Winters in Ann Arbor can be downright brutal! There are many ways to get rid of the winter blues and enjoy the outdoors (yes, even in the cold weather). Sledding is one such activity that has become a favorite among those in Michigan.
Once the winter snows hit Ann Arbor, you have tons of options for places to go sled. Most of these places are within or just right outside of the Ann Arbor area. So, instead of letting the winter blues get the best of you, get outside and enjoy a good sledding session. Not only will you enjoy it, but your kids will have the time of their lives as well!
1. Veterans Memorial Park
Location
2150 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Veterans Memorial Park is located in the west Ann Arbor and can be found in the cross streets of Dexter Ave, N Maple Rd, and Jackson Ave. It is about a 10-minute drive from the Ann Arbor city center.
Cost
Free.
Hours
N/A
More Info
This 36.7-acre park features two phenomenal sledding hills that will give you the ride of your life. Both hills are quite steep and offer a fast and exhilarating ride to the bottom. The hike back up the hill can be a little tiring but the ride down always makes it worth it!
This hill is pretty intense and may not be super suitable for the little ones, especially if it gets icy. That being said, this is a beloved hill by many Ann Arbor locals and can get quite busy. There is normally enough room for everyone to have their chance to sled.
Even though there is not an official “walking back up the hill area”, most of the hiking traffic occurs on the side of the hill near the tree line and baseball field.
Additional Things to Know
When it comes to facilities, Veteran’s Memorial Park has got you covered. They have on-site bathrooms in the ice rink that are open for anyone to use. In addition to that, Memorial Park is a great place to get out and do other activities besides sledding.
There is an ice rink that is open from September to May and in the summertime, you can take advantage of the swimming pool, baseball fields, tennis courts, skate park, and various picnic areas. This is one sledding location that you will not want to pass up this winter!
2. Burns Park
Location
1300 Baldwin Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
This sledding spot is located in the southwestern part of Ann Arbor, right next to Burns Park Elementary School. To give you perspective, it is only a 3-minute drive (south) from the University of Michigan.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open 24/7.
More Info
Every winter you can find a crowd of sledders sliding down a fairly steep man-made knoll that has affectionately been named “Magic Mountain”. Locals cannot get enough of this wonderful sledding area which provides a short but decently fast ride. The hill itself can be found at the southern end of Burns park right next to the tennis courts.
In addition to great sledding, this hill comes with a view. From the top of the little hill, you can see much of the city and you get a great view of Michigan Stadium.
Additional Things to Know
Burns Park also offers a small warming shelter and restrooms for you and your kids to warm up in after a long sledding session.
After you are done sledding you can unwind up by grabbing a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate at Caribou Coffee which is located nearby (Stadium and Packard).
3. Huron Hills Golf Course
Location
3465 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Huron Hills Golf Course is located in eastern Ann Arbor on the banks of the Huron River. It is fairly close to the University of Michigan’s northern campus.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open from 7 am to 10 pm.
More Info
Ask anyone who has gone sledding in Ann Arbor where the best place to go is and I can almost guarantee that they will say Huron Hills. Huron Hills may be a golf course in the Summer, but in the winter it turns into a sledders paradise.
Many people refer to this sledding spot as “the mother of all sledding hills!” This is because Huron Hills Golf Course truly does have the best hills in Ann Arbor.
This sledding spot has tons of hills to choose from, so there is literally something for everyone. If you are feeling adventurous, I’d check out a hill that is past the main hills and you will find a sand trap and some awesome jumps that will allow you to get some air.
Huron Hills Golf Course is great for any sledder! Due to the variety of hill sizes, you can pick one that will be perfect for you and your kids. It can get a little bit picked, but there is no need to fret. This sledding spot is so big that it never feels too crowded.
Additional Things to Know
If you are feeling a little cold you can make your way over to the clubhouse and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. There is also a Panera Bread right down the street.
4. Slauson Middle School
Location
1019 West Washington Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
In just 5 – 7 minutes west from the center of Ann Arbor, you will find a hill right by Slauson Middle School on Crest Street.
Cost
Free.
Hours
N/A
More Info
This sledding hill is located in a residential area and has a tendency to attract much of the neighborhood on a good snow day. The hill is long and has a gentle slope. It is perfect for the kiddos to slide down!
Additional Things to Know
There are no restrooms at this sledding hill. If you need a place to warm up or use the restroom, downtown Ann Arbor is just minutes away. There are plenty of restaurants in that area. Be sure to dress warm and sled safely!
5. Leslie Park
Location
2900 Leslie Park Cir, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Leslie Park is located northwest of downtown Ann Arbor and is right across from the Leslie Park Golf Course.
Cost
Free.
Hours
N/A
More Info
Leslie Park offers some beautiful scenery and magnificent views. The main sledding hill in this park overlooks the golf course and much the countryside. As far as sledding goes, the hill offers an enjoyable ride that will have you and your family climbing back up for one more ride.
Additional Things to Know
Another great thing about Leslie Park is that its parking area is conveniently located near the sledding hill. It also is near the Leslie Science & Nature Center, which also has some great sledding spots in it as well.
6. County Farm Park
Location
2230 Platt Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48104
This sledding spot is located in southeastern Ann Arbor near the Huron Hills Golf Course (which was mentioned earlier). You can find the park left of the shopping area.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open daily from 8 am to dusk.
