Twin Cities Guide to the Best Sledding Hills

sledding hills

Sledding is my favorite winter outdoor activity and Twin Cities-area sledding hills are the best. They are free and abundant, and they come in all shapes and sizes. This is a growing list of recommended local sledding hills around the metro. If you know of a hill not on this list, let us know and we’ll add it:

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Minneapolis & St Paul - Best Sledding Hills

Minneapolis Parks

The Minneapolis Parks System recommends three hills for sledding. However these are steeper grade hills most appropriate for older kids and adults. Residents know that any park with a slope is fair game as long as sledders are safe and courteous toward other park users. Some neighborhood favorites include:

The three recommended hills, worth a special trip out of your own neighborhood, are:

  • The former tubing hill near the chalet at THEODORE WIRTH REGIONAL PARK is now a free sledding hill. 1325 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55422
  • Sunset Hill in VALLEY VIEW PARK (which is in both Golden Valley & Minneapolis, but the hill is technically in Minneapolis). 3401 Manor Drive, Golden Valley, MN 55422
  • COLUMBIA GOLF COURSE in Northeast Minneapolis is one of the steepest hills in the neighborhood. Columbia Park, 3300 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
Columbia Park Sledding Hill in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Columbia Park Sledding Hill
  • Also, note that we feature a photo of a popular sledding hill between JACKSON SQUARE PARK and Edison High School. I am not sure who owns the property. While it is not an official sledding hill, the terrain slopes inward away from all roads. 2212 Jackson St. NE., Minneapolis, MN 55418.
  • GOLD MEDAL PARK is a privately funded park next to The Guthrie Theater. The park’s website suggests sledding in their “do” list. Second Street and Eleventh Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
  • POWDERHORN PARK, though not endorsed by MPRB, is the site of the annual Art Sled Rally in January. E 33rd St & 10th Ave S, Minneapolis MN 55407.
Powderhorn Park
It’s not exactly summer.

Saint Paul parks & sledding locations

The St. Paul Parks Department recommends the following 15 parks for the best sledding hills. They also have a handy list of sledding safety tips on their site.

*BATTLE CREEK’S sledding hill is lighted until 9pm for late afternoon and evening sledding. Find more details about this hill on Ramsey County’s website. 75 S. Winthrop St., Saint Paul, MN 55119.

TOWN & COUNTRY CLUB (pictured below) in St Paul allows some of the best free sledding in the city plus a pretty view of the Minneapolis skyline. As the slopes make up parts of the club’s golf course, the terrain varies. You can find bunny hills for tots as well as steep thrills for teens. 300 N Mississippi River Blvd, St Paul, MN 55104.

Kids standing on sledding hill at Town & Country Cub, St. Paul, MN
FFTC kids sledding at Town & Country Club, St Paul

The City of St. Paul created this map of their sledding hills:

Twin Cities Northwest Metro - best sledding hills

Andover parks 

Andover has three parks with sledding hills. PRAIRIE KNOLL PARK is lit and has a rink and warming house. ANDOVER STATION is lit.

Anoka parks 

GEORGE ENLOE PARK: Offers a lit sledding hill, offering a safer evening sledding option. Double your fun with an outdoor ice skating rink (and a warming house when you need to thaw out your toes.) 631 Lund Blvd, Anoka, MN 55303.

Brooklyn Center parks

LIONS PARK: Recommended for good sledding in the city. 5501 Russell Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.

Brooklyn Park parks

These parks are noted as sledding hills by the City of Brooklyn Park in its Winter Activities Guide. Several of these parks also offer outdoor skating rinks:

Reader Jesse suggests Boone Hill at Bass Creek Park for some great local sledding. This park offers a wide, medium slope sledding hill with enough room for multiple sledders. Kids of all ages should be able to find a slope that suits them.

Columbia Heights parks

KEYES PARK. Thank you for our reader, Mary, for telling us the name of this park. The slope of this park points inward from the street, making a safe choice for sledding. There is a small parking lot near the playground. 1345 45 1/2 Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.

Fun Reader Tip: Tiffany says: 

“The most Minnesota thing I’ve seen this winter was at Keyes Park. A family brought their fish house on its trailer to the park. They had it at the top of the hill and it looked like they were making drinks and snacks for their family to enjoy while sledding.

This hill is also well known in the neighborhood for viewing astronomical events and the daily sunset.”

Child on an orange sled at the top of a tall sledding hill at Keyes Park in Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Keyes Park in Columbia Heights

MCKENNA PARK. Also has a city-maintained ice rink. 4757 7th St NE, Columbia Heights MN. 

Coon Rapids parks

RIVERVIEW PARK. The city maintains pleasure skating and hockey rinks and opens a warming house.  2420 105th Ave NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.

