Published May 13, 2026 | Updated July 16, 2026

Since it opened in 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the skate ribbon at Heartland of America Park several times. While I haven’t quite built up the courage to take on skating, something I haven’t done in decades, my son and wife always seem to have a blast.

Before heading to the skate ribbon, drop by the yellow building near the entrance of the park at 8th and Farnam Street. This is the place where you can rent skates, if needed, and fill out a waiver. From there, you’re free to slide over to the 300-foot skate ribbon.

The ribbon was built as a four-season attraction that offers roller skating when it’s warm and ice skating when it isn’t. Within the continuous loop are smaller interior rinks that offer a more traditional skating experience and give beginners a chance to get the hang of it.

While much smaller in scale, the skate ribbon draws its inspiration from the Maggie Daley skate ribbon in Chicago. It features both a sound and lighting system, which directs the flow of traffic. By now, you may be asking how it stays frozen on those winter days when the temps rise above freezing. A chiller pushes glycol through lines beneath the ribbon, freezing the surface and keeping it cool even when temperatures climb.

The skate ribbon has been a big draw since it opened three years ago. Even if I’m not one of them, it’s helped many adults rediscover their love for skating, something many of us haven’t done since Skateland and other skate rinks closed.

I’ve seen it for myself. The rink is designed for all levels of skaters, so whether it’s something you’ve never done or you want to dust off those old skates and give it a whirl, it’s worth a visit. Or just go to watch the kids whiz past you as you cling to the railing.

Access to the skate ribbon is free for anyone who brings their own skates. Otherwise, rentals are available at $5 for adults and $4 for kids 12 and under. Keep in mind that all skaters must reserve a slot ahead of time and sign a waiver before they skate. The hours during my visit were Mon.-Thu. from 4-9 p.m., Fri. from 2-10 p.m., Sat. from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, check out its website at https://theriverfrontomaha.com/visit-the-riverfront/heartland-of-america-park/.

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Sources

• Omaha World-Herald archives
• Heartland of America Park – The RiverFront
• Heartland of America Park skate ribbon taking shape along Omaha riverfront
• Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront – OJB Landscape Architecture