Gliding Through Winter: The Best Ice-Skating in Omaha

Last updated Dec 11, 2025 | Things to Do

Written by Kristyna Engdahl

If you’re looking for the best places to go ice skating in Omaha this winter, there are a mix of outdoor attractions, seasonal rinks and reliable indoor venues to enjoy this season. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night or just want to enjoy a classic wintertime activity, these Omaha ice rinks offer accessible and memorable ways to get on the ice.

Winterland at Heartwood Preserve: Omaha’s Premier Seasonal Ice Experience

Location: 301 S 145th St, Omaha, NE 68154
Season Dates: Open through February 1, 2025
Hours: Vary by day
Notes: Free skate rentals provided courtesy of Applied Underwriters
Website: https://heartwoodomaha.com/winterland/

Winterland at Heartwood Preserve continues to be one of Omaha’s most atmospheric seasonal attractions. The rink’s festive setting, complete with twinkle lights and a village-like backdrop, makes it a favorite winter outing for families and groups.

Winterland at Heartwood Preserve offers some of the best free ice-skating in West Omaha.

Skates are provided at no charge, thanks to support from Applied Underwriters, which makes the experience easy and accessible for anyone who wants to try skating on a whim.

Winterland also offers cheerful, community-focused programming such as Ugly Sweater Fridays, themed nights and seasonal entertainment, creating an experience that feels fresh each time you visit.

The RiverFront Skate Ribbon at Heartland of America Park

Location: 800 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102
Season Dates: Late November through February (weather-dependent)
Notes: Reservations required; skate rentals $5 adults / $4 kids
Website: https://theriverfrontomaha.com/heartland-of-america-park/

This winding outdoor skate ribbon brings a modern, scenic option to downtown Omaha’s winter offerings. Skaters enjoy views of The RiverFront, festive lighting and proximity to restaurants and attractions in the Old Market. Reservations help manage traffic on the ice, creating a smooth, enjoyable skating experience.

In the summertime, the Skate Ribbon welcomes roller skaters, transitioning to ice once winter weather sets in. Like most outdoor Omaha ice-skating options, its season depends on temperature, but it has historically extended through February.

UNMC Ice Rink: A Longstanding Midtown Favorite

Location: 42nd & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198
(Just north of the Student Life Center)
Season Dates: Open through February 22, 2025
Hours: Friday–Sunday; additional weekday hours vary
Notes: Outdoor and weather-dependent; skate rentals available
Website: https://www.unmc.edu/cfhl/resources/ice-rink.html

The UNMC Ice Rink is a beloved winter tradition in Omaha thanks to its affordability, approachable atmosphere and central location. Families, students, and casual skaters appreciate its classic outdoor experience — one that feels nostalgic and community-oriented. The rink’s simplicity and charm make it a top pick for anyone who wants an easy, no-frills afternoon on the ice.

Grover Ice Rink: Omaha’s Year-Round Indoor Skating Hub

Location: 6171 Grover St, Omaha, NE 68106
Season: Open year-round
Skate Rental: $9 adults, $7 kids, $8 seniors
Public Skate Schedule: Offered multiple days each week; check the online calendar for exact times
Website: https://www.groverice.com/

Grover Ice Rink provides one of the most consistent places to skate in Omaha, with dependable indoor ice and frequent open skate sessions. Rather than listing the full weekly schedule — which changes for holidays, special events, and competitions — the most user-friendly approach is to direct skaters to the facility’s live calendar for the most accurate times.

Whether you’re practicing technique, learning to skate or visiting during open skate hours, Grover Ice Rink offers a family-friendly environment ideal for all skill levels.

Baxter Arena Community Rinks (Holland Ice): Quality Indoor Ice for All Levels

Location: 2425 S 67th St, Omaha, NE 68106
Public Skate: Generally offered on weekends; check Baxter’s events calendar for updates
Admission: $15
Skate Rental: $5
Website: https://www.baxterarena.com/holland-ice/public-skating/

Baxter Arena’s Holland Ice rink is known for its high-quality ice and well-maintained facilities. Public skate times rotate based on the arena’s hockey, figure skating and UNO athletics schedule, so checking the calendar is essential. For skaters who appreciate smooth ice and a more performance-oriented setting, it’s a reliable indoor option.

Finding Your Perfect Ice-Skating Experience

Whether you’re planning a downtown ice-skating outing, looking for a festive seasonal attraction or prefer the reliability of an indoor rink, Omaha offers options for every kind of skater.

From the charming seasonal atmosphere at Winterland, to the picturesque downtown experience of The RiverFront Skate Ribbon, to year-round opportunities at Grover and Baxter, the city’s skating scene is diverse, welcoming and a great way to enjoy winter in Omaha.

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About the Author


Kristyna Engdahl

Kristyna Engdahl is an Associate Vice President at Hurrdat, where she contributes to both the Hurrdat ONE and the Hurrdat x Lukas Partners teams. Her work focuses on strategic communication, community storytelling and helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Through Hurrdat ONE, she supports efforts to rethink how Omaha receives local news and information—aiming to make it more accessible, engaging and community-driven.

Before joining Hurrdat, Kristyna served as Vice President of Communications for the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), where she was a spokesperson for venues including CHI Health Center, Charles Schwab Field and The RiverFront. She managed public communication for major events and redevelopment milestones like groundbreaking ceremonies and ribbon cuttings.

Kristyna’s background also includes nearly a decade in broadcast journalism, with reporting and anchoring roles at KETV NewsWatch 7 in Omaha and KNOP-TV in North Platte. That experience continues to shape her approach to storytelling, media relations and connecting with the community.