Those who live in Minneapolis can attest that the winters here are long, cold, and snowy. If you are feeling cooped up inside your house and are looking for activities to pass the long winter months, I suggest trying sledding.
There are tons of great sledding spots in and around the Minneapolis area. In fact, there are so many to choose from that picking the right sledding hill can be a little overwhelming. That is why I have compiled a list of the best sledding spots so you won’t have to search all over. So get off the couch and try out of one these perfect sledding spots today!
1. Buck Hill
Location
15400 Buck Hill Rd, Burnsville, MN 55306
This resort is located due south of Minneapolis. To get there you will head straight down I-35W past the city of Burnsville. Buck Hill is about a 35-minute drive from Minneapolis. You will find the ski slopes and tubing hills west of Crystal Lake.
Cost
$18 per person for a 2-hour session.
Hours
Open Saturdays from 12 pm to 7 pm.
More Info
I’d be willing to argue that Buck Hill provides the best tubing experience in Minnesota (most definitely in the Twin Cities area). It’s meticulously groomed hill offers 13 lanes of tubing which give you an epic long ride to the bottom of the hill.
In addition to the long and steep tubing lanes, Buck Hill offers a couple of short tubing lanes for the little sledders. Another great thing about this tubing park is that you don’t have to wear yourself out by hiking back up the hill. There is a lift that does the hard work for you so that you can keep sliding down over and over again.
If you are craving sledding in the summer and fall months, Buck Hill has you covered! They offer snowless tubing hills that you can sled down in any type of weather. This is made possible by the installation of an artificial snow surface that mimics the physics of snow.
Who would’ve thought that you could get a tan while tubing?
Things to Know
Buck Hill is also a great place to go skiing and snowboarding! It may be a small resort, but it offers 16 total runs and trails to ski and snowboard down.
The ski area’s vertical drop is 310 feet which provide a large and long enough hill for any level of skier and snowboarder. Buck Hill also offers summer skiing and snowboarding.
After a long day of tubing and possibly skiing, you can grab some food and a hot chocolate at the snack bar and relax by the campfire. You can visit the Buck Hill website for more information on ticket costs, ski hill hours, other activities offered, etc.
2. Columbia Park & Golf Course
Location
800 Columbia Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Columbia Park is only 5 miles (10-15 minutes) from downtown Minneapolis and located in the northern part of the city.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
More Info
If you live in the northern part of Minneapolis, this sledding spot is close home and offers some great sledding hills.
Columbia Park also has a golf course connected to it on the same property. Both of which offer 180-acre of rolling hillsides that are completely wide open and ready to sled once the snow falls. All you have to do is a pick one of the many hills to sled on!
If the thrill is what you are looking for, I would suggest sledding at Columbia Golf Course. This spot boasts of being one of the steepest hills in all of northeast Minneapolis. You will for sure get your adrenaline going on this hill and I can guarantee you won’t regret it.
There is no tow rope or lift to the top, so once you reach the bottom of the hill, be prepared to hike back up.
Things to Know
One of the cool things about sledding at Columbia is that you can rent tubes. The Columbia Manor building is opened on the weekends and rents out tubes for just $5 dollars. You can also rent cross-country skis too. The building also makes for a great place to warm up and sip hot chocolate.
3. Valley View Park
Location
3401 Manor Dr, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Valley View Park is a 20 – 25-minute drive west of Minneapolis in the suburb of Golden Valley. It is located between Theodore Wirth Park (which is also a great place to go sledding) and Victory Memorial Park.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open daily from 6 am to midnight.
More Info
This 17.5-acre gem of a park is the perfect place for both kids and adults to go sledding. It features the well-known “Sunset Hill”, which is steep enough to satisfy any sledder. In addition to that, you will be able to glimpse a view of Sweeney Lake while sledding.
This area is beautiful in the winter and is also a great place to do other snow play activities like building a snowman or having a good ole’ fashioned snowball fight.
Things to Know
There is also a slew of smaller/more mild hills for the kids to choose from.
Valley View Park is a great place to check out in the warmer months as well. It offers beautiful forested biking and walking paths and various picnic areas.
4. Beard’s Plaisance
Location
4525 S Upton Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This sledding spot is located just 6 miles south of downtown Minneapolis and can be found right on the west shore of Lake Harriet.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Daily from 6 am to 10 am.
More Info
This park sounds like a park straight out of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter and I must say; it is quite a magical sledding spot. It is one of the oldest parks in Minneapolis and considered one of the best sledding hills near the city.
The 126.2-acre park will give you a great view of Harriet Lake (which will likely be frozen over) while you are sledding. Be sure to dress warm and get out there and try this awesome sledding spot!
Things to Know
Beard’s Plaisance Park has you covered when it comes to facilities. You can rest assured that you are your kids will sled in comfort knowing that there a bathroom nearby.
There are also various picnic tables that you can relax on after a couple of long sledding sessions.
