Some of the best sledding spots in Minnesota can be found in Minnesota State Parks across the state. Let’s face it,throughout the state the supply of snow is usually pretty much a given through much of the winter season. Getting to know your state parks in Minnesota and the terrain they offer can be of great help in getting you and your family ready for a great winter of sledding at some of the best sledding spots in Minnesota.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Winter sports enthusiasts are perhaps familiar with the trails and paths that have been created at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park in Onamia, MN. Whether you like skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing you will find the territory for you sport here. What is sometimes forgotten in the rush to these trails is that there is plenty of excellent terrain at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park for the more simple, less equipment sensitive, sport of sledding.
All you need to do at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is remember to bring your sled , toboggan or tube and prepare to enjoy one of the best sledding spots in Minnesota. Extras at Mille Lacs Kathio include a 100 ft observation tower that commands a great view when weather permits, the Mille Lacs Indian Museum which is just two miles from the State Park . You can locate Mille Lacs Kathio Sate Park 90 miles from St. Paul , MN.
Frontenac State Park, Frontenac, MN. Frontenac State Park, MN has a picturesque location along the banks of the Mississippi River. The park offers the somewhat typical options of well groomed snow-mobiling and cross country skiing trails for recreational use. The park also attracts visitors even in winter because it is an outstanding park for those who pursue birdwatching, even in winter.
For families looking for a new or different place to go for a sledding outing, Frontenac State Park will likely provide you with plenty of fun. In close proximity to the park office you will find a sizable hill . There are no tube rentals or fancy rules here. Just apply you sled to the snow and off you go. What is a welcomed extra among sledders at Frontenac State Park is the presence of a warming shelter near the sledding area. This means you can take a break from the action, warm up a bit and then head back out to the sled for some more fun. At Frontenac this means being able to extend your day and feel comfortable doing it.
Buck Hill, Burnsville, MN If you need your “sledding” to be more organized, less tiring and faster and if you don’t mind spending the money to use a standardized tube and a tube chute, then possibly sledding for you will be converted to tubing. If so, then you the best “sledding” spots will be found at places like Buck Hill in Burnsville, MN. Buck Hill, like many other ski parks has made the transition to include tubing hills in addition to its skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of folks who enjoy the thrill of a large hill but would rather enjoy it on without fear of falling. These folks flock to places like Buck Hill.
At Buck Hill you will find a half dozen or more chutes, lifts that will whisk you to the top of the hill and well designed tubes that will help you to get the smooth, swift ride you have been waiting for. You can also enjoy hot chocolate, hot dogs, popcorn and other refreshments on site. The Buck Hill tubing hill is only open Thursday- Sunday as other days are reserved for group events. But you will find extended and evening hours on weekends. You can purchase admission to day or evening tubing at $15 for day tubing and $13 hours for night time tubing. For more information call 952-435-7174.
Powder Ridge, Kimball, MN. Just because most people think of Powder Ridge in Kimball, MN as one of the best ski areas in the state doesn’t mean that Powder Ridge hasn’t also been gaining a reputation as one of the best tubing spots in Minnesota. The tube, which in many areas is truly the new sled, is a fast and efficient way to enjoy a sled style ride from top to bottom of a naturally surfaced chute at Powder Ridge.
This year at Powder Ridge something has been added. The tubes and the chutes are pretty much the same but what is new is the installation of a “people conveyor” that is being utilized to bring people back to the top of the hill for their next ride. This conveyor helps to reduce the effort involved in tubing and allow for more runs and more fun. Tubing runs are open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at $15 for two hour stays in day time and $13 in the evening hours. During the rest of the week chutes are used by organizations for group events. Whether you come as part of a group or with a friend or your family the thrill and the fun is the same at Powder Ridge Winter Recreation Area. For more information call 320-398-7200
