As the winter air crisps and the first snowflakes dance in St. Louis skies, families eagerly anticipate one of the city’s most cherished traditions: sledding. In this enchanting town, blanketed in a soft, white canvas, sledding transcends being just a pastime; it’s a beloved ritual that brings generations together, creating joyous memories. From the thrill of the descent to the laughter shared over hot cocoa, St. Louis transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of scenic hills and parks that cater to both the young and the young at heart. Whether it’s the exhilarating rush on Art Hill or the gentle glide at Suson Park, each snowy adventure weaves into the fabric of family lore, making St. Louis not just a great sledding town, but a hub of warm, familial bonds forged in the frosty air.
The whims of snowfall in St. Louis mean you need to be sledding-ready at a moment’s notice. Remember, though, sleds are a no-go in Lone Elk, Veterans Memorial, and Kennedy parks within St. Louis County.
Forest Park: Art Hill, starting from the Saint Louis statue and ending at the Grand Basin, is a sledding favorite. Its capacity to accommodate numerous sledders, convenient location, ample parking, and safety measures (like hay bales at the Grand Basin) by the city park department make it a top choice. [Location: 1 Fine Arts Drive]
Suson Park: Ideal for beginners, Suson Park offers a mild but lengthy slope near the playground. [Location: 6073 Wells Road]
Sioux Passage Park: In Florissant, this park is a winter wonderland offering snowmobiling, skiing, and sledding. “The Man Maker” hill, south of the basketball court, is a must-try. [Location: 17930 Old Jamestown Road]
Deer Creek Park: The steep Marshall Hill in Webster Groves’ Deer Creek Park is perfect for daring young sledders. [Location: Corner of Summit and Marshall Avenues]
Blanchette Park: Bum’s Hollow in St. Charles County, a series of natural bowl-shaped hills, offers varying sledding difficulties, all converging in the center. [Location: 1900 W. Randolph Street]
Glidden Park: Despite Illinois’ reputation for flatness, Glidden Park boasts a superb hill for sledding, open when snow exceeds two inches. Note: Wooden or metal-runner sleds are prohibited. [Location: Intersection of Branch Street and Lebanon Avenue, Collinsville, Illinois]
Hidden Valley Ski Resort: For a change from the free parks, Hidden Valley in Eureka is a great destination. Its Polar Plunge is the largest snow tubing hill in Missouri, and there are options to warm up in the café or by a bonfire afterward. [Location: 17409 Hidden Valley Drive, Eureka]
