Discovering Parade Ice Arena MN: Your Go-To Spot For Ice Fun

Elva Heaney 23 Jul 2025

When you're looking for a fantastic place to enjoy the ice in Minneapolis, the Parade Ice Arena, you know, often called the Parade Ice Garden, really stands out. It's a spot where, frankly, the chill of the ice meets the warmth of community spirit, offering a cool escape for everyone, whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out. This beloved arena has been a central part of the city's recreational life for a good long while, providing a wonderful setting for countless memories on the ice. It's truly a place that brings people together, and you'll find, more or less, something for every age and every skill level right here.

Located right on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, the Parade Ice Arena MN offers a unique blend of accessibility and a welcoming atmosphere. It's a very convenient location, especially for those living in or visiting the city, and it's quite easy to find your way there. You see, this arena isn't just about skating; it's about building connections, fostering a love for ice sports, and simply having a really good time with friends and family. It’s a pretty special place, honestly, and its prime spot makes it a real gem for the community.

The arena's history, you know, dates back to 1973, making it a well-established fixture in the Minneapolis landscape. It was, as a matter of fact, one of several important facilities that were either built or significantly improved during a big building period in the 1970s. This long-standing presence means it has seen generations of skaters glide across its surfaces, and it continues to be a vibrant hub for all sorts of ice activities today. So, it's not just a rink; it's a piece of local history, still very much alive and kicking.

Welcome to Parade Ice Arena MN
A Community Treasure Since 1973
Skating Opportunities for Everyone
Finding Your Way and Viewing Schedules
The Arena Experience
Beyond the Ice: The Surrounding Area
Frequently Asked Questions About Parade Ice Arena MN
Your Next Visit to Parade Ice Arena MN

Welcome to Parade Ice Arena MN

The Parade Ice Arena, sometimes known as the Parade Ice Center or Parade Ice Garden, is a truly special spot situated at 600 Kenwood Parkway in Minneapolis. It lies, in a way, right on the very edge of the downtown area, making it incredibly accessible for city dwellers and visitors alike. This location is, you know, pretty ideal, especially since it's so close to the famous Walker Sculpture Gardens and Art Center. It means you can easily combine a visit to the rink with some cultural exploration, which is actually quite nice.

This arena is more than just a building; it's a lively community hub where families and friends consistently gather to create lasting memories on the ice. You can just imagine stepping onto that glistening surface, feeling the crisp air against your cheeks, and, you know, enjoying the pure joy of gliding. It's a place where laughter echoes and, quite frankly, where the simple pleasure of skating takes center stage. This atmosphere is, in some respects, what makes it so appealing to so many people.

The arena itself is an indoor rink, tucked away in Parade Park, which is, basically, a larger area that also hosts the sculpture garden, ball fields, and tennis courts. So, it's part of a bigger recreational complex, offering a variety of activities for everyone. The design of the Parade Ice Center, you might be interested to know, included a small studio rink, which was a bit unusual for indoor ice rinks back then. This clever addition allowed for at least two different types of skating to happen at the same time, with, honestly, very little extra management needed. It's a pretty smart setup, you know.

A Community Treasure Since 1973

Erected in 1973, the Parade Ice Arena, you see, was a significant part of a citywide building boom that happened during that decade. It was one of several important facilities that were either established or enhanced to better serve the community. The decision to build at the centrally located Parade site was, actually, quite deliberate. The board, basically, wanted to provide ice services equitably for the entire city, making sure everyone had easy access. It was, in a way, a very thoughtful approach to urban planning.

The history of ice at Parade has a long story, with initial discussions about adding a sheet of ice to Parade Park going all the way back to 1966. That was even before ice was added to the old Minneapolis Auditorium, following the demise of the Minneapolis Arena. So, you know, the idea for this particular ice facility had been brewing for quite some time, showing a sustained interest in providing ice sports for the residents. It's a testament to, you know, how much the community valued these kinds of recreational spaces.

Today, the Parade Ice Garden, established in 1973, continues to be a very popular ice skating arena. It features, as a matter of fact, three rinks, which is pretty impressive, and even has a concessions area for snacks and drinks. This means there's plenty of space for all sorts of activities, and you can, honestly, spend a good chunk of time there without needing to leave for refreshments. It's quite a comprehensive setup, really, designed for convenience and fun.

