Skating on Summit

Saint Paul has its fair share of skating rinks at its rec centers. They usually have warming houses; some, like Groveland, even have their own zambonis; and of course, there's the skating rink set up off of Rice Park, by Landmark Center, for our own sense of Rockefeller Plaza. But, for the true old-fashioned neighborhood rink sense, nothing beats the small rink at Nathan Hale park.

We hit it today with a kindergartener with a new sense of skates, after feeling housebound with the recent spate of cold. Even on a beautiful winter day, it was quiet and peaceful. It had been shoveled somewhat, and not long after we arrived, a woman arrived who proceeded to skate about gracefully while clearing snow with the shovel she brought from home (a move that greatly impressed our daughter).

It's not a fancy rink. But there's a bench to tie on your skates, and a homey sense, and lots of neighbors walking by with their dogs, and great views. 

Highly recommended.