There’s something magical about winter in McHenry County. When the snow comes, it blankets the landscape in a pristine white and the air turns crisp and fresh. It’s the perfect time to bundle up and head outside for a classic winter activity – sledding! No matter your age, there’s no denying the pure joy of hurtling down a snowy sledding hill. It’s a timeless experience that evokes childhood memories of laughter, adrenaline, and maybe even a few spills.
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The beauty of sledding is that it’s accessible to everyone. You don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills – just a sled, a hill, and a sense of adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned sledder or a first-timer, McHenry County has plenty of sledding hills to choose from. From gentle slopes perfect for younger kids to bigger drops that will get the heart pumping for those thrill-seekers, there’s a hill for everyone.
So grab your sled and head for the hills for some winter fun! And don’t forget to bundle up – it can get chilly out there!
We’ve attempted to compile a list of sled hills, by city or village, across McHenry County. By no means is this believed to be an exhaustive list, but there’s a good chance we have a sledding hill near you.
What follows may include both official and unofficial sledding sites. Some may be maintained or even lighted, while others may be strictly an area of land, specifically or fortunately suited for sledding. And we’d love to know your opinion on where is the best place to sled.
Also, be sure to check our guides for Ice Skating Rinks, Cross Country Skiing, and Snowmobiling in McHenry County.
All information is subject to change and we always recommend contacting the specific locations to verify conditions and availability, especially those that are weather-dependent.
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Did we miss one or include one that is no longer relevant? Or maybe you have information to add or we need to correct our information? We greatly appreciate any help that others can provide. Please provide as much information, including links to other sources, as you can in the form below. Thanks!
Algonquin Sledding Hills
Braewood Park
Braewood Park is a cozy neighborhood park offering a sledding hill for wintertime fun from 6 am to dusk.
Address: 1001 Gaslight Dr, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-658-2700
Information: Park Details
High Hill Park & Nature Preserve
High Hill Park and Nature Preserve derives its name from the fact that it is actually two parks. A nice neighborhood park with a playground, shelter, swing set, sandpit, and wintertime sledding hill. Open from 6 am to dusk.
Address: 501 Kirkland Dr, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-658-2716
Information: Park Details
Spella Park
Spella Park is a massive 43-acre park named after the late Village President Ted Spella. The highlight of this park comes in the winter thanks to the massive hill separating the west and east park areas. This is the premier sledding hill in the Algonquin area and it also gives a spectacular view year-round. Open from 6 am to dusk.
Address: 2610 Harnish Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-658-2716
Information: Park Details
Cary Sledding Hills
Lions Park
When covered with snow, Lions Park’s rolling hills are excellent for sledding. Closes at dusk.
Address: 1200 Silver Lake Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-6200
Information: Park Details, RainoutLine, Cary Park District
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Crystal Lake Sledding Hills
Feinberg Park
This community park just east of the Pingree Metra Station provides a popular though unofficial sledding hill.
Address: 701 Juniper Ln, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Park Details, Crystal Lake Park District
Indian Prairie Park
Note that this location has been closed to sledding some years, and when it is available, it is unstaffed. This park is adjacent to Indian Prairie Elementary School and is primarily home to softball diamonds and some open space.
Address: 600 Miller Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Park Details, Crystal Lake Park District
Three Oaks Recreation
This reclaimed abandoned quarry is a popular water spot during the warmer months, yet also provides some winter sledding fun. Open 6:30 am to sunset. Note that a Crystal Lake vehicle sticker may be needed for free parking.
Address: 5517 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-2020
Information: Park Details, Rainout Line
Veteran Acres Park – Babe Ruth Hill
The very popular main sledding hill on the Walkup Roadside provides lighted sledding areas (4-9 PM), restrooms, shelters, and ample parking.
Address: 431 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Park Details, Rainout Line, Crystal Lake Park District
Veteran Acres Park – Nature Center
Veteran Acres also features a secondary sledding hill located near the Nature Center.
Address: 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Park Details, Rainout Line, Crystal Lake Park District
Be sure to see our other winter guides too!
Fox River Grove Sledding Hills
Old Hunt Park
There is a small sledding hill, perfect for beginning sledders, adjacent to the walking path to Algonquin Road School. Open 8 am to dusk.
Address: Old Hunt Rd & Hunters Way, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Phone: 847-639-3170
Information: Park Details
Picnic Grove Park
The park, located within the Picnic Grove subdivision along the Fox River, includes a large sledding hill for winter sledding activities.
Address: 598 Birch Lane, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Phone: 847-639-3170
Information: Park Details
Harvard Sledding Hills
Lions Park
The lighted sledding hill is open until 10 pm during sledding season.
Address: E Brown St & Galvin Pkwy, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: 815-943-6468
Information: Park Details
Huntley Sledding Hills
Talamore
This sledding hill is maintained by the Huntley Park District during the snow season and is open from sunrise to dusk.
Address: Garlieb Dr & Hadley Dr, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Park Details
Warrington Park
The Warrington Park sledding hill, just west of Stingray Bay Aquatic Center, is maintained by the Huntley Park District during the snow season and is open from sunrise to dusk.
Address: 12219 Lois Ln, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Park Details
Island Lake Sledding Hills
Converse Park
A large and extremely popular sledding hill that is open until 10 pm. It is lit but unsupervised.
Address: 628 E State Rd, Island Lake, IL 60042
Phone: 847-416-7866
Information: Park Details
Johnsburg Sledding Hills
McHenry Park / Albert A. Adams Park
This main park offers sledding hills and a warming shelter.
Address: 3703 N Richmond, Rd, Johnsburg, IL 60051
Phone: 815-385-5605
Information: Park Details
Sunnyside Memorial Park
Located next to the Village Hall, this park offers a sledding hill.
Address: 1515 Channel Beach Ave, Johnsburg, IL 60051
Phone: 815-385-5605
Information: Park Details
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Ringwood Sledding Hills
Glacial Park Conservation Area
The sledding hill is located by the Wiedrich Barn amphitheater and is open when there is at least 4″ of snow.
Address: 6705 State Rte 31, Ringwood, IL 60072
Phone: 815-678-4532 (Lost Valley Visitor Center)
Information: Park Details, Sledding Info, McHenry County Conservation District
Spring Grove Sledding Hills
Chain O’ Lakes State Park
Located in both McHenry and Lake Counties, the Chain O’ Lakes State Park provides year-round outdoor fun. The sledding hill is located near the park office. Open daily in the winter months from 8:00 am to sunset.
Address: 8916 Wilmot Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Phone: 847-587-5512
Information: Park Details
Woodstock Sledding Hills
Emricson Park
During the winter months, the City provides a designated sledding area in Emricson Park. Open from 5 am to 11 pm.
Address: 900 West South St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-4363
Information: Park Details
Raintree Park
The sledding hill is located on the east side of the park. Open from dawn to dusk.
Address: 401 E Lake St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-4363
Information: Park Details
Tips for Safe and Fun Sledding
- Location: Choose a hill or section that is free of obstacles, such as trees, rocks, or fences.
- Hill bottom: Make sure the bottom of the hill is clear and free of people or pets, and be aware of roads.
- Clothing: Dress in warm, waterproof clothing. Layer your clothing and consider an extra pair of gloves/mittens.
- Personal safety: Wear a helmet to protect your head in case of a fall.
- Ease into it: Start slow and get a feel for the hill before going too fast.
- Little ones: Keep an eye on children and never let them sled alone. Choose times, locations, or sections where they are sledding with peers.
- Return path: Be sure to avoid the sledding sections when returning to the top of the hill, both for safety reasons but also to preserve the snow for sledding.
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.
