Winter recreation is officially returning to the Motor City, marking the start of the holiday season for residents and visitors alike. As temperatures drop, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and the Clark Park Coalition are preparing to welcome thousands of skaters to Detroit’s most prominent ice rinks: The Rink at Campus Martius Park and the collaborative community rink at Clark Park in Southwest Detroit.
For decades, Detroit ice skating has served as a cultural anchor during the colder months, driving foot traffic to local businesses and providing affordable outdoor activity. With the 21st annual tree lighting ceremony set to inaugurate the season at Campus Martius, city officials and organizers have released updated hours, pricing, and operational details for the 2024-2025 winter season.
The Rink at Campus Martius Park: Downtown’s Winter Centerpiece
Located at the intersection of Woodward and Michigan Avenues, The Rink at Campus Martius Park is widely considered the premier destination for winter tourism in the city. Managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the rink typically draws over 100,000 visitors annually, serving as a critical economic driver for the surrounding Monroe Street Midway and downtown restaurants.
According to the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the rink will officially open to the public immediately following the Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony. The season generally runs through early March, weather permitting.
2024-2025 Pricing and Admission
For the current season, pricing reflects a tiered structure similar to previous years, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the facility’s high maintenance standards. Tickets are sold in person at the rink.
- Adult Admission: $12.00
- Child Admission (12 and under): $9.00
- Senior Admission (59+): $9.00
- Military & First Responders: $8.00
- Skate Rental: $6.00
Operating Hours
The DDP has established hours that cater to both the after-work crowd and weekend families. However, residents should note that hours are subject to change during holidays.
Standard Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Midnight)
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Midnight)
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Clark Park: A Southwest Detroit Gem
While Campus Martius offers a skyline view, Clark Park in Southwest Detroit offers a distinctly community-focused atmosphere. Operated by the Clark Park Coalition in partnership with the City of Detroit, this rink serves as a vital recreational hub for local youth and hockey programs.
Clark Park is unique in that it operates a regulation-sized outdoor hockey rink, which allows for competitive play as well as open skating. The atmosphere is generally less crowded than the downtown core, making it a preferred option for serious skaters and local families residing in the Mexicantown and Hubbard Farms neighborhoods.
According to the Clark Park Coalition, their programming focuses heavily on youth development. They provide low-cost or free skating lessons and hockey equipment to neighborhood children, a mission supported by various local grants and donations.
Clark Park Hours and Rates
Clark Park typically opens its ice later in the season than Campus Martius, depending on weather conditions to maintain the ice quality, though recent upgrades to refrigeration systems have helped stabilize the schedule.
Admission: Historically, admission at Clark Park is free for youth participating in programmed activities, with nominal fees for public open skate sessions (often ranging from free to $5, with skate rentals available for a small fee). Residents are encouraged to check the Clark Park Coalition’s weekly schedule updates as rink availability fluctuates around hockey practice schedules.
Impact on Detroit Residents and Local Economy
The return of the skating season is more than a recreational convenience; it is an economic necessity for the city’s “Winter in Detroit” strategy. By activating public spaces during the coldest months, the city combats the traditional dip in retail and restaurant patronage.
Local business owners in the immediate vicinity of Campus Martius report significant revenue spikes on nights when the rink is active. “The skating rink transforms the energy of the district,” said a manager of a nearby Woodward Avenue eatery. “It turns a time of year where people usually stay inside into a time where they come downtown to spend money.”
For residents, these rinks provide critical “third places”—social environments separate from home and work. Read more about the development of Detroit’s public spaces here.
Accessibility and Transportation
With high attendance expected, transportation officials are advising visitors to utilize the QLINE or the People Mover to access the downtown rink to mitigate parking congestion. For Clark Park, street parking is available along Vernor Highway and Clark Street.
The city has also emphasized safety protocols for the season. Both locations will have attendants on-site, and skate walkers are available for beginners. Visitors planning to skate at Campus Martius during peak times, such as Saturday evenings, should plan for potential wait times for skate rentals.
What Happens Next?
As the rinks open, the city is also rolling out associated winter markets and pop-up dining experiences to complement the skating. The goal is to create a cohesive winter district that encourages prolonged visits.
Residents interested in joining hockey leagues or learn-to-skate programs should register immediately, as slots at Clark Park specifically fill up quickly due to high demand from local schools. See our full coverage of Detroit community youth programs here.
Whether choosing the bright lights of Campus Martius or the community spirit of Clark Park, Detroiters have robust options for winter recreation this season.
