Campus Martius Park Rink Claims Top Spot in USA TODAY National Rankings for Second Year

The skating rink at Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit has captured the title of best ice skating rink in the nation. USA TODAY readers voted it number one for the second year running. Wednesday brought news when the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards revealed winter category winners.

USA TODAY pointed to views of the city skyline right in the heart of downtown. Both locals and Olympians have glided across this ice.

Frankenmuth Ice Rink in Zehnder Park grabbed the No. 4 position. Two Michigan spots made it into the top 10.

Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon in Chicago finished second. Roc Holiday Village Ice Rink in Rochester, New York, took third place. The UPMC Rink at PPG Place in Pittsburgh completed the top five.

The awards process works like this: a panel of experts makes nominations, USA TODAY editors review those choices, and then the public votes. Four weeks of voting determines the winners. Over a month of public input decided these results.

Olympic figure skaters performed at the Detroit location during the 2025 Detroit Tree Lighting event. Skaters with all kinds of abilities have used the facility throughout the season.

Michigan scored well in other winter categories too. The state had two places ranked for the best holiday historic home tour. Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester came in at No. 3, and Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores landed at No. 4. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak made No. 10 for the best zoo lights. America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit ranked No. 2 for the best holiday parade.

Campus Martius Park stays open through Jan. 4. Hours run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday? The rink operates from 11 a.m. until midnight, as per Freep.

A two-hour pass costs $9 for children 12 and under and seniors 59 and over. Adults pay $12. Active military, first responders, and Bank of America cardholders can get discounts. Skate rental runs $6, or you can check your own skates for $2.

The Frankenmuth facility at 784 South Main St. is open through Feb. 28, 2026. General day admission costs $10. Skate rental for hockey and figure skates adds another $3, as shared by Freep.