The Omaha RiverFront’s newest attraction, the Skate Ribbon, is an exciting place to act like you know how to skate or make others aware that you are, in fact, a skater. Reservations are easy to make; renting skates is $5 for adults or you can bring your own skates. The line to check in and get skates moves quickly.
For starters, its location is phenomenal. While the area is busy and parking may be limited, public transportation like the ORBT bus is easily available directly outside the entrance. As you skate, you get spectacular views of the slow-flowing Missouri River and Omaha’s our fast-growing skyline. Its location also provides for plenty of other things to do before and after skating, like heading to the Kiewit Luminarium, roaming the many connected parks and playgrounds, visiting the Old Market for a bite to eat or shopping, and plenty more.
The Skate Ribbon itself is well-lit and maintained. Handles on the sides of the double figure– eight-shaped ice allow those of us who aren’t the strongest at skating to hold on for dear life. There are plenty of benches to take your skates on and off and appropriate space to leave your shoes at. It can get congested trying to get on and off the ice, but people will make space and you will be okay if you are polite about it.
Firepits and places to sit are also abundant in the Ribbon’s common areas and along the side of the ice. You can warm up and socialize with others while also taking a break from the ice (or avoiding it;, I won’t judge.) The other common areas in between the double figure eight are open ice areas, providing more space for tricks, dancing, playing, and hanging out.
The staff were friendly and nice, going around making sure everybody was safe and enjoying their experience. People were understanding if you were slow or needed to hold on the side railing the whole time. It was clear that friendliness could be found at the Skate Ribbon, adding to the magnificent experience.
I would highly recommend taking a chance to visit it for yourself, even if ice skating isn’t your thing. During the warmer months, the Ribbon becomes roller skating, so you don’t have to ice skate to visit if you wait a few more months. If you have the opportunity to visit, reservations and waivers can be completed on the RiverFront website.
