13 Perfect Sledding Spot Near Detroit


sledding spots near Detroit Michigan
best sledding in detroit
best sledding near Detroit Michigan

Instead of hibernating in your house this winter, you can take the edge of the chilling weather by sledding. There heaps of hills to choose from in the Detroit Metro area and surround areas like Ann Arbor, Franklin, Northville, and Milford.

These exciting hills aren’t too far from home and will give you and your family an excuse to go outdoors and enjoy the winter wonderland that Michigan becomes. To top it off, the majority of these hills are free and only require you to dress warm and bring a sled! So instead of snuggling back up in your blanket, try one of these thirteen perfect sledding spots.

1. Beverly Hills Village Park

Location

18801 Beverly Road Franklin, MI

Beverly Hills Village Park is located 25 minutes northwest of downtown Detroit in the Beverly Hills neighborhood.

Hours

Daily 8 am to 10 pm

Cost

Free.

More Info

This 34-acre park offers two wonderful hills to sled on.

One hill is very large and offers a ride of a lifetime for those who like to go fast. Just to mention one of the really nice things about the hills in Beverly Hills Village Park is that they are quite wide as well and allow a lot of room for sledders.

The other hill the park is a little less steep and is a lot of fun for the little ones who want to join in on the action as well. This hill is the west section of the sledding hill. It has somewhat of a plateau halfway down the hill and then drops again until it reaches the bottom.

Another incentive for visiting this park is the fact that there are not just opportunities for sledding but also for other winter activities.

There are some great areas for cross-country skiing and snowboarding is also permitted on the sled hill.

In addition to that, there are various events throughout the winter that you can attend. Every year there is a Winter Family Fun Day and includes ice skating, a snow cave the kids can explore, winter golf, winter softball, snacks, and warm drinks.

Things to Know

The biggest/main sledding hill is located about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot. Be prepared to walk a bit.

Also, it is important to note that a forest is located just 30-feet from the steepest hill. Be careful when sledding and avoid going into the forest on your way down.

2. Shiawassee Park

Location

Shiawassee Park is located 30 minutes west of Detroit in a suburb called Farmington. The park is between Farmington Rd and Power Rd.

Hours

9 am to 10 pm

Cost

Free.

More Info

This beautiful park is one of the most popular sledding areas in Oakland County. It offers a 300 to 400-foot hill that is perfect for all age groups. The snow-covered hill is a blast but it is also known for being safe. You can go all out and be comfortable knowing that you will be able to stop at the bottom.

Peace of mind can make a trip much more enjoyable.

The hill is also set up in a way that makes climbing back up a lot easier. There are walking paths with fences that assist in the hiking back up process.

Because of its popularity, Shiawassee Park can get pretty crowded when conditions are really good. It is a good idea to arrive a little bit early to beat the crowds.

Things to Know

Parking is easiest if you find a spot at the school administration building or the bus garage near the hill.

3. Cass Benton Park

Location

18951 Northville Road Northville, MI

This spot is located about 35 minutes from Detroit and is right off of I-275. It is just north of Plymouth in the Northville area.

Hours

7 am to dusk

Cost

Free.

More Info

Cass Benton Park is one of the oldest sledding areas in the Hines Park area. People have been sledding at this park since the 1920s. People enjoy it as much now as they did back then.

Cass Benton is a hilly park with various sledding spots. The best spot is the massive Cass Benton Hill. This hill will have you flying down it with a big grin.

Things to Know

Cass Benton Park is also known for its numerous picnic areas too. So bring your sled and a snack to chow down on.

4. Kensington Metro Park

Location

4570 Huron River Parkway Milford, MI

Kensington Metro Park is located quite far away from downtown Detroit (39 miles,) but it is worth the visit.

Hours

6 am to 10 pm

Cost

$10 per vehicle

More Info

Kensington Metropark is a wonderful place to enjoy winter in Michigan. The park is beautiful and features forests that can make the most scenic winter scene after a snowstorm.

The Metropark also offers a variety of sledding hills. These sledding hills all differ in size and steepness, making them great for all kinds of sledders.

More experienced sledders will be thrilled when bombing down the bigger and steeper hills. Little ones will also have fun and be safe as they go down the bunny hill. This hill includes padded trees for extra safety.

Things to Know

The park also offers toboggan runs, snowboarding hills (both of which are located at the Orchard Picnic Area), cross country skiing, and fat tire biking.

sledding spots near Detroit Michigan
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best sledding near Detroit Michigan

5. Lake St. Clair Metropark

Location

31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI

St. Clair Metropark is 30 minutes northeast of Detroit, just off of I-94. It is on the banks of Lake St. Clair.

Hours

7 am to 8 pm

Cost

$10 per vehicle

More Info

If you want the experience of sledding close to a big lake, this is the place for you. The hill itself can be found in the West Playfield area.

In addition to a great slope, this sledding spot also includes a comfort station, a warming room, and picnic tables that are perfect for relaxing on after a long day of sledding.

The park also offers other activities such as ice skating, cross country skiing, and ice fishing. Be sure to bring your camera as this area is very picturesque and turns into a winter wonderland.

Things to know

Parking is very convenient and close to the hill.

6. Booth Park Sled Hill

Location

Booth Park is located right in the town of Birmingham just off of Woodward Ave.

Hours

N/A

Cost

Free.

More Info

Booth Park is one of the best spots to take the little one sledding. It features a small hill that is not too steep for the little riders.