Skating Opportunities for Everyone

The Parade Ice Arena hosts a wide variety of activities, catering to different interests and skill levels. You'll find, for instance, everything from hockey games to elegant figure skating sessions, and even seasonal indoor soccer and lacrosse. This versatility means there's almost always something happening, no matter what time of year it is. It's a truly dynamic space, offering a diverse range of sports and recreational pursuits for the community.

Adult Open Hockey and Figure Skating

For those who love to hit the ice, the venue offers open hockey, open figure skating, and open skating sessions for all ages on a monthly basis. This means, basically, that you can usually find a time to just drop in and enjoy the ice, whether you're looking for a casual skate or a more structured practice. The open hockey schedule, for example, is available, making it easy for adults to plan their sessions. It's a pretty flexible arrangement, you know, designed to accommodate busy lives.

When it comes to adult open hockey, it's a chance to get on the ice and play without needing to be part of a formal league. For figure skating, there's also a unique program that allows figure skaters to practice on their own or with a skating professional. This "pro ice" program, you see, offers dedicated time for serious practice. You don't, interestingly enough, need special skates or blades for it; just bring your scribe if you have one and enjoy the challenge. It's a very accessible way for skaters to refine their skills.

Pro's Ice: A Unique Program

The "Pro's Ice" program is offered directly through the rink office at Parade Ice Garden. It's a rather distinct opportunity for figure skaters to get specialized practice time. The schedule, price, and procedures for Pro's Ice are, as a matter of fact, set by the rink office itself, not by other organizations. So, if you have questions about this particular program, you should, basically, email the rink directly. It's a very specific offering for those looking to advance their figure skating abilities.

The cost for Pro's Ice is, you know, $14, and there are specific rules outlined in a PDF document for participants. This ensures that everyone understands the guidelines for these dedicated practice sessions. It's a pretty straightforward system, designed to provide a focused environment for serious skaters. So, if you're a figure skater looking for that extra edge, this program could be, arguably, just what you need to fine-tune your technique.

Skate School for All Ages and Abilities

The Parade Ice Garden also boasts a welcoming skate school that embraces skaters of all ages and abilities. So, whether you're a tiny tot taking your first wobbly steps on the ice or an adult looking to learn a new skill, there's a place for you here. Classes are held at the arena, located at 600 Kenwood Parkway, which is, basically, just a block west of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center. This makes it, you know, very convenient for families to attend lessons.

Learning to skate can be a truly rewarding experience, and the skate school provides a supportive environment for that. You can find out more about the different levels and programs available, ensuring you pick the right class for your needs. It's a pretty comprehensive program, really, designed to help everyone feel comfortable and confident on the ice. So, if you've ever wanted to learn to glide, this is, in a way, a perfect starting point.

Finding Your Way and Viewing Schedules

Getting to the Parade Ice Arena is quite simple, especially with its address at 600 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Parking is available and free, which is, honestly, a great perk. However, it's worth noting that parking can be limited during big events like hockey games or competitions. So, you know, it's a good idea to arrive a little early if you're coming for one of those busier times. It's a pretty standard situation for popular venues, really.

To view the schedules for Parade Ice Garden and other facilities like Northeast Ice Arena, you just need to click on the "schedules tab" in the top menu of their website. Then, you select the facility or program you want to view. Once you're on the calendar, you simply scroll down to see the times, which are shown on the left side. It's a very user-friendly system, designed to make finding information quick and easy. So, you can, basically, plan your visit without any fuss.

The arena is also the home rink for Minneapolis high school hockey teams, so you can often catch some exciting local games there. Visitors can, as a matter of fact, enjoy watching free hockey games from what are often described as the best bench seats. It's a great way to experience the energy of a live game without any cost. This is, you know, a pretty cool bonus for hockey fans in the area.

The Arena Experience

Stepping into the Parade Ice Garden, you'll find a lively atmosphere, especially during events. With three rinks, there's usually plenty of action happening, from practices to games to open skate sessions. The concessions area means you can grab a snack or a warm drink to keep you going, which is, basically, essential for a full day of ice activities. It's a pretty complete setup, really, ensuring visitors have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable time.