Crystal parks

NORTH LIONS PARK, 6100 Kentucky Ave N., Crystal, MN 55428
VALLEY PLACE PARK, 6822 32nd Ave N, Crystal, MN 55427

Noted to have sledding hills by the City of Crystal. Both parks have warming houses open during ice rink hours and both are lit until 10pm, making it a safer nighttime option for older kids. Valley Place offers a small library of loaner sleds labeled “Little Free Sled Library“.

FOREST SCHOOL PARK Another popular sledding spot. It is owned and maintained by the school district and has a warming house with restrooms on location. 7001 48th Ave N Crystal, MN 55428

Fridley parks

The only city-endorsed sledding hill in Fridley is at COMMONS PARK. 555 61st Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432.

Golden Valley parks

These parks are listed by Golden Valley as the best places to sled in the city. They both also have skating rinks with warming houses:

  • WESLEY PARK – 8305 Wesley Dr Golden Valley MN 55427
  • SCHEID PARK1856 Toledo Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55422

VALLEY VIEW PARK: Home of the popular Sunset Hill, is operated by Minneapolis Parks but lies within Golden Valley city limits (northeast corner, to be exact). Try visiting at dusk to discover how the hill got its name. Thanks to Chris who pointed out that, while parts of this park are in Golden Valley, the hill is actually in Minneapolis. 3401 Manor Dr, Golden Valley, MN 55422.

Maple Grove parks

ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE: Hit this park up for the best sledding to be found in Maple Grove. Operated by the excellent Three Rivers Park District, Elm Creek features a free sledding hill and/or, for an extra thrill, a tubing area with lanes of varying steepness. Tubes rent for $17/2 hrs, Wed-Sun. Elm Creek aims to fit most of your winter recreational needs – you can also ski, snowboard, snowshoe or kicksled in the park. 12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369.

Girl snowtubing down a hill in Elm Creek Park, Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Elm Creek Park Tubing. Image courtesy of Three Rivers Park District.

Learn More: Snow Tubing for the Family: Best Twin Cities Hills

Maple Plain parks

BAKER PARK RESERVE: This is one of the Three Rivers Parks locations that rents sleds for just a dollar (plus tax). 2309 Baker Park Rd, Maple Plain, MN 55359.

New Hope parks

The City of New Hope recommends three sledding parks. The hill at Civic Center Park is lighted.

  • CIVIC CENTER PARK – 4141 Xylon Avenue North, New Hope, MN 55427
  • FRED SIMS PARK – 45th & Nevada, New Hope, MN 55428
  • HIDDEN VALLEY PARK – 8800 32nd Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427

Otsego parks

Otsego has sledding hills at two of its most popular parks.

  • CIVIC CENTER PARK – 13355 90th Street, Otsego, MN 55330
  • BEAUDRY MEADOWS PARK – 11375 77th St NE, Otsego, MN 55301

Plymouth parks

FRENCH REGIONAL PARK: Another gem of a park operated by Three Rivers. A lighted and groomed sledding hill for is located near the visitor center. If you don’t care to lug your own sleds, rent one from the visitor center for just a buck plus tax. 12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441.

Girl in a yellow parka and pink hat sledding.

Twin Cities Northeast Metro - best sledding hills

Lake Elmo parks

SUNFISH LAKE PARK / SALLY MANZARA INTERPRETIVE NATURE CENTER has two hills – a large and a small slope. Sunfish Lake Park, Entry Road, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.

TABLYN PARK sledding hill is recommended by SE Metro Macaroni Kid, where they also offer suggestions for tubing and snow shoeing in the area. 8707 Stillwater Blvd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.

Maplewood parks

AFTON HEIGHTS PARK: Offers a steep slope that ends within the east section of  BATTLE CREEK REGIONAL PARK (not to be confused with the west section of Battle Creek Park, located within the city of St Paul – that would be one crazy sledding hill!). 63 Sterling St N, Maplewood, MN 55119.

HAZELWOOD PARK: Families recommend this park for its good-sized hill that slopes into the park (away from roads). 1663 County Rd C E, Maplewood, MN 55109.

Mounds View parks

SILVER VIEW PARK: A popular local sledding spot. 7542 Silver Lake Rd, Mounds View, MN 55112.

Roseville parks

LES BOLSTAD golf course, operated by the University of Minnesota, permits free sledding on its various hills and slopes. Your kids are bound to find one that fits well (as mine certainly did, pictured). You can also ski and snowshoe around the course. We enter in the gate across from LAUDERDALE COMMUNITY PARK. 2328 Roselawn Ave W, Lauderdale, MN 55113.