Be warned though, these sledding hills can get icy at times. In addition to that, the sledding hills are kind of close to the lake, so be alert and careful that you do not get too close to it while you are sledding.
5. Lyndale Farmstead Park
Location
3900 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Lyndale Farmstead Park is just a mere 4 miles south of downtown and is right next to the Lakewood Cemetery. It is fairly close to Beard’s Plaisance park, only it is on the opposite side of Lake Harriet.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
More Info
This park is not only a gorgeous park to visit in the winter, but it is also a great place to go sledding. Every winter Lyndale Farmstead provides a good sized sledding hill for thrill-seekers of all ages. The hill is located behind the house that Miller rents from the park board.
This sledding hill is becoming one of the most popular hills in the city.
Things to Know
During the winter time, the park provides an ice skating rink. The best part about this rink is that you can rent skates for free! For more information about skating at Lyndale Farmstead, visit their webpage. In addition to ice skating, this park also offers plenty of parking, restrooms, a little library, playgrounds, and much more. What more could you ask for?! This park has everything.
6. Theodore Wirth Park
Location
1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Theodore Wirth Park is located very close to downtown Minneapolis. It is only a 10 – 15-minute drive west and is located in the city of Golden Valley.
Cost
Sledding is free. Tubing is $15 for a two-hour session.
Hours
Tubing hours: Wednesday-Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Sledding hours: 6 am to 10 pm.
More Info
Theodore Wirth Park is a sledders paradise! Not only do you have the option to go sledding on a free hill, but you can also go tubing. Whatever you decide to do, I can guarantee that your whole family will enjoy their sledding or tubing experience. The tubing provides a wonderfully fast and thrilling ride down a groomed course.
The best part of tubing is that you don’t have to worry about carting your heavy tube back up the hill. You can hitch a ride up to the top of the hill by grabbing onto the tow rope.
In addition to a main/large groomed tubing hill, Theodore Wirth Tubing area also offers a kiddie hill, which is perfect for the little ones in the family.
If tubing is not in your plans, you can save a couple of bucks and try out the free sledding hill located in the park. Some argue that this hill is just as good as the tubing hill, except for the fact that you have to hike back up. Nevertheless, it is a popular spot for sledders of all ages and is must try.
Things to Know
It would not be an understatement to say that Theodore Wirth Park is the best place to go if you want to experience all that winter has to offer. Not only does this park offer sledding and tubing, but it also offers cross-country skiing, a snowboard park, skiing, skijoring, and snowshoeing.
The best part is that you can rent all of these things upon arrival. I would highly suggest checking out the park’s website for more information about rental pricing and what activities are offered.
7. Lowry Nature Center/ Carver Park Reserve
Location
7025 Victoria Dr Victoria, MN 55386
This sledding spot is located 35 minutes west of Minneapolis near the town of Victoria. The park is right off of highway 7.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Daily from 5 am to 10 pm.
More Info
This awesome sledding spot is located by the Lowry Nature Center and is part of the Three Rivers Parks System which offers sled rentals. Carver Park is quite large but sledding can be found near the Lowry Nature Center which is on the northern end of the park.
The sledding hill is great and features a long and enjoyable ride. Plus, then are you are sledding in is incredibly beautiful. You will not want to miss out on sledding here.
Things to Know
Carver Park offers many other snow activities as well. There are tons of trails that are perfect to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on. In addition to that, there are also trails for you to go snowmobiling on.
8. Elm Creek Park
Location
12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Elm Creek Park is located 25 minutes northwest of downtown Minneapolis in the town of Maple Grove.
Cost
$15 per person for a 2-hour tubing session. Each additional hour is $3.
Hours
Wednesday – Friday 4 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday – Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm
More Info
If you want an extremely fun and authentic tubing experience, Elm Creek is the place to go. Here you will find a 10-story tall hill with fresh snow and groomed lanes for you to slide down. This park will have you and your family grinning from ear to ear as you race to the bottom of the hill.
Elm Creek tubing park even offers a moving sidewalk that carts you and your tube back up to the top of the hill. This allows you to slide down the hill as many times as you want!
Things to Know
Elm Creek also offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross country skiing. Ticket/rental prices and hours are available on their website.
This park is very large and also offers tons of other activities that are more suitable for the warmer months. Some of the activities include archery, disc golf, swimming, and there are multiple trails and nature areas.
The park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
9. Adams Hill Park
Location
7200 Washburn Ave South Richfield, MN 55423
Adams Hill Park is located near the Southdale YMCA in the city of Richfield. It is just a 15-minute drive south of Minneapolis.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open daily from 5 am to 10 pm.
More Info
Adams Hill Park is for sure a hidden gem of a sledding area in the Minneapolis area. It is a large bowl-shaped plot of land where a marsh once existed. Once that marsh was drained, it became a beautiful park with a perfect hill to sled on.
