Lace Up! Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Skating in Cottage Grove

There is something magical about the sound of blades on an outdoor rink. If you are visiting Cottage Grove this season, you’ve picked the perfect time to experience a true Minnesota tradition.

The City of Cottage Grove maintains eight outdoor skating rinks, each equipped with a warming house to help you thaw out those toes. Whether you’re a seasoned hockey player or a beginner just trying to stay upright, here is your guide to hitting the ice like a local.

Where to Find the Rinks

With eight locations spread across the city, you’re never far from a sheet of ice. Grab your gear and head to any of these parks:

• Glacial Valley Park | 9900 Ravine Pkwy S
• Hamlet Park | 8883 Hamlet Ave S
• Hearthside Park | 8245 Hearthside Rd S
• Highlands Park | 6975 Idsen Ave S
• Old Cottage Grove | 7500 Langly Ave S
• Peter Thompson Park | 6327 Highland Hills Blvd S
• Pine Tree Valley Park | 8431 Indian Blvd S
• Woodridge Park | 9000 90th St S

Skating Hours

The warming houses are staffed and open for your convenience during the following times:

• Monday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Glacial Valley opens slightly later at 4:00 PM on weekdays.
• Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Know Before You Go: The Weather Rule

In Minnesota, the weather can be unpredictable. To keep everyone safe and the ice in top shape, warming houses may close unexpectedly.

Warming houses will close if:

• The air temperature drops to -10°F or lower.
• The wind chill reaches -25°F or lower.
• Warm weather has softened the ice (making it unsafe/slushy).
• Heavy snowfall hasn’t been cleared yet.
• There are an insufficient number of skaters after 7:00 PM.

Cottage Grove’s outdoor rinks are a fantastic way to embrace the “Bold North” spirit. So, bundle up, grab your skates, and we’ll see you on the ice!