Imagine a bigger gift box and then inside it a smaller gift box. That is what the United States and Chicago are. Taking another step about the topic we are discussing, the giant box is the Millenium Park, and inside it is the small gift called the McCormick Tribune Plaza Chicago. All in one place with gardens, cool artwork, places to relax and have picnics is what can be filled in the small box.
Chicago’s journalistic legacy McCormick Tribune Plaza is a tribute to Colonel Robert McCormick and Joseph Medill. The park plays a dual role in summers and winters. It’s an outdoor dining destination in summer, and in winter, it’s a famous rink.
Whooshing With the Skates at McCormick Tribune Plaza Chicago
Address: 1 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
Phone: +1 312-742-5222
Website: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
It transforms into one of Chicago’s largest ice rinks during winter, drawing over 100,000 skaters every year. It’s free and open to the public.
Admission to the McCormick Tribune Plaza Chicago
It starts in November and goes all the way to March. Although the admission is free, you should grab the online reservation tickets to secure the spot because the place gets as popular as it can in the skating season. Every reservable ice skating session is about 90 minutes from Monday to Sunday. People under 18 will only be allowed to skate with proof of reservation and age.
The ice rink is open depending on the weather. Every day is perfect, but sometimes mother nature has other plans. So, check Millennium Park’s Facebook or Twitter pages for any closures due to weather.
But wait, there’s more! During summers, it becomes an outdoor dining venue on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets. Doesn’t that give that perfect summer evening breeze to enjoy the plaza and the night?
Learn to Skate at McCormick Tribune Plaza Chicago
You can even learn to skate here. McCormick Tribune Plaza and ice rink provide free skating lessons, but reservations are required for this as well. Teaching beginner, intermediate, and advanced skating of any age, be it ice skating or hockey skills. Skate rental is free. The free skate lessons run from 9-10 am, mostly on Saturdays and Sundays.
Food and Drinks McCormick Tribune Plaza Chicago
After a tiring skating class or session, the need for extra fuel is important to keep the self going. Because McCormick Tribune Plaza Chicago is a part of Millenium Park Plaza, the choice of food and drinks is available only at the Momentum Coffee and Millenium Hall, which is right next to the skating rink.
Pro Tips
- There are few skate aides available for rent. Try bringing your own.
- If you carry any personal items, note that the storage is limited.
- Lockers are available but at a cost of $2.
- The session capacity is limited hence try reserving 2 weeks in advance.
- There is no waitlist.
- Cancellation of the sessions can only be done through emails.
In Conclusion
McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink Chicago is a masterpiece. It’s a whopping 200 by 80 feet of skating space with rounded corners and a skating surface of over 15,000 square feet. Accessibility through wheelchairs (manual and electric) is available, so everyone is welcome on the ice. It doesn’t matter whether you are in Chicago in winter or summer because the place has both offerings. So make sure to visit here for a wonderful ice skating experience in Chicago.