Shoreview parks

VADNAIS-SNAIL LAKES REGIONAL PARK: Ramsey County Parks maintains a designated sledding hill in this park. It is located adjacent to the Snail Lake parking lot, handy for those toting sleds. Heads up! This is one of the more daring hills on our list. 4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview, MN 55126.

Vadnais Heights parks

KOHLER MEADOWS PARK: The city does not officially endorse any specific sledding hills, but the slope at this park is popular with local sledders. 365 County Rd F E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127.

White Bear Lake parks

TAMARACK NATURE CENTER: Fans of the amazing Discovery Hollow nature play area may be surprised to learn that when the snow falls, a slope in the park turns into a designated winter sledding hill. Warm up with exhibits in the nearby nature center. 5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110.

BALD EAGLE-OTTER LAKES REGIONAL PARK: The nature center, nature playground and sledding hill are all elements within this park. 5750 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110.

MANITOU RIDGE GOLF COURSE: Is lofty at one of the highest points in Ramsey County, and is also open for sledding in the winter months. 3200 McKnight Rd N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Twin Cities Southeast Metro - best sledding hills

Apple Valley parks

APPLE VALLEY EAST PARK: Recommended by the City in their 2040 Parks & Rec Comprehensive Plan. Apple Valley also maintains an outdoor skating rink at this location. 15335 Dunbar Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

SCOTT PARK: This is not officially endorsed by the city , but many people use the hill for sledding. 14125 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

Burnsville parks

NEILL PARK: The city of Burnsville endorses this park for winter sledding. There are two slopes to choose from, including a gentler slope great for smaller kids. A street lamp at the top of the hill makes this park a safer option for evening sledding. Bring along your skates for the outdoor skating rink and hit the warming house when it’s time to thaw out. 13501 Upton Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337.

Cottage Grove parks

The following parks are recommended by the city for their sledding hills:

Eagan Parks

TRAPP FARM PARK: The tubing hill is located on Wilderness Run Road. It offers approximately 75 winter tubing tubes for rent. Personal tubes and sleds are not allowed on this hill. This site does not offer tow ropes, so tubers will need to be able to climb the hill on their own. 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123.

LEBANON HILLS REGIONAL PARK: Dakota County Parks recommends the small hill near the visitor center for sledding with smaller kids. 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123.

Farmington parks

WHITETAIL WOODS REGIONAL PARK: Dakota County Parks provides heated restrooms at the large sledding hill near the Empire Lake Picnic Shelter. Families can bring make use of the outdoor hearth ring, but need to provide their own DNR-approved firewood. 17100 Station Trail, Farmington, MN 55024

Inver Grove Heights parks

SOUTH VALLEY PARK: There’s a long, gentle slope close to the parking lot of this location. You can’t miss it! 2810 70th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076.

Woodbury parks

EAGLE VALLEY GOLF COURSE: The golf course’s 225 acres are used for sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter! 2600 Double Eagle Ln, Woodbury, MN 55129.

VALLEY CREEK PARK: One of the top 10 requested features for this new park was a sledding hill. 11500 Valley Creek Rd, Woodbury, MN 55129.

Insider Tip: SE Metro Macaroni Kid suggests these four Woodbury sledding hills:

  • Middleton Elementary
  • Red Rock Elementary
  • Woodbury Elementary
  • PIONEER PARK
Kids standing on sledding hill at Town & Country Cub, St. Paul, MN

Twin Cities Southwest Metro - best sledding hills

Bloomington parks

HYLAND LAKE PARK RESERVE: This is a winter recreational haven – bring your own sleds or rent one for a buck at the Richardson Nature Center (also a fun place to warm up). The sledding hill is close to the nature center parking lot. 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438.

HYLAND HILLS SKI AREA: For bigger downhill thrills, visit this area within Hyland Lake Park Reserve. 8800 Chalet Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438.

RUNNING PARK: Has a hilly terrain that is good for sledding. Bring along your skates for the outdoor ice rink. A warming house is open and staffed daily during the winter season. 9501 12th Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Eden Prairie parks

STARING LAKE PARK:  This park earns the highest marks in this corner of the Twin Cities metro for its 700-foot mega sledding hill. A new park building has opened where visitors can warm up and/or change into their snow gear while enjoying a lake view. The warming house is open Noon-8pm on weekdays, Noon-10pm on Saturdays and Noon-5pm on Sundays. There is also an outdoor skating rink to round out your winter outing. 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.

More Family Fun: Snowtime Saturdays. Sign up to sample a variety of winter activities including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, kick sleds and snow sculptures. January 6-February 24, 2024. $12/family.