Things to Know

The park also offers many other facilities and activities. It has an extensive playscape, a labyrinth and tunnel, a turf hill, an amphitheater, and much more.

I highly recommend visiting this park in the summer months as well.

7. Balduck Park

Location

5271 Canyon Street, Detroit MI

Located just northeast of downtown Detroit just right of I-94 near Grosse Pointe.

Hours

6 am to 10 pm

Cost

Free.

More Info

Even though the park’s name sounds like “bad luck”, I can promise you that it far from that. This park offers a decent sized sledding hill that is sure to provide good luck in terms of sledding.

It also offers hiking paths, a life-sized chessboard, and dogs are welcomed.

Things to Know

This sledding spot seems to not be too crowded in the winter which makes it a good choice if you want personal space.

8. Detroit Riverfront / Miliken State Park

Location

1900 Atwater Street, Detroit, MI

This state park is located in the heart of downtown Detroit on the banks of the Detroit River.

Hours

N/A

Cost

Free.

More Info

Riverfront/Milliken State Park was the first urban park in Michigan and now offers a 31-acre area green area in the heart of downtown. The park also offers a wonderful sledding hill.

Who know that such good sledding would be this close to the city. In fact, after you go sledding you can cruise around town and pick up a hot chocolate or coffee to warm yourself up.

Things to Know

This state park also offers covered picnic areas that make for the perfect resting area in between sledding sessions.

It also offers shoreline fishing and restrooms for public use.

I suggest that you check out the 63-foot light tower that is in the park as well.

9. Civic Center Park

Location

300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI

Civic Center Park is located just 20 minutes north of Detroit in Madison Heights.

Hours

7 am to 10 pm

Cost

Free.

More Info

Civic Center Park is one spot that you should definitely check out. It is located just behind Lamphere High School and the Civic Center.

As far as sledding is concerned, it has both a large/steep hill for more experienced sledders and a shorter/smaller hill for those that are younger or less experienced.

This hill is loads of fun when the winter snows fall. Because of this it is one of the area’s best hills and can get crowded.

Things to Know

Parking is easy and plentiful. The park also offers a couple of picnic pavilions and is a great place for families to enjoy a winter day.

sledding spots near Detroit Michigan
best sledding in detroit
best sledding near Detroit Michigan

10. Heritage Park Sled Hill

Location

24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, MI

This hill is 30 minutes northwest of downtown Detroit in the heart of Farmington Hills.

Hours

Sunrise to sunset

Cost

Free.

More Info

Heritage Park features 211-acres of land with 4.5 miles of trails that can be used for hiking and cross country skiing. It also offers a good sized hill to sled down.

The hill is not as steep as Shiawassee’s sledding hill but is a little bit steep. It may not be the best option for very young children. It is a lot of fun to use but some caution should be exercised by parents.

11. Huron Hills Golf Course

Location

3465 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

This sledding is spot is located 55 minutes east of Detroit in the city of Ann Arbor.

Hours

6:30 am to 10 pm

Cost

Free.

More Info

This sledding spot may be a golf course, but in the wintertime, it turns into a sledder’s paradise. It features many hills of all different sizes to choose from. There is a steep hill that offers a fun and long ride for those who are looking for something intense.

Huron Hills Golf Course is a favorite among Ann Arbor locals. It can get a little crowded, but no need to worry. There is plenty of room and plenty of hills for taking.

Some of the snow may be packed down from all the use, so try to head over right after fresh snow hits for the best experience possible.

Things to Know

There are other sledding hills nearby. It is just across the street from Rolling Hills Park.

12. Treetops Resort

Location

3962 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 

Treetops Resort is a bit of a drive from Detroit. It is about 3 hours north.

Hours

Treetop Extreme Tubing is open only on the weekends. Friday 5 pm to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 3:30 pm.

Cost

$15 to $21 for an hour-long session, depending on the day.

More Info

This nice resort area is quite a ways from Detroit but is a great option if you want to get out of the city and find peace and relaxation in the forest.

Treetops Resort is a perfect place to take a short vacation. It offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, dog sledding, winter biking, great views, and many more things.

At Treetops Resort you can spend a couple of hours tubing. They have an “Extreme Tubing” area that offers safe but steep rides. It is well worth it for the whole family to check this resort out!

Things to Know

Treetops Extreme Tubing Hill also features a tow rope that will pull you back up to the top of the hill. This is wonderful because you can get more rides in and conserve your energy.

It is also worth mentioning that the minimum height requirement to ride at this resort is 42″.

13. Rolling Hills Park

Location

7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI

This park/sledding area is located 45 minutes west of Detroit near Ann Arbor.

Hours

Everyday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

Rolling Hills Sledding Hill is a perfect spot for you and your family to enjoy sledding. The hill offers a 275-foot ride and it has a safe stopping area at the bottom.

The sledding hill allows plenty of room to spread out. It is 70 feet wide and has various areas that differ in height, making it the perfect hill for family sledding.

During the summer, it is a popular outdoor area, so be sure to check out Rolling Hills all year if you live nearby.

Things to Know

The sledding hill is located behind the lodge building. It has a spacious parking lot and restrooms for public use.

Rolling Hills also offers a warming space that is equipped with a gas fireplace!

Visit our Winter Sledding Page Before You Go to The Hills!

Geoff Southworth

I am a California native and I enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. My latest adventures have been taking the family camping, hiking and surfing.

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