During the winter of 2020, there are all sorts of activities we’re being told are off limits— holiday parties, Christkindlmarket, cuffing season— but what about all the things we can do? If you’re the type to break out the snow pants and don your trusty boots at the first sign of snow accumulation, you can still have a great time taking advantage of fresh layers of powder at our city’s many sledding spots. Put on your mask (why not be warm and safe?) and check out these 6 top-notch sledding hills around Chicago.
Dan Ryan Woods
S Western Ave & W 87th St, Chicago IL 60620
This large forest preserve on the south side is generally a great place to be in any season if you’re trying to spend some time outdoors; the sledding hill here is near the Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center.
Palmisano Park
2700 S Halsted St, Chicago IL 60608
After living past lives as a quarry and a landfill, Palmisano Park is now an urban oasis to the people of Bridgeport, and its gentle slope of a sledding hill is nicknamed “Mount Bridgeport” by locals.
Warren Park
6601 N Western Ave, Chicago IL 60645
Though usual features like a warming house aren’t an option right now, sledders in West Ridge can brave the cold and snow to check out the park’s hill— the perks of which include stairs on either side for greater ease getting back up the slope.
Caldwell Woods
W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave, Chicago IL 60646
On the northwest side you’ll find Caldwell Woods, and shortly upon entering at Milwaukee and Devon, an excellent designated sledding hill awaits you!
Cricket Hill
4500 N Lakeshore Drive | W. Montrose, Chicago IL 60607
While it’s not beach season at the moment, you will want to head over to Lake Shore Drive and Montrose for some outdoor fun. Amid running tracks and football/soccer fields, Cricket Hill sits ready and available for sledding this winter.
James Park
Dodge Ave & Mulford St, Evanston IL 60202
While there is a sizable center hill here, it has more recently been off-limits to sledders for safety reasons; fortunately, there are smaller hills that still provide a safe (but fun!) opportunity for sledding.
Sledding Hills Chicago Featured Image Credit: Tommy Connover on Pixabay
