the Millennium Garages website to secure a spot in the Lakeside Garage to save roughly 50% on the drive-up rate.
- Dress in Layers: The lakefront wind is no joke. Even if you get sweaty skating, that wind-chill will hit you the second you stop.
- Bring Your Own Skates: If you can, buy a cheap pair of used skates. They'll pay for themselves in two visits and you'll skip the rental line entirely.