Outdoor Ice Skating

The City of Evanston is now using Rainout Line to keep residents informed when the outdoor ice rinks are open or closed.  There are a few different ways to use this resource:

• • Sign-up for Text/email alerts for any/all of the outdoor ice rinks
  • Download the free "Rainout Line" mobile app for iPhone or Android and search "Evanston Parks & Recreation"
  • Call 847-448-0034 to hear the status of the ice rinks

 Please check that the rink is open prior to departing.

  Outdoor Rink Status

Note: Indoor public skating is available at Robert Crown Center

Rink Locations:

• Baker Park, Forest Ave. at Keeney St. 
• Bent Park, Central St. at Cowper Ave.
• Leahy Park, Lincoln St. west of Ridge Ave.

General Information 

• It takes more than just a cold night and a lot of water to provide a good skating rink. It takes several days and nights of applying water during cold temperatures to have ice thick enough to skate upon.
• The ground temperature is also an important factor. The Public Works Department monitors frost depth and will make ice when conditions are appropriate and the forecast is for continued cold weather.
• Outdoor ice has imperfections and the condition of the ice can change quickly due to temperature changes, snowfall, etc. Please check the condition of the ice before you skate to make sure conditions are safe.
• Like all sports and activities, ice skating can be dangerous. By visiting the rink you are acknowledging such and are skating at your own risk.
• The outdoor ice rinks have plastic liners. If someone skates when the ice is too thin, the blades may break through the ice and cut the liner. If the liner is cut, water escapes and it makes it harder for crews to make ice.
• In the winter months, Public Works crews work on the rinks (when conditions are favorable), Monday through Friday. They do not work on holidays or the weekends. During snow events, their first priority will be the removal of snow from City buildings' parking lots, sidewalks, and paths. The outdoor rinks will be cleared after snow has been cleared from these facilities.
• We anticipate the outdoor ice season to be mid-December through mid-February depending on the weather.
• Please be aware that there are no attendants on duty to supervise rinks and shelter houses will not be open.

Northwestern University Outdoor Ice Rink

Northwestern University has a free outdoor ice rink on campus open to the public located at Norris University Center.  

The ice rink will be open daily (weather permitting) for the following hours:

• Sunday-Wednesday 12:30-10pm*
• Thursday-Saturday 12:30-11pm*
• Northwestern Ice Rink will be closed on 11/8/2017 until 5pm.

*The ice rink will close at 5pm on the following holiday related dates:

• November 22nd
• December 8th-January 6th (except where closed)

The ice rink will close for the season at 10pm on Sunday, February 25th.

The ice rink will be closed for University breaks on the following dates:

• November 23rd-November 25th
• December 16th & 17th
• December 22nd-January 1st

Additional closures may be necessary due to severe weather, or heavy snowfall.

Ridgeville Park District Outdoor Ice Rink

The Ridgeville Park District has a free outdoor ice rink open to the public at Kamen Park East, located at South Blvd. and Barton Ave.  For additional information, please contact the Ridgeville Park District.  

Pursuant to the City of Evanston Municipal Code (Section 7-10-4), tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding are prohibited at James Park. Please note that sledding is also prohibited on the James Park large center hill. All activities at James Park are at the user's own risk.

Any participant, person who assists a participant, and/or spectator assumes all risks for all damage or injury to persons or property arising out of sledding. Users assume full responsibility for determining if conditions are safe for sledding. Adults are responsible for supervising children in their care.

The City of Evanston is not responsible for any damages or injuries to any persons or property arising out of sledding, tobogganing, skiing, and snowboarding at James Park.

Please be aware that there are no attendants on duty to supervise the sled hill and the shelter house will not be open.