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. I love that it is one of the only winter activities that doesn’t require reservations or entrance fees. You just show up and have fun. Take a single ride down the hill or sled all day. Sledding hills are free and abundant, and they come in all shapes and sizes – steep hills for thrill seekers to gentle slopes perfect for toddlers, and everything in between. 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.

MORE OUTDOOR WINTER FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES Check out our roundups, all filled with ways to enjoy the cold season:

TWIN CITIES SLEDDING HILLS QUICK LINKS
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    Minneapolis & St Paul - best sledding hills

    Minneapolis parks 

    • AUDUBON PARK – 1320 29th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Neighborhood hint: Audubon has a collection of loaner sleds for all ages that can be borrowed anytime the rec center is open. They might even make you hot cocoa when you return the sleds.
    • BEARD’S PLAISANCE PARK – Reader Andre tells us this sledding hill is massive and steep. 4525 Upton Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55410
    • MATTHEWS PARK – 2318 29th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
    • FARVIEW PARK – 621 N 29th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
    • FULLER PARK Reader Jonas recommends this hill and Tangletown Neighborhood Association also lists the sledding hill as a park amenity. 4800 Grand Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55410

    Three recommended sledding 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 Park3300 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.

    Share your favorite Minneapolis local hill in the comments!

    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.

    Why was Frost Lake Park removed from St. Paul’s recommended sledding hills? We don’t know for sure, but our best guess is that it is really only a viable sledding hill for small kids who live in the neighborhood and not worth a special trip. 

    *BATTLE CREEK’S sledding hill is lighted until 10pm 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

    Twin Cities Northwest Metro - best sledding hills

    Andover parks 

    Andover has three great spots 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. We’ve been sledding here for years, never knowing its name. 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

    These sledding hills are recommended by the City of Coon Rapids.

    • RIVERVIEW PARK. The sledding hills is across the street from the park. The city also maintains pleasure skating and hockey rinks and opens a warming house.  2420 105th Ave NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
    • ROCKSLIDE PARK. 11200 Swallow St NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
    • SAND CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 12156 Olive St NW, Minneapolis, MN 55448
    • THORPE PARK. The park also has an ice rink and is lit until 10 pm nightly. 2691 Carlson Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
    • WINTERCREST PARK The park also has an ice rink and is lit until 10 pm nightly. 10300 Woodcrest Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
    • GOT LITTLE ONES? Coon Rapids also recommends smaller hills found in

    Thank you to reader, Lynsey for the heads up about Wintercrest Park!

    Crystal parks

    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 PARKAnother 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

    Elk River parks

    Elk River recommends these five parks with sledding hills:

    COUNTRY CROSSING PARK, 17970 Joplin Street, Elk River, MN 55330
    DEERFIELD HILL PARK, 19210 Carson Street, Elk River, MN 55330
    HANDKE PIT, 1133 4th Street NW, Elk River, MN 55330
    LION JOHN WEICHT PARK, 1104 Lions Park Drive, Elk River, MN 55330
    RIDGEWOOD EAST PARK, 19251 Highland Road, Elk River, MN 55330

    Fridley parks

    The only city-endorsed sledding hill in Fridley is at COMMONS PARK. 555 61st Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432. NOTE: It is closed for construction in 2025, but expected to be new and improved in 2026!

    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

    GLEASON FIELDS SLEDDING HILL: This hill is lit in the evenings and the city maintains a free “sled shed” with free loaner sleds (feel free to donate sleds, too.). Bring your skates, the park has an ice rink, too. 18815 67th Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55311.

    Maple Plain parks

    BAKER PARK RESERVE: This is one of the Three Rivers Parks locations that offers FREE sleds to check out and use on site. 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.

    Otsego parks

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

    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

    Isanti

    Thank you go reader, Gabby for the suggestion of BLUEBIRD PARK. If you sled evenings during the Holiday season, you’ll get to enjoy the Illuminate Isanti display while you play.

    Lake Elmo parks

    SUNFISH LAKE PARK / SALLY MANZARA INTERPRETIVE NATURE CENTER. One of our favorite winter parks, this community park has two hills – a large and a small slope, plus plenty of other winter activities to keep your family busy all day. Read more here. Sunfish Lake Park, 10000 Stillwater Ave North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.

    Lake Elmo has suggested these three neighborhood parks for sledding:

    1. CARRIAGE STATION PARK. 5036 Marquess Trail North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.
    2. HIDDEN KNOLL PARK. 5772 Lily Avenue, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.
    3. TABLYN PARK. 8735 Stillwater Blvd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.

    Reader Ryan also suggests PEBBLE PARK, 8160 Lake Jane Trail North, 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.

    PARKVIEW CENTER SCHOOL:  This hill is lit at night. Thanks to reader, Stacy, for this suggestion. 701 County C Rd W, Roseville, 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.

    MORE TUBING OPPORTUNITIES: Snow Tubing for the Family: Best Twin Cities Hills

    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.

    Edina parks

    ARNESON ACRES PARK: Reader, Delaney, recommends this hill located at 4711 W 70th St, Edina, MN 55424.

    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!


    Related Articles

    Where Is Your Best Sledding Hill?

    Did we miss some? Do you have other favorites? Drop us a line. We'll add more as we discover them.

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

    1. Bluebird Park in Isanti has a very popular sledding hill that is very busy a majority of the winter. Also, Bluebird park is the same park where the city of Isanti holds their annual “Illuminate Isanti” Christmas Festival of Lights during the month of December! So, sledding AND a Christmas light show. Sounds like a win-win! I know it is 100% considered a “win-win” for me and my little family every single year! ❄️⛄️🎄🛷🥰

      1. Thank you, Lynsey! We’ve added Wintercrest Park and a few others that Coon Rapids recommends.

    2. 🛷County Rd B and Dale St hill at Parkvuew school
      Roseville mn
      Roseville – St. Paul border
      Off of 36 and Dale or or 94 and Dale
      Night lit
      We don’t run all over to sled
      We go to the closest and lit💡💡
      Why?
      We don’t have many street lights working in Roseville/ St. Paul
      Can hardly see
      The city councils tax and tax and don’t fix nothing 🛷

    3. Beard’s Plaisance is an amazing sledding experience. The hill is massive and steep and it’s not as busy as other sledding hills in the area.

      1. Thank you, Jonas. I see that, while it is not listed on MPRB’s list, the Tangletown Neighborhood Association recommends this hill for sledding. Thanks for the heads up.

      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.

    4. 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.

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

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