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Recreation Activities

Ice Skating

Woman ice skating backwards on the frozen ice rink

Ready for a twirl on the ice? Lace up your skates and head to the lake at Independence Grove or the rink at Lakewood. Ice hockey is not allowed. 

The Lakewood rink is shallow and typically freezes earlier in the season than the lake at Independence Grove where a 4.5-inch layer is required for ice skating.


Hours and Locations 

When conditions allow, ice skating is offered at Lakewood in Wauconda and Independence Grove in Libertyville.

At Independence Grove, the designated skating area is open 6:30 am–sunset, daily. You'll find it in South Bay, adjacent to the Beer Garden. To access, bear right on the preserve road after the gatehouse, park in Lot A or B and follow signs to the Beer Garden. Map »

The Lakewood rink is part of a dedicated Winter Sports Area at that site, and is lighted, allowing for extended winter fun 6:30 am–9 pm, daily. It’s next to a sledding hill, so you can access two activities in one visit. Map »

Status Map

Check the status map below before heading out to the preserves. View larger map.

Winter_Activity_Map_Icons

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PHOTOS

  • Photo of a women ice skating
  • Photo of sun setting over a group of ice skaters
  • A couple holding hands while ice skating
  • Beautiful photo of the sunset over the ice skating rink

Images © Tim Elliott, Chip Williams