All aboard for skating in the station

Michael Sadowsky

Staff Writer

Succinctly put, the Depot in downtown Minneapolis is a unique place to ice-skate. In fact, the historic train shed-turned ice rink was recently named one of the top ten best places in the United States to ice skate by USA Today.

The Depot ice rink is built inside of the historic Milwaukee Road Depot that was originally constructed in 1899. Its most distinctive feature is the stunning floor to ceiling glass windows that let in the natural sunlight. Looking out the windows offers sights of downtown Minneapolis, particularly the Minneapolis skyway. Other distinctive features are its original oak-paneled roof, original artwork, and historic photographs.

According to Kory Kingsbury, the sales director of the Depot’s ice rink and water park, the ice rink is about the same size as a regulation hockey rink, approximately 85 feet wide by 200 feet long. It’s surrounded by a gate and six inches of soft-rubber paneling.

Kingsbury says that the skating rink itself is able to hold up to two hundred skaters, but the building can accommodate many more. For people not on the ice, there are heated seating areas, restrooms, concessions, tables and chairs, a bench area for people to sit and tuck away their shoes, and arcade games. Lockers for extra storage are available for rent.

Although ice-skating is traditionally thought of as a winter activity, patrons get away from the cold weather while skating at the Depot. Kingsbury said that the temperature inside the building is kept at around 50 to 55 degrees. This allows patrons to wear light clothing while on the ice. “Last week I saw a guy in a t-shirt,” commented Kingsbury.

Nighttime is perhaps when the Depot’s ice rink is prettiest. After the sun goes down, Kingsbury said that the rink’s regular lights are turned down and disco lights are turned on. The lit-up skyline is visible through the windows.

“It’s a fun place to take a date,” said Jen Elliot, an occasional visitor to the rink. She also said that “it’s romantic, unless [the rink] is too crowded.”

The rink can get crowded, “especially around the holiday season,” said Kingsbury. Arriving at opening times would be the best way to avoid crowds and have a more quiet skating experience.

The story of the Depot is an interesting one. According to the Depot’s website, www.thedepotminneapolis.com, rail service to Minneapolis ended in 1971. The buildings remained mostly dormant until 1998, when the CSM Corporation bought the land and buildings. A major renovation project, completed in 2001, resulted in what is now the ice rink and two hotels, (including 23 historic suites, a water park, Charley’s restaurant and the Stone Arch Bar, and rooms to accommodate meetings and events).

The construction of the rink occurred partly out of necessity, explained Kingsbury.

“There weren’t many [rinks] in the downtown area, compared to other big cities,” Kingsbury said.

The decision to build it seems to have been a very good idea. Besides its top ten rating by USA Today, it was also voted as the “best place to ice skate” by City Pages in 2002 and 2003. It was even named “Minneapolis’ Most Romantic Spot” by Rick Nelson of the Star Tribune on Jan. 17, 2003.

Due to previously scheduled reservations, The Depot’s skating rink is open to the public during the weekends until Christmas week. For people looking for something to do over the holidays, it will be open every day starting Dec. 21 until Jan. 5, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. In addition, Kingsbury said that there will be a special midnight New Year’s Eve countdown celebration held in one of the meeting rooms. He also mentioned package discounts for people wishing to make use of the Depot’s accompanying hotels, water park, or other facilities.

The Depot is located at 225 3rd Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. Complete schedules, pricing information, contacts, and more is available at www.thedepotminneapolis.com.