13 Perfect Sledding Spots Near Indianapolis


If you are looking out your window and grumbling because those winter flakes are falling, this article is meant for you! You will be surprised how many sledding hill options you have to choose from! So, instead of letting the gloomy winter months get you down, get out there and enjoy life no matter the weather.

1. Forest Park

Location

701 Cicero Rd, Noblesville, IN 46060

This first sledding spot is a little ways away from Indianapolis but is still worth the visit. Forest Park is located in the town of Noblesville, which is around 25 miles north of downtown Indianapolis. The park can be found off of Cicero Rd. and is near the White River.

Hours

Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

If you live in or around the Noblesville area, Forest Park is the place to go sledding. Even if you don’t live this far north, it is worth the drive to go sledding here. Noblesville Park is a hilly park that offers tons of different slopes of various sizes to sled down.

There is honestly something for everyone at this park. If you want the guarantee of some stellar hills, I’d first try checking out the Forest Park Golf Course, there are endless hills to choose from in this area of the park.

Additional Things to Know

If you want to make sledding more of an event, you can sled in comfort by renting out the Forest Park Lodge which is at the north end of the lot. This building has it all (bathrooms, tables, etc.). In addition to that, you are super close to a ton of restaurants and Kroger is right down the road.

Forest Park also offers other outdoor shelters, an aquatics center, a skate park, and a beautiful memorial that is worth checking out. This park honestly has it all!

2. Fort Harrison State Park

Location

6000 N Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216

Fort Harrison State Park is 20-25 minutes northeast of the city’s metro area. The state park can be accessed by driving east on Highway 36 and turning left on N Post Rd.

Hours

Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.

Cost

Due to this park being a State Park, there is an entrance fee of $7 for Indiana state visitors or $9 for out of state visitors. For more information on the various other fees and charges, visit the Indian Department of Natural Resources website.

More Info

This 17,000-acre park is the place to be during the winter months. The gorgeous landscape in this area turns into a winter wonderland once the snow starts to fall.

This picturesque spot also features one of the biggest sledding hills in the city and is considered to be a favorite among many who live in the Indy area. Sure, there may be an entrance fee, but the hill is totally worth it. It is wide open and normally has a good amount of snow on it. This is one sledding spot that you will not want to miss this winter!

Additional Things to Know

This gigantic park is loaded with tons of other wintertime activities for you and your family. After you are done sledding you can strap on some cross-country skis and hit one of the various cross-country trails in the park. Fort Harrison is also a great place to explore in the warmer months. There is fishing, hiking, and a golf course that are supposedly amazing during the summer.

3. Freedom Park

Location

850 W Stop 18 Rd Greenwood, IN 46143

If you drive 25-30 minutes south down I-65, you will hit the town of Greenwood. Freedom Park is located in this town and can be found right across from Greenwood Middle School.

Hours

Open Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

If you are looking for a fun place to take the little ones sledding, this is the spot. There is a sledding hill that is perfect for little kids right next to the park’s shelter.

The sledding hill is quite large but is not too steep. Or to put it in another way, the hill is large enough to entertain your kids but not so steep that you have to worry about them getting hurt or scared.

Additional Things to Know

This sledding spot is a favorite among those living in and around Greenwood and can become quite busy on a decent snow day. That being said, the hill is quite large and open. That being said, there is normally plenty of space for everyone to comfortably sled.

4. Cool Creek Park

Location

2000 E 151st St, Carmel, IN 46033

This park is nestled between the towns of Westfield and Carmel, both of which are a 30-minute drive from Indianapolis.

Hours

N/A

Cost

Free.

More Info

This park and nature center are located in a wooded section that follows the beautiful Cool Creek. This sledding spot is undoubted a serene place to be.

There are, however, a couple of decent sledding spots that are worth trying out. None of them are super steep or large, but they are still loads of fun. Cool Creek Park is a great place to go if you want to clear your head and experience the beauty of nature during the wintertime.

