Remembering Lou Dennis Rink

CEDAR RAPIDS - As the temperature drops, snow begins to fall and the snow plows return, people crank up the heat and tend to stay within the warmth of their homes.

We haven't always withdrawn to the confines of our homes once the temperature dips below 32 degrees, however. We don't have to watch snow fall and then melt again before making our way back into the outside world. It may be bleak, but if you look at it from the right perspective, it could just turn out to be a winter wonderland.

Since before 1930 people have braved the elements and found a way to maintain their sanity over the winter months thanks to places like Robbins Lake in Ellis Park. It became a popular attraction, transitioning from a beach in the warmer weather to a prominent destination for all things winter.

Whether you were an avid speed skater, hockey player, figure skater or just wanted to enjoy the ice, Lou Dennis Ice Rink was the place to be. You could skate on an outdoor rink to the sound of live music, then warm up next to a fire in the warming house.

This historic Cedar Rapids location is full of history, much of which has gone undocumented. In an effort to piece together the history of this site, our Iowa BIG group is researching the ice rink once located in Ellis Park. We are looking for any information or photos about the ice rink - from its warming house, activities, stories, pictures, etc.

If you have any information to help with this project, contact Nate Pruett at npruett@iowabig.org.

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