One of the best parts of a Central Minnesota winter is sledding! Whether the kids are getting stir-crazy or you’re looking for a simple outdoor activity that doesn’t require tickets or reservations, sledding checks all the boxes. It’s basically a free carnival ride that kids (and adults!) never tire of. Plus, the fresh air and physical activity help everyone stay warm while having fun.
After years of exploring local hills, here are my three favorite free sledding spots in Central MN—perfect for families, teens, and anyone who wants to enjoy winter without breaking the bank.
1. Riverside Park — Best for Families with Younger Kids
Address: 1725 Kilian Blvd, St. Cloud, MN
If you’re sledding with littles, Riverside Park is hands-down the easiest and most family-friendly option.
Why We Love It
- The hill is well-maintained and has a hill that younger kids can handle.
- The parking lot is very close, making warm-up breaks quick and easy.
- There’s plenty of open space with no trees or buildings in the sledding path.
- Lighting from 4 PM–10 PM allows for magical evening sledding.
Amenities
- Parking lot just steps from the hill
- Occasional bathroom/warming house availability
- Sled Shed with community-donated sleds!
- On most Sundays (1/4/25–2/22/25), the park offers a warming fireplace and winter equipment checkout
Pro Tips
- Bring a snack! Snacks help entice little ones to warm up in the car, extending your sledding time. I suggest granola bars, trail mix, cheese sticks or beef jerky!
Nearby Eats & Breaks
The Copper Kitchen (formerly The Copper Lantern), 15 Hwy 10 S — a beloved, family-owned breakfast spot with more than 50 years of local history
McDonald’s, 840 E. St. Germain St. — quick bathrooms and snacks
Riverside Park truly shines for families with younger kids. The hill has a gentle, manageable slope that’s great for all ages, and the open layout means you don’t have to worry about trees or buildings in the path. It’s also one of the easiest spots for pacing your day—kids can zip down the hill, warm up in the car, and head right back out without the long walks required at other parks. Evening sledding is especially magical here thanks to the park lighting, and if you want to explore more than just sledding, the area also offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. Pro Tip: Bring a favorite snack to encourage warm-up breaks—little ones last so much longer with a quick bite and a cozy moment in the car! For a stop afterward, McDonald’s on E. St. Germain makes bathroom and snack runs easy, or you can head to The Copper Kitchen for a nostalgic, local family-owned spot that’s been serving the community for over 50 years.
2. Calvary Park — Best For Long Runs & Teens
1800 S 17th St St. Cloud, MN
If you have teens—or you are someone who enjoys a faster, more adventurous run—Calvary Park is the hill to hit.
Why Teens Love It
- Long, steep runs = speed and excitement
- The woods behind the hill add a little spooky mystery (especially at night!)
- It’s beautifully lit from 4 PM–10 PM, especially after fresh snowfall
Amenities
- A parking lot with ample but not close parking
- A porta-potty available most winters
Extra Tips
- Revive your teen’s interest with a new sled—they’re surprisingly picky and a cool sled can make the outing feel fresh and fun. Here’s the one my son suggests: https://amzn.to/4pipbMZ
Nearby Eats & Warm-Ups
- Coborn’s, 900 Cooper Ave S — hot bar, snacks, and a Caribou Coffee inside
- Perfect for warming up or grabbing hot chocolate
Calvary Park is the perfect choice for teens and thrill-seekers thanks to its long, steep run that delivers plenty of speed and excitement. There’s also a fun, slightly spooky vibe once the sun goes down—the woods behind the hill tend to spark the imagination, especially on quiet winter nights. When the snow is fresh and the lights come on, the whole hill has a beautiful glow that makes evening sledding feel extra special. While parking is usually easy to find, it’s a bit of a walk to the hill, so once you’re out there you’ll likely stay for a while. Pro Tip: A new, fast sled can instantly boost a teen’s enthusiasm for the outing. And if you want to warm up afterward, the nearby Coborn’s hot bar or in-store Caribou Coffee is perfect for grabbing something cozy before heading home.
3. Hester Park — Best Hidden Gem Hill
6th Ave N between 10th & 11th St N, St. Cloud
Not as widely known—but absolutely loved by those in the area—Hester Park offers a unique sledding experience.
What Makes It a Hidden Gem
- Two hill options so you can choose your adventure
- Stairs to help you get back up (your legs will thank you!)
- A fun mix of families, neighborhood kids, and teens
Important Notes
- No parking lot—street parking only
- No bathrooms
- No warming house or car access close by
- Bring hand warmers, and know your time limit before you go
- Use the bathroom before you arrive + plan an exit strategy for little ones
Where to Stop Afterward
- The Good Earth Food Co-op, 2010 Veterans Dr
- Two soups daily
- Hot sandwiches, cold case meals, coffee & tea
- A clean, family-friendly public bathroom (a lifesaver!)
Hester Park has such a charming, tucked-away feel—one of those spots you usually only discover if you live nearby or hear about it from a neighbor. The two hills give kids and teens plenty of options, and the built-in stairs make the trek back up surprisingly easy, especially on busy days. It’s popular with both families and teens, but it still has that “locals-only” feel because most visitors already know the area well. Since parking is street-only and there’s no nearby place to warm up, it’s the kind of hill where you’ll want to bundle up, bring hand warmers, and plan your timing before you go. Once you’re done sledding, The Good Earth Food Co-op is a cozy spot to warm up with soup, sandwiches, or hot drinks—and their clean, family-friendly bathroom is a major bonus if you’ve been out in the cold with little ones.
Central Minnesota is full of simple winter joys, and sledding is one of the best ways to get outside, move your body, and make memories without spending a dime. Whether you choose the family-focused warmth of Riverside Park, the thrilling speed of Calvary, or the neighborhood charm of Hester Park, each of these hills offers something special.
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My favorite items to stock up on before a sledding day:
So pack the snacks, grab the sleds, throw a couple hand warmers in your pocket, and get ready for rosy cheeks, laughter, and the kind of fun that has the kids asking, “Can we go again tomorrow?”
Have you been to these hills? Do you have a different favorite?