Looking for opportunities to enjoy these wintry days? Ice skating may be just that niche! Whether on an outdoor rink or in the comfort of an arena, ice skating provides exercise and an opportunity to have fun with family or friends.
In Two Harbors, the City Recreation Department has run an open skate program since at least the late seventies, City Recreation Director Tim Reppe figures. Now 56 years old, he remembers skating back in grade school. They rent time from the Lake County Arena, which is run by Jesse Lundgren. At the end of the year, the Youth Hockey Association donates some free ice time to the open skate program as well.
The indoor ice begins in late October and ends in early March. The season for the outdoor rinks is determined by the weather. The usage fee for the indoor ice is $1.00 per skater for an hour session, whereas the outdoor ice is free to use. Skates used to be available to rent, but that part of the program has since been discontinued. Young children are requested to have an adult skate with them.
Two outdoor rinks are also operated by the City of Two Harbors and maintained by Jim Gilbert, the city crew, and the Youth Hockey Association. The outdoor rink behind the Lake County Arena, Hockey Rink, is, as its name suggests, open for playing impromptu games of hockey. Another rink is maintained at Odegard Park in uptown Two Harbors; this one just for skating, no hockey.
Silver Creek has a small outdoor rink. Beaver Bay has an outdoor ice rink and warming house on MacDonald Avenue, north of Highway 61. This rink is maintained by citizen volunteer Jim Korpi.
Silver Bay features both an indoor and outdoor rink, located at Rukavina Arena. The indoor rink has two open skate sessions a week, on Sundays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The cost is $3 per session, $25 for an individual pass, or $40 for a family pass. Skate rentals are available, as are trainers for the indoor rink – walker-like skating aids for beginners. The warming house for the outdoor rink is open daily from noon to 10 p.m.
In Tofte, an outdoor ice rink and warming shack is open daily at Birch Grove Community Center. Grand Marais has ice rinks at its community center and Gunflint Lodge.
No matter where you are, you can get out and enjoy these chilly winter days on the ice!