The arena is, you know, open year-round, which is fantastic for those who love ice sports no matter the season. It's one of the best ice skating rinks in Minneapolis, MN, and its consistent availability makes it a reliable choice for ice time. You can count on it being there for your skating needs, which is, in a way, a real comfort. So, whether it's the heat of summer or the depths of winter, the ice is always ready for you.

Beyond scheduled activities, the Parade Ice Garden often hosts special events. For instance, there might be performances, like those mentioned on Friday, May 2nd, at 7 pm, and Saturday, May 3rd, at 2 pm and 7 pm. These events, held at 600 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55403, add an extra layer of excitement to the arena's offerings. It's a pretty dynamic place, you know, always with something new to see or do.

Beyond the Ice: The Surrounding Area

The Parade Ice Garden's location is, honestly, one of its biggest assets. Being right next to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center means you have world-class art and beautiful outdoor spaces just a stone's throw away. You could, for example, enjoy a morning skate and then take a leisurely stroll through the sculpture garden, which is, basically, a perfect way to spend a day. It's a very convenient pairing of activities.

Parade Park itself, where the arena is situated, is a large and versatile green space. It's still home to the sculpture garden, as well as ball fields and tennis courts. There's also Spring Lake located on the west side of the park, and the Cowles Pavilion, which is, you know, another nice feature. The athletic fields even have lights, extending their usability into the evening hours. So, it's a pretty comprehensive park system, offering a wide range of outdoor fun.

During the winter months, Minneapolis Parks maintains dozens of free, public outdoor ice rinks across the city. While the Parade Ice Garden is an indoor option, it's good to know there are also outdoor choices available, like those in Bloomington, which opened its ice garden in 1970 with one rink. You can find locations, hours, maps, and maintenance info for these outdoor rinks through the Minneapolis Parks system, which is, honestly, a very helpful resource. Learn more about Minneapolis outdoor skating rinks on their site, if you're curious.

The Parade Ice Garden is also listed in comprehensive directories like Arena Guide, which features over 4,500 listings of arenas, indoor, and outdoor rinks in Canada and the US. This just goes to show, you know, its prominence as a recognized ice facility. It's a testament to its standing in the broader ice sports community, which is, basically, quite significant. So, it's not just a local favorite; it's a recognized venue on a wider scale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parade Ice Arena MN

How do I view the schedule for Parade Ice Arena?

To view the schedule, you simply need to visit their website and click on the "schedules tab" in the top menu. From there, you can select "Parade Ice Garden" or the specific program you're interested in. You'll then scroll down the calendar to see the available times, which are typically listed on the left side. It's a pretty straightforward process, designed to make planning your visit easy.

What types of activities are offered at Parade Ice Arena?

Parade Ice Arena offers a wide range of activities for all ages and skill levels. These include open hockey sessions, open figure skating, and general open skating times. They also host various activities like hockey games, figure skating events, and even seasonal indoor soccer and lacrosse. You can, for instance, often catch free high school hockey games there, which is a nice bonus. So, there's, basically, something for almost everyone who enjoys ice sports or even just wants to watch.

Is parking available at Parade Ice Arena?

Yes, parking is available at Parade Ice Arena, and it's free. However, it's important to remember that parking can be limited, especially during busy times like hockey games, competitions, or special events. So, it's a good idea to arrive a little early if you're attending a popular event to ensure you find a spot. This is, you know, pretty common for venues that draw a crowd.

Your Next Visit to Parade Ice Arena MN

Parade Ice Arena MN stands as a cherished community hub, a place where the joy of ice skating and the excitement of hockey come alive. It's a spot where, you know, families and friends gather, creating lasting memories on the glistening ice. With its rich history dating back to 1973, and its prime location near the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, it offers more than just ice time; it provides a complete recreational experience. So, whether you're looking to practice your figure skating, join an adult hockey game, or just enjoy a casual skate, Parade Ice Arena is, basically, ready to welcome you. You can learn more about upcoming programs and events on our site, and perhaps even find details about skate rentals and lessons for your next visit. It's truly a wonderful place to experience the magic of ice in Minneapolis, and you'll find, as a matter of fact, it's a very inviting atmosphere for everyone.

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