On the eastern edge of Forest Park, The Glade sits amid mature trees and winding waterways. Tucked into the landscape, Steinberg Skating Rink is a beloved gathering place, both charmingly quiet and wonderfully alive.
A community-driven project is underway to restore the rink and reimagine its 22.5-acre surroundings as a destination for every season. The area is set to reopen before the end of the year – just in time for another season of ice skating in St. Louis!
“As we talked with the community, we saw an opportunity to do more than restore an attraction people know and love,” Dominik Jansky, director of communications and marketing at Forest Park Forever, explains. “We could also reimagine how people experience this part of the park. New splash pads and cascade fountains have summer appeal, while elevated food and beverage options that go well beyond concession stand classics will give people a reason to visit year-round.”
At rink level, a fast-casual café will serve drinks and bites, with a bar for skaters and spectators alike. Above, a chef-led restaurant will bring a more refined dining experience to the rooftop terrace, complete with views of the Central West End skyline.
Surrounded by the warm glow of crackling fire pits and the playful twinkle of overhead string lights, Steinberg Skating Rink remains the centerpiece of The Glade in winter. Skaters glide across the ice while onlookers gather nearby to warm their hands, sip something toasty and take in the scene. The atmosphere makes a compelling case for the season on its own, but a fresh dusting of snow would be the finishing touch – and in St. Louis, it’s not entirely out of the question.
“Today, The Glade’s thoughtfully designed amenities and Forest Park’s natural beauty come together in a destination that people can enjoy every day,” Jansky says. “The goal is to create a space that serves a wide range of needs and continues to thrive for another 150 years, even as trends come and go.”
Steinberg Skating Rink might be the largest outdoor rink in the Midwest, but it isn’t the only place to hit the ice this winter. Lace up your skates, show off your moves and glide into more frosty fun at these St. Louis-area rinks.
Winterfest
Beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, Gateway Arch Park Foundation transforms downtown St. Louis into a glittering playground for the holidays. At the heart of Winterfest, an outdoor ice rink welcomes everyone from wobbly beginners to seasoned professionals for a little winter magic. Traveling with kids? Little ones can skate for free every Friday, courtesy of the St. Louis Blues.
Centene Community Ice Center
Want to skate among the stars? Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights offers public skate sessions almost every day. General admission is $12, with $5 skate rentals available. During the regular season, hockey fans can also catch St. Louis Blues practices for free, getting a closer look at the speed, skill and hard work that go into every win.
Webster Grove Ice Arena
If you’re looking for a low-key skate without the big holiday crowds, head to the Webster Groves Ice Arena, a welcoming indoor community rink with regular public skate sessions. After a few laps on the ice, keep the outing going with a bite to eat at nearby favorites. Wake up with artisanal brews at 23 West Coffee, grab bagel sandwiches at Bagel Union, dig into wood-fired street food at Balkan Treat Box or wind down with craft cocktails at Off Elm. It’s a local recipe for a delicious day, Webster Groves-style.
Kirkwood Ice Arena
Shred the ice at Kirkwood Ice Arena, where year-round public skate sessions make it easy to squeeze a few laps into any itinerary. New to skating? Youngsters can use skating aids to find their footing, while aspiring figure skaters can practice their jumps and spins. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to downtown Kirkwood for a casual lunch at Honey Bee’s Biscuits and Good Eats, Lona’s Lil Eats or Salt + Smoke. If you prefer to fuel up before lacing up, start with breakfast at Spencer’s Grill, a historic Route 66 haunt.
