The Best Sledding Hills Around Indianapolis That Aren’t Crowded Tourist Traps

Winter hits Indiana and suddenly every parent is searching for the best sledding spots that won’t have hour-long waits or sketchy hills. We drove around central Indiana checking out the sledding scene from Zionsville to Fishers, and here’s what we found. Some hills are perfect for little kids just learning, while others will have your teenagers begging for one more run. Plus we’ll tell you which spots have heated bathrooms (because that matters way more than you think when it’s 20 degrees out) and where to go when you want a full day adventure versus just a quick afternoon outing.

• Mulberry Fields in Zionsville offers different steepness levels on one hill, making it perfect for families with kids of varying ages who don’t want to drive to multiple locations.
• West Park in Carmel features a two-story purpose-built sledding hill with a gradual walkway up, which becomes gold when you’re hauling sleds and exhausted kids.
• Fort Harrison State Park has one of the biggest sledding hills in the metro area, though you’ll pay a $7 vehicle entrance fee to access this full-day destination with year-round amenities.

Your Neighborhood Favorite Gets an Upgrade

Mulberry Fields in Zionsville, Indiana sits on 38 acres of former farmland and packs more punch than your typical community park. The sledding hill doubles as a scenic overlook, with gentle slopes on one side where five-year-olds can build confidence and steeper sections giving older kids enough speed to actually have fun.

Restrooms stay open during winter, trails loop around for walks between runs, and there’s a playground when someone gets cold before everyone’s ready to leave. Park at the top and skip the brutal uphill slog with gear.

When You Want the Destination Hill

West Park in Carmel earns its reputation as one of central Indiana’s best sledding destinations. This two-story hill was built specifically for winter fun, complete with a gradual walkway up the side. That detail matters when you’re making your tenth trip up with a sled in one hand and a tired kid’s hand in the other.

Modern playground equipment, year-round restrooms, and ample parking make this solid for families planning several hours. You’ll find busier crowds on prime days, but the size handles it better than smaller parks where everyone crashes into each other.

Big Adventure Hills Worth the Drive

Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers sits at the highest point in Hamilton County, giving you a 60-foot sledding hill with wide runs. Paved ramps lead to the top, making this one of the more accessible options around. Heritage Park, also in Fishers, offers easier slopes with close parking, perfect for younger kids or anyone wanting sledding without the long steep walk.

State Park Level Sledding

Fort Harrison State Park brings the biggest hill in the Indianapolis area. You’ll pay $7 per vehicle, but you’re getting miles of trails, year-round facilities, and a hill that feels more like a mini mountain. This works for full-day winter outings where you want multiple activities.

Eagle Creek Park takes a similar approach on the northwest side, with an approved sledding hill near the 71st Street gatehouse pairing well with winter walks or lakeside views. These big nature parks trade convenience for that “actually in the woods” feeling.

North Hamilton County Options

Forest Park in Noblesville shows up in every local sledding roundup with multiple hills and big open spaces. Worth the slightly longer drive from central Indy if you’re looking to try something new.

Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes changes the game with tubing, a tow rope system, and man-made snow. You’re paying admission (starts around $30) for a resort-style experience that runs even when other hills sit patchy. Weekend slots book out about a week ahead, while weekdays stay more open with shorter lift lines.

City-Side Alternatives

Ellenberger Park on the east side gives you classic neighborhood sledding with bunny hills perfect for introducing young kids to winter sports. Sarah Bolton Park in Beech Grove rounds out the south side options. These city parks nail the basics: free access, decent slopes, and that neighborhood feel.

Pick Your Adventure Level

Small kids learning the ropes? Heritage Park, Ellenberger Park, or the gentle side of Mulberry Fields work best. Teenagers who want speed? Flat Fork Creek, Fort Harrison, or West Park deliver. Want a full day? Fort Harrison or Eagle Creek pair sledding with hiking. Prefer paying for no uphill hauling? Koteewi Run handles that.

Most hills work during daylight only, and that tolerable 20-degree afternoon feels way colder after an hour playing in snow. Bring extra gloves and check if your park has indoor warming areas or working restrooms.