All Our Favorite Places To Ice Skate In Omaha
From outdoor skating to skating on ice named in honor of a hockey legend, the Omaha area is home to several ice skating rinks that allow open or public skating on a regular basis. Here’s a breakdown of Omaha’s favorite ice rinks.
Updates: This post was written in 2019 and has been updated in December 2025.
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Where to ice skate in Downtown Omaha
The Omaha Skate Ribbon was unveiled in the summer of 2023 at Heartland of America Park in downtown Omaha (look for it near the corner of Eighth and Farnam streets). For most of the year, it’s for roller skating. However, in early December, the ribbon is transformed into an ice skating space.
Skate rentals are a minimal fee, and it’s free to skate around the ribbon. You will need to sign a waiver, though.
Where to ice skate in Midtown Omaha
Motto McLean Ice Arena honors its namesake’s love for the ice by offering family specials, which include skate rentals, ice time and a drink. You can also bring your own skates to the Omaha Parks and Recreation arena on South 45th Street. McClean has Holiday Skates over winter breaks that make things even more affordable (see schedule here).
FYI: Motto McLean was a Canadian hockey player whose professional career brought him to Omaha, where he was a member of the Knights minor league team. He lived in Omaha for several years.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center usually hosts outdoor ice skating each winter, depending on weather. This year, it will run from Dec. 12, 2025 through Feb. 22, 2026. UNMC and other University of Nebraska system students and employees, as well as patients and their families, can skate for free with identification. The public can also skate for a small admission fee.
The rink, which is located between 40th and 42nd streets and Dewey and Emile streets, allows you to bring your own skates.
One of the newer indoor ice skating facilities, Grover Ice Arena offers public skating in addition to its hockey and broomball leagues. Bring your own skates or rent theirs for a nominal fee. You’re sure to have a fun time skating on the ice at the former Scoco Supply building, near 60th Street, off of Interstate 80. Grover Ice also offers skating lessons for people interested in learning to ice skate.
Baxter Arena, home of the UNO Mavericks’ hockey team and other sports, occasionally offers public skating.
Where to ice skate in Ralston
The Ralston Arena is home to the Omaha Lancers juniors hockey team. The Lancers have long been a power in the United States Hockey League. The arena has also hosted the Curling World Cup in 2018.
Ralston Arena hosts open skating for the public throughout each month. You’ll want to check the arena’s website for dates and times, as well as admission fees. Bring your own skates and enjoy an hour or more on the ice.
West Omaha ice skating
The newest outdoor ice skating option is Winterland at Heartwood Park, which also happens to be the only free option for ice skating. Winterland opens in early November each year. This year’s season ends Feb. 1, 2026. Ice skating and skate rentals are free, courtesy of Applied Underwriters. I recommend reserving your skate session, even if it’s free. Walk-ups are accommodated but on busy nights, you may have to wait.
Tip: Winterland will have a few themed nights in December, including some with visits from Santa.
The Tim Moylan Tranquility Iceplex boasts NHL- and Olympic-sized ice sheets, which present an outstanding opportunity for young hockey players to develop their skills. The iceplex is also home to outstanding figure skating facilities. The Moylan Iceplex offers more than 1,500 hours of open skating for the public. Skate rental is included with your admission. While you’re spending time at the ice rink, grab refreshments or something to eat at their concession stand.
Tip: From experience, the Tranquility Iceplex is also a popular choice for birthday parties.
Ice skating near Omaha
Located near Ashland, Neb., just off Interstate 80, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is home to a large outdoor ice skating rink. Requiring a state park permit or a daily pass to enter, Mahoney offers an opportunity to enjoy a day outside skating and then checking out other activities at the park. The rink does have a $2 admission fee and skate rentals are $3 per person.
The season runs from early December through March. Check before you go, though. The ice rink was getting an upgrade in late November and they have not announced when they would be opening for the 25-26 season.
After spending time on the ice at Mahoney, you may want to check out sledding, ice fishing or cross country skiing at the park. Bring your own equipment.
Related post: Guide To Mahoney State Park In The Winter
About the author
Tim Trudell is a freelance writer in Omaha, who cowrites The Walking Tourists blog with his wife, Lisa. Together, they have authored “100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die” and “Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha.” He has also written articles for the Omaha World-Herald and Omaha Magazine.
