When the snow starts to fall Michiganders have a lot of opportunities for outdoor fun. One of the best activities for family fun is sledding or snow tubing in Michigan. Nearly everyone has hopped on a sled, tube, or toboggan at some point and sped down a hill. However, not all hills are created equal, so we’ll take a look at some of the top tubing runs and sledding hills in Michigan so you can start checking these destinations off your “winter fun bucket list.”
We’ll try to break down our listings by region to make it a bit easier for you to zero in on the best sledding hills near you.
Northern Michigan
Not surprisingly, with a greater abundance of hills and typically colder temperatures, Northern Michigan has the most spots on our list. The rolling hills of Northern Michigan offer ample opportunities for sledding and tubing. Here are some of the best spots.
Hanson Hills Recreation Area
Located in Grayling, Hanson Hills has an extremely popular tubing hill that lets you gain some serious speed. You’ll need to purchase a pass – you can get one for a day or by the hour to partake in the action. If you want to try some other winter time activities Hanson Hills also has the option of cross country skiing, snowboarding, and downhill skiing.
Timberlee Hills
Traverse City is the home of Timberlee Hills, the largest tubing hill in Michigan. The steep incline makes for an outrageous ride. Purchase an hourly pass and bring friends or your whole household for some family fun. You can purchase one or two hour passes for this tubing run.
Boyne Mountain
A popular ski destination in Boyne Falls, Boyne Mountain also offers one of the best tubing hills in the state. The hill even includes some jumps so you can test your ability to go flying this winter! Hourly rates can vary, but you’ll get your money’s worth as a conveyor system will help you quickly get back to the top of the hill.
Mount Zion Recreation Complex
The Upper Peninsula makes an appearance here as Mt. Zion represents Ironwood, Michigan with its incredible snow tubing and sledding hills. You pay for two hour sessions at this popular U.P. destination and while you’re there you can access the snack bar for some tasty winter treats.
Shanty Creek
Located a few miles east of Torch Lake, Shanty Creek Resort is home to some of the best sledding in Michigan. With plenty of top notch skiing, you can make a full weekend out of a trip to Shanty Creek where you can spend time hitting up the tubing area, heading down the slopes, or just enjoying the amenities of the resort.
Treetops Resort
Popular with golfers in the summer, this resort in Gaylord is another entry that offers winter fun by way of skiing and also a hair raising snow tubing hill for those with a need for speed. Purchase passes by the hour while hitting up the hill and once you’re done enjoy a trip to the spa or one of the fine dining restaurants located on site.
West Michigan
While it doesn’t have the sheer number of top notch snow tubing or sledding hills, West Michigan is no slouch when it comes to quality options.
Cannonsburg
This popular West Michigan ski area is located north of Grand Rapids in Rockford and has four lanes of tubing fun. Passes are typically affordable, and if you’re in the area in the warmer months you can also enjoy some excellent mountain biking courses through Cannonsburg.
Muskegon State Park
The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is just built for winter fun. For younger kids they have a small sledding hill, but the real attraction for speed merchants is the luge track. Yes, you can go down a real luge run – and it’s FAST. For those seeking something a little slower, try the cross country skiing trek or go snowshoeing. There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy this winter in Muskegon!
Echo Valley
Kalamazoo is also home to one of the coolest spots to go sledding this winter. Echo Valley has a toboggan run (where you can hit speeds of 60mph!) on top of a long and speedy tubing hill. Getting back up the hill is also made easier with a heated walkway or an overhead lift. You won’t find a classier sledding hill in all of Michigan!
Southeast Michigan
For those looking for sledding hills in Metro Detroit, you have a few options that we recommend checking out.
Kensington Park
Located northwest of Detroit in Milford, the Kensington Metro Park offers a variety of sledding options. For the young (or the timid) the bunny hill is a great choice, and you can work your way up through their intermediate and advanced courses as you get more confident – making this great for families. As your need for speed grows you can also try out toboggan hills and snowboarding!
Rolling Hills
Ypsilanti’s best kept winter secret is Rolling Hills State Park. For a nominal fee, you can rent a sled or a toboggan and speed down the 275-foot run. For easy in and out no-fuss sledding, Rolling Hills is a tough spot to beat.
Stony Creek Metropark
Just north of Sterling Heights you’ll find Stony Creek Metro Park. This is one of the most popular sledding hills in Michigan and a major attraction in Southeast Michigan. On top of great sledding and snow tubing, Stony Creek also features a toboggan hill for those seeking extreme speed. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also available.
For those who live in Southeast Michigan, finding snow tubing nearby is difficult. However, there are plenty of sledding hills in the area, and two are at Stony Creek! You can find them near the Gladeview and West Branch picnic areas. Stony Creek even features a dedicated toboggan hill! You can also partake in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for a full, fun winter day.
Mid-Michigan
Last but not least on our list is mid-Michigan. While you may not think of this area when it comes to tubing or sledding fun, there are still some great options to check out.
Snow Snake
Snow Snake in Harrison makes a great winter getaway destination. For skiers of all levels, you’ll find hills to meet your needs, and you can also sign up for lessons. Snow tubing is hugely popular here, too, and while you make a day of it you can swing by the restaurant to grab some refreshments and food after a long day on the slopes.
Hawk Island Park
Lansing’s entry on this list offers beautiful surroundings and some of the best sledding and tubing in the state. Their hills have designated lanes so tubers have a clear, fast shot down the hill. You can easily make a day of running back up and speeding down the hills over and over again in one of mid-Michigan’s most popular sledding hills.
Obviously, there are far more options than just those listed here, but these are some can’t miss prospects for winter fun. If there’s anything you feel should be added, shoot us a message and let us know. If you’re seeking out other winter fun, check out our list of top ice skating spots in Michigan.