Additional Things to Know

Upon arrival, it is best to park in the Cool Creek Park Nature Center Parking lot. This area is also a great place to go if you need to warm up or use the bathroom. It is normally open from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday – Saturday and is open from 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays.

Sledding Spots Near Indianapolis

5. Rhodius Park

Location

1720 W Wilkins St, Indianapolis, IN 46221

Rhodius Park is a convenient park to go sledding at if you are close to the downtown area. It located in West Indianapolis near William Penn School 49.

Hours

Open daily from 8 am to 9 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

This park is beloved by many Indy natives and has attracted sledders year after year to its great hills. Rhodius Park is conveniently located and offers stunning views of the city skyline. This one sledding spot that you must try out at least once if you live close to downtown.

Additional Things to Know

Sledding isn’t the only fun thing to do in this park! Rhodius Park comes equipped with a basketball court, tennis court, a rec center, and much more. If you are looking for an overall good quality park, this is the place to go.

6. Lawrence Community Park

Location

5301 N Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226

Lawrence Community Park is located near the suburb of Lawrence which is 20 minutes northeast of downtown Indy. The park is only a couple of minutes away from Fort Harrison State Park.

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday from 9 am to 9:45 pm
  • Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm
  • Saturday from 11 am to 11:45 pm
  • Sunday from 4 am to 10:30 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

Lawrence is a great alternative to Fort Harrison. If you are like me, you are on a tight budget and may not want to pay the $7 entrance fee at Fort Harrison. The hill in Lawrence Park is not anywhere near as big as Harrison but is still a blast. This hill is great for kids and is in a family-friendly area.

Additional Things to Know

In addition to sledding, Lawrence Community Park also offers picnic areas, a park center, a playground, baseball diamonds, a skate park, and much more.

7. Washington Township Park

Location

115 S. County Rd 575, Avon, IN 46123

This sledding spot is located 30-minutes west of the Indianapolis, in the town of Avon. The park is just south of Highway 36 and McClain Pl.

Hours

Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm

Cost

Free.

More Info

If you are looking for a sledding spot that will give the whole family a great sledding experience, look no further! Washington Township Park boasts a good-sized hill that can be found near the large shelter/pavilion. Sliding down this hill is loads of fun and it gives you a thrilling ride to the bottom of the hill.

In addition to this large hill, there are many smaller ones located throughout the park. Washing Township Park is one place you don’t want to miss out on (especially if you are on the westside).

Additional Things to Know

The 160-acre park is also a great place to visit when there is no snow on the ground. It offers other amenities such as a volleyball pit, a stocked fishing pond, and covered fishing areas. One thing that I would suggest doing after you are done sledding is waling and taking a look at the White Lick Creek that runs through the east side of the park. This creek is very peaceful, even during the winter months.

8. Southeastway Park

Location

5624 S Carroll Rd, New Palestine, IN 46163

This park is located in New Palestine which is 20 – 30 minutes east of Indianapolis off of I-74. You know you are getting close to the park when you pass the Buck Creek Winery.

Hours

Open daily from 8 am to 9 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

This park and its accompanying sledding hill will not disappoint you! It is not uncommon to see a crowd of sledders basking in the fun that this hill brings on a snowy winter day. Southeastway Park’s sledding hill offers an enjoyable ride to the bottom and will leave you wanting to slide back down over and over.

Additional Things to Know

Southeastway Park is also a wonderful place to go for other snow play activities such as building a snowman, making snow angels, or starting a good ole’ fashion snowball fight. In addition to that, it offers over 3 miles of walking trails and is a great place to view wildlife.

9. Garfield Park

Location

2345 Pagoda Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46203

Garfield Park is a mere 4 miles from Indianapolis in the South Village area. Parking can be found at 2388 Pagoda Dr.

Hours

Open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

This park is the oldest park in the Indy city limits. It was opened in 1873 and was named after President James A. Garfield.

