Pettit National Ice Center
Pettit National Ice Center: Milwaukee's premier Olympic training site for speed, figure skating, and hockey, offering public skate and leagues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother ice
Pettit National Ice Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother ice
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pettit National Ice Center: Milwaukee's premier Olympic training site for speed, figure skating, and hockey, offering public skate and leagues.
"One of the coolest ice skating rinks I've ever been to, offering access to the full oval track!"
🎯 Learn to Fall Safely
Essential for beginners! Knowing how to fall and get up safely prevents fear and aids progression.
🧤 Bring Your Own Gloves
Crucial for warmth and protection on the ice. Rentals are available, but gloves are a must-have.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Olympic Speed Skating Oval
Main Rink
Experience skating on the same oval where Olympic hopefuls train. A truly unique thrill!
Public Ice Skating
Main Rink
Enjoy ample space for recreational skating with friends and family. Fun for all ages!
Hockey Rinks
Two Dedicated Rinks
Catch local leagues or even find beginner-friendly hockey opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Public Skate
Gear Up for the Ice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Learn to Fall Safely
Essential for beginners! Knowing how to fall and get up safely prevents fear and aids progression.
🧤 Bring Your Own Gloves
Crucial for warmth and protection on the ice. Rentals are available, but gloves are a must-have.
🚶♀️ Grab a Skating Assistant
Especially for kids or first-timers, these walkers offer stability. Arrive early to secure one!
🎟️ Check Event Schedules
From World Cups to junior championships, see elite skaters in action! 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Learn to Fall Safely
Essential for beginners! Knowing how to fall and get up safely prevents fear and aids progression.
🧤 Bring Your Own Gloves
Crucial for warmth and protection on the ice. Rentals are available, but gloves are a must-have.
🚶♀️ Grab a Skating Assistant
Especially for kids or first-timers, these walkers offer stability. Arrive early to secure one!
🎟️ Check Event Schedules
From World Cups to junior championships, see elite skaters in action!
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking rows can be narrow; pay attention to directional arrows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Pettit National Ice Center for its affordability and the unique experience of skating on an Olympic-sized oval. Many cherish it as a nostalgic childhood spot and appreciate the ample space for public skating. However, some find the ice quality can degrade quickly during busy periods, and parking can be a bit tight. Accessibility for events other than skating has also been noted as an area for improvement.
"This place was a massive part of my childhood 25 years ago with friends, hockey, etc. Being able to visit from out of state and walk through the old locker rooms/dressing area then skate around the oval was such a good time. I love this place!"
Jake
"Didn't cost very much to skate, which is a plus. Theirs rentals for skates, hockey, or figure. They also have walker type things you or a child can use to help on the ice. When I went it was crowded, as a person that's never skated in my life, was a bit overwhelmed but tried my luck, did not get a walker, not sure where you get them from. The ice gets grooves in it pretty quickly with the number of people, making it a little more difficult. I really enjoyed it, just wish there weren't as many people all at the same time, did not want to fall on someone, or fall n someone else falls on me, especially the small kids. I will definitely go back just, hopefully, not as many people there. And I will bring gloves. The only thing I really didn't care for here was the parking setup. There should be arrows for up or down a row since the rows are narrow. They should also redo the ice more frequently than every 3 hours when theirs so many people, but I understand that everyone has to be off the ice for approximately 20 min for this each time. There are also 2 hockey rinks"
sandra
"One of the coolest ice skating rinks I've ever been to. Usually you just get one of the larger rinks for public skate, but here you get access to the full oval track. Lots of space to move around, and it's fun for all ages. Get to open skate early if you want one of those plastic skating assistant tools. Tons of winter family fun, and it looks like it's popular with more than just recreational skaters. This facility hosts athletes competing for a spot on the US Olympic speed skating team!"
Ryan Mackman, MBA, MHA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pettit National Ice Center is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Driving is the most common way to get there, with ample parking available, though Redditors note the parking setup can be a bit narrow. Public transportation options may be available; check local Milwaukee transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Yes, there is parking available at the Pettit National Ice Center. However, some visitors have noted that the parking rows can be narrow and suggest paying attention to directional arrows.
While the facility is primarily for ice skating, accessibility for other events has been noted as limited. Some visitors have observed a lack of automatic doors and limited handicapped parking, which can make access difficult for those with mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission for public skate is generally affordable, with skate rentals also available for an additional fee. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official Pettit Center website for the most current pricing information.
For public skate sessions, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times or weekends, to ensure entry and avoid disappointment. For special events like the ISU World Cup, purchasing tickets in advance is highly advised.
Open skate hours vary throughout the week and are subject to change based on events and ice resurfacing schedules. It's essential to check the official Pettit Center website or their social media for the most up-to-date open skate schedule.
Yes, skate rentals are available at the Pettit National Ice Center. You can rent figure skates, hockey skates, and they also offer walker-type assistants for beginners.
The Pettit National Ice Center frequently hosts major events, including international competitions like the ISU World Cup and junior championships. Check their social media and website for upcoming events and ticket information.
🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience
The ice quality can vary. For public skate, it can get grooved quickly due to high traffic, making it more challenging. For speed skating, the ice is maintained to specific standards for elite athletes.
Yes, the Pettit Center offers public skate sessions and skating assistants for beginners. TikTok creators also emphasize learning to fall safely as a crucial first step for new skaters.
The Pettit Center offers lessons and programs for various skill levels, including beginners. You can find information on figure skating, hockey, and speed skating lessons through their website or affiliated clubs.
The main rink is a large oval track, often used for speed skating and public open skate. The Pettit Center also has two dedicated hockey rinks for league play and practice.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use during public skate sessions. However, for professional or commercial photography, or during specific events, it's advisable to check the venue's policy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining options can vary, ice rinks often have concessions selling snacks and drinks. It's recommended to check the Pettit Center's website or contact them directly for current food and beverage availability.
Policies on outside food and beverages can differ. It's best to confirm with the venue's management before bringing your own food and drinks to avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in hockey, the center hosts leagues and games that can be exciting to watch.
🏒 Hockey Enthusiasts
Even if you're not playing, watching a hockey game at the Pettit Center can be an exciting experience. The atmosphere is often energetic, and it's a great way to appreciate the speed and skill involved in the sport.
🏅 Aspiring & Elite Skaters
+1 Athletes from around the globe train here, and you might even witness them practicing or competing. +1 The center offers opportunities for figure skating and hockey development as well, with various clubs and programs available. If you're looking to improve your technique, consider enrolling in lessons or clinics offered at the center. Coaches like Michelle Hong provide specialized training, even offering tips on advanced moves like the Axel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for Elite Athletes
Athletes like Jordan Stolz, a world champion speed skater, train here, preparing for Olympic seasons. +1 The facility also supports figure skating and hockey development, making it a vital center for winter sports in the United States. Beyond elite training, the Pettit Center actively promotes winter sports participation. They host various leagues, lessons, and public skating sessions, welcoming everyone from seasoned skaters to absolute beginners.
Recent events like the ISU World Cup and the U.S. Junior Team Cup highlight the center's role in showcasing top-tier talent and fostering the next generation of skaters.
+1 Whether you're there to watch Olympians or to enjoy a family skate, the atmosphere is often charged with the spirit of competition and athletic achievement. Navigating Public Skate
To make the most of your public skate, arriving early is a common tip, especially if you're a beginner or have young children. This increases your chances of getting one of the coveted plastic skating assistant tools (walkers), which can significantly boost confidence and stability on the ice.
While the experience is generally positive, some visitors have noted that the ice resurfacing might not happen frequently enough during very crowded sessions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit