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There’s Nothing More Special Than An Evening On This Natural Ice Skating Rink In Wisconsin

Chip Wulff Memorial Pond offers a unique and free ice skating experience in Minocqua Winter Park, Wisconsin.

Updated Nov 13, 2022

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

This winter, ditch the run-of-the-mill rinks, escape the crowds, and live out your ice skating dreams at Chip Wulff Memorial Pond! Frozen over during the cold months of winter, it's the perfect place to glide around on skates or slide around in snow boots. And since it’s part of a winter park, it's surrounded by amenities. Take a look at how fun ice skating in Wisconsin can be:

One of the most popular XC Ski Centers in the Midwest, Minocqua Winter Park is the perfect place to partake in all your favorite winter activities.

Sign for Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center, surrounded by snow-covered trees.
Minocqua Winter Park/Google

Among other things, the park’s seemingly endless perks include cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails, fat bike trails, snow tubing, and an ice skating pond.

A person ice skating on a snowy pond surrounded by trees, with a cloudy sky and sunlight peeking through.
minocqua.org

Throughout the season, dedicated volunteers tend to the pond, which is officially known as Chip Wulff Memorial Pond, ensuring it’s ready for ice skaters.

A wooden kiosk at Chip Willet Memorial Pond, surrounded by snow and trees, with a frozen pond in the background.
Minocqua Water Park/Facebook

A nearby well allows for quick re-surfacing of the ice, while a snowblower allows for the pond to be easily re-opened after each snowfall.

Two people ice skating on a snowy path surrounded by trees in a winter landscape.
Minocqua Water Park/Facebook

Unlike many ice skating rinks, there’s no charge for visiting the ice skating pond at Minocqua Water Park.

A wooden donation box labeled "Ice Pond Donations" near a frozen pond where a person skates in winter attire.
Alexa Carbajal/Google

The skates are free, too. However, there’s a limited supply, so if possible, you should bring your own.

Three people ice skating on a frozen pond surrounded by snow-covered trees on a sunny day.
minocqua.org

And when you need a break from skating, you can head to the Chalet, which is right next to the pond and features restrooms, a ski shop, café, and a lounge area with a wood stove, books, and board games.

A snow-covered building surrounded by flags from various countries under a clear blue sky.
Minocqua Winter Park/Facebook

Boasting the idyllic setting of a natural ice rink along with the perks of a park, Chip Wulff Memorial Pond is a (picture) perfect spot for some wintertime fun!

A snowy landscape with bare trees, a frozen pond, and a small wooden structure in a forested area.
Minocqua Winter Park/Facebook

For more information, call Minocqua Winter Park at (715) 356-3309. You can also visit the park’s website or Facebook page.

So, did you know about this magical skate spot? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Know of another great place to ice skate? Tell us in the comment section.

Looking for another wonderful winter adventure? Take a look at this gorgeous frozen waterfall in Wisconsin!

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