{"id":3181,"date":"2018-01-24T09:00:21","date_gmt":"2018-01-24T15:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=3181"},"modified":"2023-09-22T17:00:02","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T22:00:02","slug":"ice-skating-at-centennial-lakes-in-edina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/ice-skating-at-centennial-lakes-in-edina\/","title":{"rendered":"Ice Skating at Centennial Lakes in Edina | An Unbelievable MN Night"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Centennial Lakes Ice Skating is the only place to ice skate in the Twin Cities. Ok, there are a few other locations but if you are looking for someplace magical, you need to check this out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ice Skating in Minnesota is a national pastime. In my opinion, there is only one place to go, Centennial Lakes in Edina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, you could go to the local ice rink in your hometown, but that\u2019s only a frozen pond or man-made rink. Their warming house rarely extends more to a series of benches in a cold feeling room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Centennial Lakes skating rink is so much more. It\u2019s an adventure in the middle of a city. Centennial Lakes is a romantic date spot<\/a> and a magical oasis all in one. It is the only place I will skate anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Centennial<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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\"Skating<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Centennial Lakes Ice Skating Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using the man-made\u00a0Centennial Lakes ponds<\/a>, this rink consists of\u00a03 ponds<\/a>, connected by a canal system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrounding the rink is their park, apartments, and office buildings. Head out there on a winter’s night, and it becomes magical lit up by a glowing cityscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the next best thing to see Christmas Lights around the city<\/a>. The skating facility is designated just for ice-skating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No hockey can be played there so there is no one to intimidate those just learning to skate. This makes it perfect for younger kids during the day or a romantic date when night comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring the Pond<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Closest to the warming house is where you will find the most amount of traffic. It’s filled with younger kids practicing their skills on the ice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking to gain a little speed, I recommend taking the channel towards the South Park pond. Once there, you\u2019ll have plenty of free space to explore. Or go the length of the rink and get a good workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Date<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Ice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some sections of the pond, the ice was as clear as glass. Looking down you could see all the way to the bottom including bubbles that formed in the ice. It is amazing yet terrifying all at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t always want to be reminded of what\u2019s below me. This ice is formed when the weather gets cold quickly and a year with limited snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Warming House<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After spending time skating, head into the warming house and sit down next to the fire with a hot chocolate or other warm beverage. The warming house also has skate rentals, a big bathroom facility, and a snack bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Things to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How much does it cost to skate at Centennial lakes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The public ice-skating rink at Centennial Lakes is free. If you don’t have skates, you can rent a pair for $6. They have children\u2019s sizes 8 and up, and adults’ sizes available. They also rent out Ice Sleds for $8 per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Free parking can be found anywhere around the lakes, but the best place I found to park is at Plaza Shops and Restaurants, on the lower level near the old Chucky Cheese. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll get the closest access to the warming house. They provide easy access to the pond from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the weather, they are open Mid December\u2013Mid February, M-Th 4-9:30 and F-Sat 10-9:30. Sundays and School Vacations 12-9:30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for your visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bring your own skates. Yes, you can rent them, but depending on the day, you may find yourself waiting in a long line to get them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I ended up getting my kids a pair of adjustable skates on Amazon<\/a> because it was nearly impossible to find them in the stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n