Winter is in Full Swing – Sledding Hills Here we Come!
The holidays are over, school is back in session, and there is still a loooong stretch of winter weather to go. This is good news, because there is SO much to look forward to these next few months when it comes to winter fun! We in the Lansing area are lucky to have a ton of hills offering fun for everyone, from the tiniest tot to the thrill-seeking teen, all the way up to the young-at-heart grandparent!
Tubing or sledding is the absolute best way to spend a snowy, winter day. Check out these top favorites, with a few extra tips you may not know about each one!
Hawk Island is a Top Tubing Destination, With So Much More
Hawk Island is a winter destination for people near and far. From the beautiful snowy trails to the incredible snow tubing, you can spend an entire day here. The hill is fantastic; 500-600 feet long with a drop of 50-60 feet, with 16 ft wide snow lanes.
The “magic carpet” (mechanical hill lift) makes it easy for little legs to get back to the top again and again, saving energy for all the fun parts! For anyone needing a break from the cold, the warming shack is stocked with snacks and hot chocolate. Grab some to enjoy around the bonfires at the base of the hill.
No snow? No problem! Hawk Island makes their own, so if all you see is grass (or that fun winter mud) in your backyard, you can always head over to Hawk Island for a winter wonderland.
Tip: If you have a party of 25 or more, the entire hill can be reserved at only a slightly higher price per person than a public entry. This would make for a memorable family reunion or private party spot!
Cost: $10 per person for two hours or $8 per person with groups of four or more (there is also a vehicle entrance fee of $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents)
Address: Hawk Island County Park, 1601 Cavanaugh Rd. in Lansing
Phone: 517-676-2233
For more info, check out their website.
Birchfield Park Has Great Tubing, And It’s Cheap!
Birchfield Park in Holt is perfect for the entire family – with one hill for the little kids and one for the adventure seeker, there’s something for everyone. Snow tubes are super cheap – only $2 for two hours. Or, bring your own tubes or sleds for a day of entirely FREE fun!
Tip #1: Moonlight ski is on Friday nights from 6 to 9 pm.
Tip #2: If you’re planning on checking out both Hawk Island and Birchfield, consider getting an annual park pass instead of paying the daily entrance fee. This annual pass is only $30 for residents and is especially worthwhile if you plan to visit these (or any other Ingham county parks) more than a few times year-round!
Cost: Ski rental: $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for kids. $2 for two-hour tube rental (also with an entrance fee of $3 resident, $5 non-resident)
Address: Burchfield County Park, 881 Grovenburg Rd. Holt
Phone: 517-676-2233
More info here.
Granger Meadows Park Has Fun With a View
Another area favorite for sledding is Granger Meadows Park. This hill is worth checking out just for the view from the top. At 70 feet high with three varying slopes, it’s great for all ages. You’ll also find a natural ice skating pond, warming room, walking/hiking trails, dog park, and playground here, making for plenty to do outside.
Tip: Contrary to rumors about sledding down “Trash Hill,” Granger Meadows Park was not built on a landfill! While Granger (the area’s trash and recycling service) was the one who donated land for this park, it was actually farm land that had never been used as landfill space. The park is now owned and managed not by Granger, but by DeWitt township. Find out more fun facts here.
Cost: Free
Location: 1275 Granger Meadows Lane Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: (517) 668-0270
Find out more here.
More Top Lansing Area Sledding Hills, Listed by Area
Each town has some local favorite spots, all easily accessible to the public, and ENTIRELY FREE! Check out these and other area parks for more outdoor winter fun.
DeWitt
- DeWitt High School (by the football stadium) – 13601 Panther Dr Dewitt, MI 48820
East Lansing
- Ehinger Park – 315 Chesterfield Parkway East Lansing, MI 48823
- McDonald Middle School – 1601 Burcham Dr East Lansing, MI 48823
This hill is behind the middle school by the baseball fields, known to locals (though no one’s sure why!) as “Mickey Mouse Hill.”
Grand Ledge
- Fitzgerald Park – 133 Fitzgerald Park Dr, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837
Holt
Long known in the area as “Deadman’s Hill,” this hill is just south of the Edru Roller Skating Rink in Holt. The name was just recently changed to John Taylor Memorial Park.
Tip: The name change is significant. Check out why here.
Lansing
- Grand Woods Park – 4500 W Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
- Poxson Park – 600 N Dexter Drive Lansing, MI 48910
- Waverly Hill – 3419 W Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48917
Mason
- Hayes Park – 851 W Columbia St, Mason, Michigan
Okemos
- Hiawatha Elementary – 1900 Jolly Rd, Okemos, MI 48864
- North Meridian Road Park – 5191 Meridian Rd, Okemos, Michigan 48840
Williamston
- Williamston High School (by the football field) – 3939 Vanneter Rd Williamston, MI 48895
Have a favorite hill we didn’t mention? Please share any we missed in the comments below! Happy sledding!
Angel Hill