The winter season in Detroit just got even more magical with a national recognition that highlights the city’s ability to bring people together through shared experiences. The Rink at Campus Martius Park, located at the center of Detroit’s bustling downtown, has been named the No. 1 ice skating rink in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024. This accolade is more than just a title—it’s a reflection of the vibrancy, creativity, and communal spirit that Detroit continues to embody.
Detroit’s Campus Martius Park has long been a crown jewel of the city, but The Rink, presented by Visit Detroit, has elevated its status as a must-visit destination during the winter months. For locals and visitors alike, it is more than an ice-skating rink; it is an emblem of Detroit’s resurgence and cultural significance. Managed and operated by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and maintaining world-class public spaces, The Rink welcomes nearly 100,000 skaters each year and plays a central role in drawing more than 2.5 million visitors to Detroit during the winter season.
David Cowan, chief public spaces officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership, spoke to the uniqueness of this space. “The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit offers a truly unparalleled ice-skating experience, and being named the No. 1 ice skating rink in the country is a testament to its charm,” he said. His words underscore the power of a shared vision to create spaces that are more than visually stunning—they are deeply meaningful to the communities they serve. The Rink’s dazzling holiday decorations, including Detroit’s iconic towering Christmas tree, combine with sweeping views of the downtown skyline to create an atmosphere that feels both festive and uniquely Detroit.
The recognition from USA Today’s 10Best comes as no surprise to the many who consider The Rink an integral part of their winter traditions. This isn’t just about skating; it’s about celebrating Detroit’s culture, its people, and the ways the city continues to thrive. As Cowan noted, “The Rink captures the magic of Downtown Detroit during the winter season. We’re proud to provide a destination that brings people together and showcases the best of our city.”
Spanning 7,200 square feet, The Rink has grown over its 21-year history into a destination that attracts not only families and casual skaters but also elite athletes and mission-driven events. Olympic and U.S. champion skaters like Nathan Chen, Meryl Davis, and Charlie White have graced its ice with world-class performances, offering inspiration to aspiring skaters and delight to spectators. Equally significant, the rink has hosted events such as the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation’s Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer show, which blends the joy of skating with the mission of raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
The Rink is also a place for love stories and life’s most intimate moments, with hundreds of marriage proposals taking place on its ice each year. For many couples, the sparkling holiday decorations and the warm glow of the cityscape provide the perfect backdrop to say “yes.” This year, a new energy-efficient chiller ensures that the skating experience remains smooth and enjoyable, even in unpredictable weather. These updates reflect a commitment to sustainability and excellence that resonates with Detroit’s ongoing efforts to innovate while preserving its rich traditions.
Adding to the allure of The Rink is the recently introduced CHALET 313, designed by Gardner White. This glass-enclosed, two-story heated lounge offers visitors a cozy retreat to soak in the festive atmosphere of Campus Martius Park. Overlooking the rink, Detroit’s iconic Christmas tree, and the city’s skyline, the CHALET provides a space to relax and enjoy holiday cocktails, hot cocoa, and snacks with loved ones. It’s a thoughtful addition that reflects the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s vision to create spaces that invite connection and celebration.
The process of selecting the Best Ice Skating Rink in the country involved careful curation by a panel of travel experts for USA Today’s 10Best. Editors narrowed the field to a final list of nominees, which were then voted on by the public. This community-driven process makes The Rink’s victory even more significant, as it reflects the voices and votes of those who have experienced its charm firsthand.
While the accolades are exciting, they also bring a sense of responsibility to continue fostering an environment that celebrates Detroit’s vibrancy and resilience. The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s efforts to maintain and elevate The Rink each year align with a broader mission of creating public spaces that bring people together, spark joy, and reflect the best of what Detroit has to offer. Cowan’s remarks capture this ethos: “From enchanting holiday decorations, including a towering Christmas tree, picturesque views of the city skyline and the new CHALET 313 designed by Gardner White that overlooks The Rink, there is an undeniably special vibrant ambiance.”
Recognition like this isn’t just about national validation. It is about highlighting what those in Detroit already know: this city is a place of beauty, innovation, and community. The Rink stands as a symbol of all three. Whether it’s through a joyful skate under twinkling lights, a quiet moment sipping hot cocoa in the CHALET, or witnessing the artistry of Olympic champions, visitors to Campus Martius Park experience the magic that Detroit brings to life each winter.
This winter, The Rink at Campus Martius Park continues to welcome families, friends, and visitors to experience its undeniable charm. Open daily through March 2, 2025, it remains a centerpiece of Detroit’s winter festivities, reminding all who visit that Detroit is more than just a city—it is a community that thrives on connection, resilience, and joy. As people lace up their skates and glide onto the ice, they become part of a legacy that reflects the best of what Detroit has always been: a city of possibility, perseverance, and pride.
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