Edina parks

BRAEMAR PARK: Boasts hills with a variety slopes, making it a good pick for any level. Another spot popular with locals is the public park grounds around Lake Cornelia one block west of Southdale Center. 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424.

Excelsior parks

LAKE MINNEWASHTA REGIONAL PARK: Managed by Carver County, sliders are reminded to use designated trails for walking up the hill, wait for others to clear before beginning to sled and exit the bottom of the hill promptly. 6900 Hazeltine Blvd, Excelsior, MN 55331.

Hopkins parks

HILLTOP PARK: The city of Hopkins suggests this park for a winter sledding hill. 2020 4th Street N, Hopkins, MN 55343.

Minnetonka parks

The City of Minnetonka does not officially endorse any sledding hills, but locals recommend visiting:

  • Glen Lake School – 4801 Woodridge Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
  • Lone Lake Park – – 5624 Shady Oak Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55343
  • Gro Tonka Park – 17003 Prospect Pl, Minnetonka, MN 55391

Richfield parks

In Richfield’s 2018 Park Inventory, they list 4 sledding hill parks:

  • ADAMS HILL PARK – 7200 Washburn Avenue, Richfield MN 55423.
    The slope terrain surrounds the park and points inward away from the street.
  • AUGSBURG PARK7154 Wentworth Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423.
    A popular winter park, their are also cross-country ski trails and a skate facility.
  • MONROE PARK – 6170 Irving Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
    The sledding hill is in the center of the park.
  • ROOSEVELT PARK – 7644 Fourth Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
SHERIDAN PARK was not included on that list, but it has a gentle slope that slides into the park from Sheridan Hills Elementary School, so it is a popular place for kids to sled. 6500 South Upton Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423.
 

St. Louis Park parks

St. Louis Park officially lists the following parks for sledding:

  • AINSWORTH PARK – 7700 W 28th St, St Louis Park, MN 55426
  • AQUILA PARK 3110 Xylon Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
  • BROWNDALE PARK – 4525 Morningside Rd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
  • CEDAR/MANOR LAKE PARK – 9350 Cedar Lake Rd. St. Louis Park, MN 55426
  • DAKOTA PARK2643 Dakota Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
  • KEYSTONE PARK – 3034 Alabama Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55416
  • LOUISIANA OAKS PARK3520 Louisiana Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
  • MINIKAHDA VISTA PARK – 3901 Inglewood Ave S St Louis Park MN 55416
  • OAK HILL PARK3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
  • WOLFE PARK3700 Monterey Dr St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Victoria parks

CARVER PARK RESERVE: One of the five parks recommended for sledding within the Three Rivers Parks District is this sprawling park. Just outside the Lowry Nature Center rests a groomed sledding hill. No sled, no problem; rent sleds for just a buck (plus tax) inside the nature center. 7400 Grimm Road Victoria, MN 55386.

Waconia parks

LAKE WACONIA REGIONAL PARK: Opened in 2007, this 80-foot sledding hill is open 10am to sunset when snow is present and weather permits. Managed by Carver County, sliders are reminded to use designated trails for walking up the hill, wait for others to clear before beginning to sled and exit the bottom of the hill promptly. 8170 Paradise Lane, Waconia, MN 55387.

Sledding in Minnesota State Parks 

If you want to take a Minnesota road trip that includes sledding, the State Parks also offer sledding hills at these locations.

Snow tubing hills

Also, check out Gianna’s list of tubing hills here. This covers hills, like the popular Buck Hill, where families can snow tube for one inclusive rate – snow tubes provided.

Free outdoor ice skating rinks in the Twin Cities

Strap on your skates and head out to these free ice rinks across the Twin Cities!


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Where Is Your Best Hill?

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9 thoughts on “Twin Cities Guide to the Best Sledding Hills”

    1. Oh, you are correct, Chris. I just looked at a plot map and that portion of the park juts into Minneapolis. I think we will leave the hill listed under both cities, though. For practical purposes, families looking for Golden Valley sledding hills will want to know about Sunset Hill.

  1. The most Minnesota thing I’ve seen this winter was at Keyes park. A family brought their fish house on its trailer to the park. They had it at the top of the hill and it looked like they were making drinks and snacks for their family to enjoy while sledding.
    This hill is also well known in the neighborhood for viewing astronomical events and the daily sunset.

    1. What a lovely idea, Tiffany! It wouldn’t even have to be as elaborate as an ice house, it could be a mini van with a thermos. What fun.

    1. Thank you, Mary! Every time we drive past there on our way to buy groceries, I tell my family we should try sledding there, but I didn’t know the name of the park to share. It is so perfect in that it is pretty steep and long, but points away from traffic.

  2. Pingback: The BEST sledding hills in the Twin Cities - 98.5 KTIS 98.5 KTIS

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