Best Sledding Hills in Milwaukee’s North Shore 2025-2026

Mount Bayside sledding

The Milwaukee North Shore offers excellent sledding destinations spanning community parks, county facilities, and one hidden gem just across the Ozaukee County line. Kletzsch Park in Glendale stands out as the region's most versatile family sledding destination, while Mee-Kwon Park's "Mule Hill" in Mequon earns top marks as an under-the-radar favorite with its rare warming house and adjacent ice skating pond.

This guide covers every public sledding option near Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Fox Point, Bayside, River Hills, Glendale, Brown Deer, and Mequon.

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Kletzsch Park: best all-around sledding

Address: 6560 N. Milwaukee River Parkway, Glendale, WI 53209
Park Type: Milwaukee County Park
Contact: (414) 257-PARK (7275)

Kletzsch Park earns its reputation as the North Shore's premier sledding destination by offering varied terrain that accommodates every skill level. The 100+ acre park features gentle slopes perfect for first-time sledders alongside steeper sections that deliver genuine thrills for older children. The picturesque Milwaukee River provides a stunning winter backdrop, and the hill's generous width prevents the crowding common at smaller neighborhood parks.

Hill characteristics: Multiple slope options ranging from beginner-friendly grades to moderately steep pitches. The primary sledding area sits near the park's Bog Loop trail section, with excellent run-out space at the bottom.

Parking and access: Free parking in multiple lots throughout the grounds, with accessible spaces available near the sledding area.

Facilities: Seasonal restrooms in the picnic area; portable facilities during off-season. No dedicated warming house, though families seeking warmth can visit nearby Richard E. Maslowski Glendale Community Park for year-round restrooms and a fireplace.

Hours and lighting: Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. No evening lighting for sledding—plan visits during daylight hours.

Best for: Families with mixed-age children seeking variety, first-time sledders who may graduate to steeper terrain during the same visit.

What makes it special: The park contains historic Native American mounds, and a 2023 fish passage restoration at the dam has enhanced the ecological significance. Strong birding community (164+ documented species) means nature-loving families can combine sledding with wildlife observation.

Brown Deer Park’s lit sledding hill

Address: 7835 N. Green Bay Road, Milwaukee, WI 53209
Park Type: Milwaukee County Park

For families whose schedules demand after-dark sledding, Brown Deer Park provides the only lit option in the immediate North Shore area. The trade-off: this is a short but exceptionally steep hill that demands respect. Described locally as having a "50-degree drop that's not for the faint of heart," the run delivers an adrenaline rush in seconds.

Hill characteristics: Short length (approximately 50-100 feet) but very steep descent. Located on the north side of Brown Deer Park Pond near the historic Tudor-style boathouse.

Parking: Ample free parking in multiple lots; use the lots nearest the boathouse for closest access to the hill.

Facilities: Restrooms available in the park. The boathouse occasionally serves as a warming shelter.

Hours and lighting: Park hours 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; hill lit from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. when conditions allow.

Best for: Older children, teenagers, and thrill-seeking adults. The steep grade can intimidate younger or inexperienced sledders.

Crowd advisory: Evening lighting draws significant crowds, especially after fresh snowfall. Arrive early (by 4:30 p.m.) for the best experience. Weekday evenings see notably lighter traffic than weekends.

Other winter activities: The 362-acre park features groomed cross-country ski trails for both classic and skate-style skiing, plus snowshoeing opportunities on scenic pond-side trails.

Mee-Kwon Park's "Mule Hill"

Mee-Kwon Park, 1988

Address: 6333 W. Bonniwell Road, Mequon, WI 53092
Park Type: Ozaukee County Park
Caretaker: (262) 689-4684

Cross the county line into Mequon and you'll find the sledding hill that locals have quietly cherished for generations. "Mule Hill" at Mee-Kwon Park offers something rare: a long, gentle grade that accommodates all ages combined with a warming house and adjacent ice skating pond—amenities that most North Shore hills lack entirely.

Hill characteristics: Long sledding run with a shallow, forgiving grade. The wide grass hill provides ample space for multiple sledders without collision concerns. Perfect for toddlers taking their first runs and families who prefer gentler thrills.