The park actually used to be a Horse Racing Facility but is now just a park with an awesome sledding hill, an aquatic center, a sunken garden, and playgrounds. This park is absolutely worth the visit. Pack up your sleds and head on over to Garfield Park today.

Additional Things to Know

Garfield Park is loaded with amenities! There is an Amphitheater that holds live events, an Arts Center, multiple public grills, basketball courts, and much more. For more information visit the Garfield Park website.

Sledding Spots Near Indianapolis

10. Sarah T. Bolton Park

Location

1300 Churchman Ave, Beech Grove, IN 46107

Sarah T. Bolton Park is in Beech Grove which is 15 minutes southeast from downtown Indianapolis. The park itself is between 16th Ave and Mann Dr.

Hours

Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

This family-friendly park offers great opportunities for sledding. It is a great place to take the kiddos sledding due to its mild hills. If you are looking for a sledding spot that isn’t as crowded, Sarah T. Bolton hill is the place to go. It is somewhat of a hidden gem.

Additional Things to Know

If you get cold while sledding here or simply want to pick up some snacks and drinks, there is a CVS and Walgreens located closeby.

11. Flat Fork Creek Park

“One of the best parks in Fishers area, this is where to go for scenic walks year round and sledding in the winter.”

Kelly Snyder

Location

16141 E 101st St, Fishers, IN 46040

This park is located on the fringe of the Indianapolis area in the town of Fishers. It is about 35 minutes from downtown and is in close proximity to Geist Reservoir.

Hours

Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

This sledding spot may have the word “flat” in its name, but it is far from it! This colossal hill is 60 feet tall and is the highest point in Hamilton County. The ride down is an adrenaline rush and the hike back up is long but absolutely worth it.

The Fisher locals love this spot and many consider it to be the best sledding spot. It is sure to become one of your favorites if you decide to visit it this winter.

Additional Things to Know

Flat Fork Creek Park is gorgeous all times of the year. I highly recommend bringing your camera so that you can get some cool sledding action shots and so you can capture some great landscape shots as well.

Keep in mind that his park is 60-acres and is quite hilly. It features a lake, nature trails, a mountain-biking course, and much more. You should definitely check this place out as soon as possible.

12. West Park

Location

2700 W 116th St, Carmel, IN 46044

You can find this sledding spot in Carmel which is 30-minutes north of Indianapolis. The park is right next to the University High School of Indian.

Hours

Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.

Cost

Free.

More Info

This 121-acre park is ideal for shredding the slopes! West Park has sledding spots that will eave you grinning from ear to ear as you slide down.

It is also a wonderful place to play in the snow. You could easily start a snowball fight with your family and friends.

Additional Things to Know

Once you have had your fill of sledding, you can relax one of the many picnic areas located throughout the park or you can even check out the lake which is located at the entrance. There might be some great sledding spots that you can try out at the nearby Crooked Stick Gold Course.

Sledding Spots Near Indianapolis

13. Northview Church

Location

12900 Hazel Dell Pkwy Carmel, IN 46033

This epic sledding spot is also located in the city of Carmel. The hill is near the Northview Church which is off of Hazel Dell Pkwy and E Main St.

Hours

N/A

Cost

Free.

More Info

This hill, which is located right by the church building, is another Carmel local favorite. The great part about this hill is that the church has taken precautions to make this sledding spot as safe and convenient as possible. They have placed padding on the trees and maintain the sidewalk and stairs that go up the hill.

The hill at Northview Church should definitely be on your list of places to go sledding this winter!

Check out Our Sledding Page Before you go Out for Some Fun!

Additional Things to Know

You can swing by the Capstone Cafe and Bookstore, which are located inside the church if you need a place to relax and warm up. The cafe even offers some hot chocolate and cookies!

For ALL THE BEST SLEDDING SPOTS in the country, click here!

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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