How Much Does a Backyard Ice Rink Cost in Minnesota?
If you live in Minnesota, chances are you’ve dreamed about stepping out your back door and skating on your own rink. Backyard ice rinks are a winter tradition across the state, giving families a place to skate, play hockey, and spend more time outside during the cold months.
But one of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
How much does a backyard ice rink actually cost?
The answer depends on the size of the rink, the materials used, and whether you build it yourself or hire a company. In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs of backyard ice rinks in Minnesota so you can decide what option is right for you.
Cost of Building a DIY Backyard Rink
Many Minnesota families build their own backyard rinks using wood boards and a liner. While this can be affordable, there are still several materials required.
Typical DIY Rink Costs
Liner:
$100 – $300 depending on size
Lumber or boards:
$200 – $800
Brackets and fasteners:
$50 – $200
Water usage:
$20 – $100
Total DIY cost:
$400 – $1,400+
However, DIY rinks require:
Several hours (or days) of setup
Leveling the yard
Managing flooding and ice maintenance
Spring teardown and storage
For many families, the time commitment becomes the biggest challenge.
Cost of a Backyard Ice Rink Kit
Rink kits are a popular middle-ground option. These kits include pre-built brackets, boards, and liners designed specifically for backyard rinks.
Typical costs:
Small rink (20x40): $1,500 – $2,500
Medium rink (30x60): $2,500 – $4,000
Large rink (40x80): $4,000 – $6,000+
The advantage is a cleaner look and easier installation, but you still need to handle setup and maintenance yourself.
Cost of a Professionally Installed Backyard Rink
A professionally installed rink is the most convenient option. A rink company handles the entire process:
Installation
Liner setup
Flooding
Maintenance
Spring removal
In Minnesota, professionally installed rinks typically cost:
$4,000 – $8,000+ depending on size and options
Factors that affect price include:
Yard slope
Rink size
Board height
Lighting
Maintenance services
This option is ideal for families who want a reliable rink without spending hours managing ice.
Renting a Backyard Ice Rink
Another option growing in popularity across Minnesota is seasonal rink rentals.
Instead of buying the equipment, you rent a rink for the winter. The company installs the rink in early winter and removes it in spring.
Typical rental prices:
$1,500 – $4,000 per season
Rental rinks are great for families who:
Want to try having a rink before buying
Don’t want to store equipment
Prefer professional installation
Factors That Affect Backyard Rink Cost
Several factors influence how much your rink will cost.
1. Rink Size
Bigger rinks require more boards, larger liners, and more water.
Common backyard sizes include:
20×40
30×60
40×80
2. Yard Slope
Uneven yards require taller boards and additional setup time.
3. Board Height
Higher boards are better for hockey but cost more.
4. Lighting
Adding lights can extend skating time during Minnesota’s long winter nights.
5. Maintenance
Keeping the ice smooth requires occasional flooding and snow removal.
Is a Backyard Ice Rink Worth It?
For many Minnesota families, a backyard rink becomes the center of winter life.
Instead of spending evenings indoors, kids can:
Practice hockey
Skate with friends
Play pickup games
Get outside every day
Many parents say their backyard rink becomes the most used “toy” they’ve ever purchased.
A Simpler Option for Minnesota Families
If building and maintaining a rink sounds overwhelming, some families choose to rent a professionally installed rink for the season.
With a rental rink, everything from installation to removal is handled for you — so the only thing left to do is lace up the skates.
(Internal link idea: Backyard Ice Rink Rentals in Minnesota)
Final Thoughts
Backyard ice rinks in Minnesota can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on how you build them.
But regardless of the setup, one thing stays the same:
A backyard rink turns winter into something kids look forward to.
And in a place like Minnesota, that’s hard to put a price on.