Your Guide to Sledding Hills in and Around Chicago

If the ongoing La Niña weather pattern is any indication, it’s likely to be a cold and snowy winter in Chicago this year — and there’s no better way to spend a snow day in the city than by doing some sledding. While Chicago might be infamous for its flat terrain, there’s still some local hills offering steep slopes and plenty of thrills. Here’s a guide to all the best sledding spots in and around the Windy City this winter! Museum Campus Sledding Hill --------------------------- Just steps away from some of Chicago’s largest attractions including the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and McCormick Place, lies a 33-foot hill perfect for sledding! The hill features a long, gradual decline, along with beautiful lakefront and skyline views. Where: Museum Campus | Chicago, IL Cricket Hill ------------ Up north along the Montrose Beach Peninsula is another prime sledding spot known as Cricket Hill. The slope features 360 degrees of sledding space and long, smooth slopes. Sledders can also take in lakeside views and enjoy a short walk to the waterfront. Where: 4500 N Lake Shore Dr | Chicago Humboldt Park Sledding Hill --------------------------- Over on the west side, Humboldt Park boasts a sledding hill of its own known as “Bunker Hill”. Snow lovers can hit the slope and take a scenic stroll around the nearby lagoon. Forest Preserve Hills --------------------- There are numerous other sledding hills throughout Chicago within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Here are a few that feature lighting and staff on hand: * Caldwell Woods – W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave | Chicago, IL * Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center – S Western Ave & W 87th St | Chicago, IL * Swallow Cliff Woods-North – Calumet Sag Rd/Rte 83, west of La Grange Rd/96th Ave | Chicago, IL * Westchester Woods – W Cermak Rd, east of S Manheim Rd/S La Grange Rd | Chicago, IL Here are some additional hills without lighting that are open from sun up to sun down: * Thaddeus S. “Ted” Lechowicz Woods – N Central Ave, north of N Elston Ave | Chicago, IL * Schiller Woods-East – W Irving Park Rd, west of N Cumberland Ave | Chicago, IL For sledding hill hours and additional info, click here. Source: https://secretchicago.com/sledding-hills-guide-chicago-2025/