Short history of Central Docks Skating Rink in Benton Harbor, Michigan explained and explored.

Central Docks Skating Rink is one of the lesser known and forgotten skating rinks in Michigan. Central Docks Skating Rink operated from Benton Harbor, Michigan from 1841 to 1917. This news article will give a short summary about the Central Docks Skating Rink.

Central Docks Skating Rink was a skating rink laid out and established in 1841 on Pipestone Street by the City of Benton Harbor. Here Central Docks Skating Rink was located parallel from Conrey’s Opera House and a grocery shop. There was another grocery shop located on the same block as the Now this skating rink was not an ice skating rink but was a roller skating rink instead. (Ref: Sanborn Map of Benton Harbor, Michigan from 1917)

Drake and Wallace rebuilt Central Docks Skating Rink into a roller skating rink in 1902. Central Docks Skating Rink survived for over 70 years. (Ref: https://mmm.lib.msu.edu/record.php?id=6405)

Central Docks Skating Rink ceased operating in 1918 due to lack of popularity and interest. A grocery shop and G.A.R Hall purchased the former Central Docks Skating Rink property in 1927. The grocery shop took over the skating rink later that year.

Central Docks Skating Rink was located at 1912 Pipestone Street, Benton Harbor, Michigan, US 49022.