The best part about this park is that there are multiple hills that vary in height and steepness. There is literally a hill for everyone at Adams Hill Park.
Things to Know
Remember to dress warm and bring lots of water. If the kiddos need to use the bathroom or need to warm up their little fingers you can try taking them to the YMCA that is located just south of the park.
Also, this sledding spot is located close to many restaurants (Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, McDonald’s, etc.) that you can swing by after you are done sliding down the hills.
10. St. Anthony Park (May Mountain)
Location
425 Jefferson St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
This is park is definitely the closest to downtown Minneapolis. It is only 2 miles (a 5-8 minute drive) northeast from downtown. All you have to do is cross the Mississippi and you’re basically there.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Daily from 6 am to midnight.
More Info
One of the best features of this park is its large lump in the middle. The lump/hill is affectionately nicknamed May Mountain and makes for an amazing sledding experience right in the middle of Minneapolis.
The hill isn’t extraordinarily large or steep, but it is big enough to have a fun time. It’s best for the younger kids who are just getting excited about sledding.
Things to Know
You will also be blown away by the stunning city views of the Minneapolis skyline that this park has to offer. This park also has bathrooms and playgrounds for the kiddos.
11. Staring Lake Park
Location
14800 Pioneer Trail Eden Prairie, MN 55344
This extraordinary sledding spot is located 25 – 30 minutes southeast of Minneapolis in the town of Eden Prairie. The park is right across from the Flying Cloud Airport.
Hours
Daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The warming house hours are Monday-Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm, Saturday from 1 pm to 8 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
More Info
This sledding spot will blow you away by its scenic features and its large hill.
The park is located in a beautiful area that turns into a winter wonderland after a good snowstorm. You will be able to enjoy the scenery as you slide down the 700-foot sledding hill. This hill is sure to give you the slide that you’ve been looking for this winter.
In addition to a great sledding hill, Staring Lake Park also offers a warming house. This a great place to relax and thaw out your frozen fingers and toes after a long sledding session.
Things to Know
After you are done sledding, you can easily try out one of the many cross-country skiing trails or downhill skiing runs that are located within the park. This park is such a great place for winter sports that the local high school often uses Staring Lake as a place for their Nordic Ski Team to practice.
I highly suggest checking the Staring Lake website out for more information.
12. Waconia Sledding Hill
Location
8170 Paradise Lane Waconia, MN 55387
The Waconia Sledding Hill can be found 45 minutes east in the town of Waconia. In fact, it is located on the shore of Lake Waconia.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open from 9 am to sunset.
Things to Know
It is surprising that a place this good is free! Waconia has a splendid 80-foot sledding hill that is separated into two runs. One of the runs is more smooth and offers a straight shot to the bottom, whereas the other is a bit more bumpy and rugged.
Waconia does not provide sled or tube rentals and sledders are expected to bring their own. In addition to that, sledders must walk up to the top of the hill in order enjoy another ride down. Honestly though, what more could ask for? You have the opportunity to sled down an 80-foot hill for free!
Things to Know
This hill is not supervised, so be sure to practice safe sledding. You should also be aware that snowboards, skis, toboggans, or sleds with metal runners are not allowed.
13. French Regional Park
Location
12605 Rockford Rd. Plymouth, MN 55441
French Regional Park is located in the city of Plymouth which is a 25-minute drive northeast of Minneapolis. The park is located right by Medicine Lake.
Cost
Free.
Hours
Open daily from 5 am to 10 pm.
More Info
French Park is a large park that contains a large sledding hill just across from the main building. It is great for both kids and adults. This park is part of the Three Rivers Park District and therefore offers rental for various types of equipment.
Things to Know
Like many of the sledding spots mentioned, this spot also offers multiple cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The trails weave around the lake and offer great views. For a detailed winter map and more information visit the French Regional Park website.
14. Brookside Park
Location
10000 Xerxes Avenue South Bloomington, MN
Brookside Park is located 20-25 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis in the town of Bloomington. You can find the park to the left of Marsh Lake Park (if you are driving west on W 98th Street).
Cost
Free.
Hours
All parks located in Bloomington open a half-hour before sunrise and stay open until 10 pm.
More Info
Brookside Park is the place to bring your kids. The hill there is a decent size and is wide open. It flattens out at the bottom and gives the sledder ample room to stop and slow down. The take-off from the top is quite exhilarating and the ride is just long enough.
Another plus about sledding at Brookside Park is that the hill is not too big. Too big of a hill can make for a tiring and arduous journey back up the hill.
Things to Know
Once you are done sledding, you can swing by the north side of the park and enjoy some ice skating and hockey at the local rink. There are various playgrounds that the kids can enjoy after their sledding session has ended.
“Brookside Park’s hill is not too big or too small. In short, it is just right. I wish this hill were next door to my house when I was growing up…It would definitely would have ingrained in my head like my children today.”
Luan T.