Think you can't enjoy the outdoors as the temperatures drop and snowflakes fly? Think again. Lace up your boots, zip up that coat, and pull on some gloves before heading outside for these five fun activities.
Ice Skating at Howard Park
Howard Park in South Bend is home to a state-of-the-art 16,000-square-foot ice trail and pond that weaves its way around an accessible playground and fire pits. There are also fun activities like broomball. We highly recommend making reservations in advance and planning to attend a specific session. Ice skating season is from November 29, 2024, to March 2025.
Session Start Times
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4 p.m. | 6 p.m.
- Friday: 4 p.m. | 6 p.m. | 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 6 p.m. | 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 a.m. | 2 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 6 p.m.
Ice Skating at Ironworks Ice Rink
Winter means the crisp sound of skates meeting ice takes over at Ironworks Ice Rink in Mishawaka. And that's not the only thing you can do at this sparkling new facility. Ice bumper cars and Icebyks are also sure to deliver a good time.
Skating, bumper cars, and the Icebyks need to be booked online in advance. Make sure you do so — Ironworks Ice Rink should be on everyone's winter must-do list.
Cross Country Skiing
One of the best ways to explore in the snow is on a pair of skis. And there are a couple of places to do it.
Trails open for skiing on Dec. 26 and close on March 10, snow conditions permitting. There are over six miles of groomed trails that take you all over the park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays with ski rental available.
Although there is no equipment rental at Potato Creek State Park, more than eight miles of trails are available to skiers when there's snow on the ground.
Snowshoeing
Don’t let a little snow keep you from taking to the trails. Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the splendor of winter at St. Patrick's County Park, where you can rent shoes and hit the trails that are specifically set aside for snowshoeing.
Trails are open for snowshoeing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays from Dec. 26 to March 10 (snow conditions permitting).
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Tubing Around The Bend
St. Patrick's County Park offers a popular tubing hill. Tubes are provided and there are supervisors at the hills to make sure everyone has a good time. No personal tubes, sleds, or toboggans, just so you know. You can also book a private party and have the hill to yourself. Hills are open daily from Dec. 26 to Jan. 7 then weekends only Jan. 13 through March 3, snow conditions permitting. Hours are noon-5 p.m.
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park will be open daily from Dec. 26 to Jan. 7 and weekends only from Jan. 13 to March 3. Hours are noon-5 p.m.
You can also find tubing hills at George Wilson Park in Mishawaka. It's open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Tubing is available at Potato Creek State Park as well.
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