Ready, Set…Slide! 30 SLEDDING HILLS IN METRO DETROIT
By: Sara E. Teller
Sledding Hills in Metro Detroit
Now that snowier days have arrived in Metro Detroit, it’s time to take those sleds and saucers out of storage and enjoy the rolling landscape nearby! Sledding hills in Metro Detroit are actually pretty plentiful! If you’re looking for the perfect spot close to home, here are some of the area’s finest hills (organized alphabetically):
Sledding Hills in Metro Detroit
Sledding Hills in Metro Detroit
Beverly Hills Village Park, 18801 Beverly Rd., Beverly Hills, 48025
This expansive 34-acre winter wonderland offers a must-see sled hill and plenty of trails perfect for cross-country skiing.
Booth Park Sled Hill, southwest corner of Old Woodward & Harmon, Birmingham, 48009
Booth Park is an ideal option for beginner sledders. It includes a small slope with an expansive playscape, a labyrinth and tunnel, and a path that leads to Rouge River Trail.
Lincoln Hills Golf Course, 2666 W 14 Mile Rd., Birmingham, 48009
A popular course in warmer months, Lincoln Hills transforms into a sledding and cross-country skiing escape as soon as the snow starts to fall.
Civic Center Sled Hill, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., 48038
With tons of sporty activities available in the summer months, Civic Center Park, situated at the corner of Canal and Romeo Plank, also offers snow-covered hills each winter.
Snowy Ridge Park, 753 Welch Rd. #601, Commerce Charter Twp., 48390
This must-see spot is positioned on the west side of Welch Rd. just south of the Township’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. When it opened in 2013, the hill was the area’s first.
Detroit Riverfront’s Milliken State Park: at1900 Atwater St., Detroit, 48207 and Robert C. Valade Park at 2670 Atwater St., Detroit, 48207
Downtown’s Milliken State Park, across from the Outdoor Adventure Center, includes a large hill ideal for all ages. For smaller slopes, check out the new Robert Valade Park nearby.
Balduck Park, 5271 Canyon St., Detroit, 48236
The border of Detroit and Grosse Pointe is home to a park with plenty of space to sled, ski, build a snowman or make snow angels.
Shiawassee Park, intersection of Shiawassee & Powers Rd., Farmington, 48336
This outdoor haven is well-known in Oakland County all year round. In the winter, visitors arrive eager to enjoy some serious sledding.
Heritage Park Sled Hill, 24915 Farmington Rd., Farmington Hills, 48336
Made up of more than 200 acres, the park hosts an adventurous hill and trails for those who appreciate cross-country, as well as indoor activities including an in-line hockey rink and visitor center.
Martin Road Park, 1615 E Lewiston Ave., Ferndale, 48220
Ferndale’s largest park is home to a massive sledding hill that was fully renovated in recent years to include a set of stairs for easier upward access, seating on top, and lights for nighttime slope riding fun.
Vernier Hill, corner of Verner Rd. & Lakeshore Dr., Grosse Pointe Woods, 48326
Residents know Vernier Hill is an epicenter for winter sports, including some of the best sledding in the area.
Civic Center Park, 360 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights, 48071
CCP is home to a hill that’s s conveniently located not only for families in the Heights, but those in Royal Oak, Clawson, and other nearby burbs.
Stony Creek Metro Park, 4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Twp., 48316
There are many massive hills in the metro park’s picnic areas as well as dozens of hiking trails to choose from. Entrants must have an annual pass or pay a fee of $10/vehicle.
Kensington Metro Park, 4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford, 48380
Kensington includes a variety of sledding experiences for all ages. Its toboggan course is great for seasoned sledders, and padded trees line a popular “bunny hill” to give beginners extra peace of mind. Entrants must have an annual pass or pay a fee of $10/vehicle.
Lake Erie Metro Park, 32481 W Jefferson, Brownstown, 48173
This Downriver attraction is equipped with a large, easy-to-find hill near the wave pool complex. Entrants must have an annual pass or pay a fee of $10/vehicle.
Lake St. Clair Metro Park, 31300 Metro Pkwy., Harrison Township, 48045
The West Playfield area of the park has a sledding escape as well as a warming room that allows visitors to take a break from the cold every now and again – an excellent setup for an all-day outing. Entrants must have an annual pass or pay a fee of $10/vehicle.
Willow Metro Park, 23200 S Huron Rd., New Boston, 48164
The Washago Pond and the Chestnut Picnic Area of Willow Metro Park including sledding spots as well as opportunities for ice fishing or skating. Entrants must have an annual pass or pay a fee of $10/vehicle.
Indian Springs Metro park, 5200 Indian Trail, White Lake, 48386
The Meadow Park Picnic Area at Indian Springs is a small and safe hill for younger sledders. Entrants must have an annual pass or pay a fee of $10/vehicle.
Novi Woods Elementary, 25195 Taft Rd., Novi, 48374
This hidden gem is a well-recognized sledding spot for Novi residents. There is also a large playground and plenty of space for some snow-time fun when school’s not in session.
Cass Benton Park, 18801 Sheldon Rd., Northville, 48168
Not-too-far from Novi Woods lies Cass Benton Park, one of the hillier sections of Hines Park, and an ultra-popular spot for downhill fun.
Shepherd Park, 24198 Church St., Oak Park 48237
Hamilton Hill in David H. Shepherd Park is a quaint slope for smaller riders. The area also offers a playscape and picnic tables for supervising parents.
Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail, Oakland Charter Township, 48363
One of Oakland’s highest points, the hill located between Kline and Rochester Rd. is a charming, yet challenging option open daily. There is also a warming shelter for defrosting fingers and toes between downhill trips.
Jesse Decker Park Sled Hill, 4080 N Squirrel Rd., Orion Charter Township, 48359
Just under 25 acres, this newest destination situated within Orion Township community park offers a steep hill for daring sledders looking for some extra speed.
Bloomer Park Sled Hill, 345 John R Rd., Rochester, 48307
There is not only plenty of space for sledding and tobogganing on the hill, but Bloomer Park includes heated restrooms for wintertime warmups.
Borden Park, 1400 E Hamlin Rd., Rochester Hills, 48307
This is more of a makeshift site for those in surrounding neighborhoods looking for a quiet and quaint sledding space.
Romeo Activity Center, 361 Morton St., Romeo, 48065
Not only does the RAC offer a variety of extracurriculars to Romeo residents, but there’s a fantastic hill out back as well as outdoor playscapes and picnic tables available year-round.
Waterford Oaks, 1702 Scott Lake Rd., Waterford Twp., 48328
This waterpark fully transforms into a winter sports haven when the snow picks up, offering a family friendly incline that’s available daily.
Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48324
Newly renovated Marshbank Park now includes a well-designed hill and fire pits perfect for family gatherings.
Hines Drive (Middlebelt) Sledding Hill, 28558 Edward N Hines Dr., Westland, 48185
The Hines Drive site sits between Merriman and Inkster and is better-known to locals as “Dead Man’s Hill.” It’s a monstrous attraction with hiking paths leading to Middle Rouge River.
Rolling Hills Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti, 48197
Rolling Hills is a prime prospect for both beginning and seasoned sledders. The park also offers a half-mile hiking path and three miles of cross-country skiing. For visitors without sleds or skis, equipment is available to rent for $3.
Many of these Metro Detroit wintertime attractions are designed to cater to the whole family. So, whether you’re already a sledding superstar or just getting started on the slopes, it’s time to suit up and enjoy the season’s snowfall!