More Info
County Farm Park is a 127-acre plot of land that is made up of various rolling meadows and woodlands. The park itself is quite beautiful. When the snow accumulates in the winter months, the meadows become great places to sled down.
There aren’t very big hills in this area; therefore, it is a good spot to bring little kids to.
Additional Things to Know
This park is also a great place to do various snow play activities, such as, building a snowman or have a good ole’ fashioned snowball fight.
7. Rolling Hills
Location
7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Rolling Hills is about 25 – 30 minutes southwest of Ann Arbor in the town of Ypsilanti. It is located right across from Hewen’s Creek Park.
Cost
There is a fee at the park’s entrance. It cost $6 per car for county residents and $10 per car for non-county residents.
Hours
Rolling Hills is open 8 am to 9 pm from Memorial Day-Labor Day and 8 am to dusk from Labor Day – Memorial Day.
More Info
Some argue that Rolling Hills is better than Huron Hills Golf Course but I’ll let you be the judge of that. Within the park, you will find a large 275-foot long hill that is located behind the Lodge Building.
This hill is sure to get your adrenaline pumping and will leave you wanting to sled it again and again. There is also a large flat area at the bottom that is sure to offer you a slow and safe stop. In addition to that, sledders can safely walk back up to the top on designated paths located on both sides of the hill.
Rolling Hills may be a bit of a drive if you are coming from Ann Arbor, but I promise it is totally worth it. It not only has a great sledding hill, but it also offers amenities such as restrooms, parking, and a warming hut. You will not regret spending a couple of hours sledding in this area.
Additional Things to Know
Rolling Hills also offers two-hour tube and toboggan rentals at just $1.50 during the weekdays and $5 during the weekends. The park also has 3 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and dogs are allowed in the park but must be leashed.
For information on other features and activities that are offered by the park, you can read the park’s brochure.
8. Hunt Park
Location
1035 Daniel St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Hunts Park is a 5-minute drive from downtown Ann Arbor. It is kitty corner to Bluffs Nature Area in the cross streets of Sunset Rd., Daniel St., and Spring St.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
More Info
Hunt Park’s secret to being a great sledding area is its geography. It is located in a long valley which not only provides some top-notch sledding but also gives a great view of the city. This 7-acre park provides sledders with a long and enjoyable ride that leaves them grinning from ear to ear.
Additional Things to Know
This sledding spot has a small shelter with a restroom that you can use if the need arises while sledding. In addition to that, you can relax after sledding on one of the various benches or picnic tables that are located throughout the park.
9. Mill Pond Park
Location
565 W Bennett St, Saline, MI 48176
Mill Pond Park is a 25-minute drive southwest of Ann Arbor and is located in a town called Saline.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm.
More Info
If you are looking for a nice and relaxing spot to go sledding, Mill Pond is the place to go. It features a good sized sledding hill that is can be found in the northeast corner of the park. Be sure to bring your own sleds and dress warmly.
Additional Things to Know
Not only is Mill Pond Park a great place to enjoy a sledding session, but it is also great for enjoying the scenic beauty of the outdoors. During the wintertime, this place turns into a winter wonderland.
I highly suggest stopping by Mill Pond (a small pond located in the eastern part of the park). Be sure to bring your camera so that you can capture some pictures of your family and the beauty of the area.
10. Riverside Park
Location
2 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
This sledding spot is located in the city of Ypsilanti, which is 20 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor. The park is on the banks of Huron River near the Ypsilanti Historical Museum.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Daily from 5 am to 11 pm.
More Info
This sledding spot is a little off the beaten path but is worth the 20-minute drive (if you are coming from Ann Arbor). The park features a couple of short but steep sledding spots. It is a great place to bring your friends and family and offers something for everyone.
Additional Things to Know
Riverside Park is super close to downtown Ypsilanti and has tons of places to eat. After you are done sledding I suggest stopping by Cultivate Coffee and Tap House or Sidetrack Bar and Grill.
11. Wurster Park
Location
525 W Madison St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Wurster Park is located fairly close to downtown Ann Arbor. You can find the park and sledding area just southwest of the center of the city off of Madison St. and 3rd St.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
More Info
This small but fun hill park offers some great places to go sledding. There is one impressive hill that has been attracting sledders for years. It is not uncommon to see a good-sized group of sledders enjoying the hill on a decent snow day. This hill is sure to entertain anyone who decides to slide down it!
Additional Things to Know
Be sure to bring your four-legged friends here too! Wurster Park is dog-friendly and is a good place to visit in the summertime.
12. Buhr Park
Location
2751 Packard Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
This sledding spot is located in southwestern Ann Arbor and is right across from Mary Beth Doyle Park.
Cost
Free.
Hours
N/A
More Info
If you are looking for a sledding spot for the little ones, this is the place to bring them. Buhr Park has many hills to choose from, however, there is one main hill that is not super steep and offers a mellow ride. This park is a great place to introduce the kiddos to sledding and is sure to be a wintertime favorite for them.
Additional Things to Know
In addition to sledding Buhr Park also has an ice rink worth checking out. You can also go cross-country skiing on a few unpaved trails throughout the park. This is a one sledding destination you will not want to skip over this winter!