Parking: Shared parking lot with Mee-Kwon Golf Course; fishing pond with picnic tables on the north side provides additional gathering space.

Facilities: Warming house available at the pond—a significant comfort feature during extended sledding sessions. Accessible portable restrooms on-site.

Hours and lighting: Park open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. No sledding or skating after dark—strictly daylight hours.

Best for: Families with toddlers and young children, multi-generational groups seeking gentle terrain, and anyone who values warming facilities.

What makes it special: The combination of sledding and ice skating (weather permitting) in one location creates a true winter destination. The 63-acre park welcomes leashed dogs, making it ideal for families who want to include four-legged members. Less crowded than Milwaukee County parks with a peaceful, natural atmosphere.

Mount Bayside’s wide-open slopes

Address: 9075 N. Regent Road, Bayside, WI 53217 (corner of Fairy Chasm Road and Regent Road)
Park Type: Village of Bayside Park

The affectionately nicknamed "Mount Bayside" at Ellsworth Park won't win awards for height, but its exceptionally wide slope makes it one of the safest and most family-friendly options in the region. The broad terrain prevents the collision risks common at narrower hills, and gentle edges offer protected space for beginners.

Hill characteristics: Moderate height with a wide footprint. The slope's breadth allows multiple sledding lanes without crowding. Edges of the hill provide gentler grades suitable for toddlers.

Parking: Lot available on the west side of the sledding hill off Fairy Chasm Road; additional parking in the Village Hall South Parking Lot. The village explicitly requests no street parking—respect this community guideline.

Facilities: Village Hall nearby may provide restroom access; no dedicated warming house at the hill itself.

Hours: Standard village park hours; no evening lighting.

Best for: School-age children seeking a quick sledding session, toddlers using the gentler edges, families who prefer a neighborhood atmosphere over busy county parks.

Bonus feature: A playground sits adjacent to the sledding area, allowing children to alternate between activities and giving parents natural break opportunities.

Cahill Square Park’s gentle slopes

Address: Intersection of E. Hampton Road and N. Lydell Avenue, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Park Type: Village of Whitefish Bay Park

Whitefish Bay's premier winter destination centers on Cahill Square Park, where a small sledding berm on the water retention basin provides ideal terrain for the youngest sledders. The village's 2024-28 park renovation plan includes enhancements to this sledding feature.

Hill characteristics: Gentle slope on the retention basin hills. Short runs appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers taking their first sliding adventures.

Parking: Available in the park lot.

Facilities: Large warming house with restrooms—a significant advantage for families with young children who need frequent indoor breaks. The warming house can be reserved for private events through the Recreation Department.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers, and young kids

Noyes Park offers a quiet alternative

Address: 8235 W. Good Hope Road, Glendale, WI 53223
Park Type: Milwaukee County Park

When weekend crowds overwhelm Kletzsch Park and Brown Deer Park, savvy North Shore families head to Noyes Park for a lower-key sledding experience. The moderate, family-friendly hill won't thrill teenagers, but it perfectly serves families with small children seeking a relaxed atmosphere.

Hill characteristics: Moderate grade without intimidating steepness. Suitable for beginners and young children who may find busier hills overwhelming.

Parking: Lot available on-site.

Facilities: The park's indoor heated pool offers a unique bonus—families can warm up with a swim after sledding. Check pool hours, as they vary seasonally.

Hours: Standard Milwaukee County park hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.); no evening lighting for sledding.

Best for: Families with small children, visitors seeking to avoid crowds, those who want to combine sledding with pool time.

Estabrook Park provides scenic riverside terrain

Address: 4400 N. Estabrook Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Park Type: Milwaukee County Park (approximately 50 acres within Village of Shorewood)

This historic 125-acre park, established in 1916, offers natural terrain along river bluffs suitable for informal sledding. While not officially designated as a Milwaukee County sledding hill, the varied slopes have served Shorewood families for generations.

Hill characteristics: Natural bluff terrain descending approximately 50 feet toward the Milwaukee River. Multiple areas with varying grades allow families to find appropriate difficulty levels.

Parking: Free parking throughout the park.

Facilities: Seasonal restrooms; no dedicated warming house. The famous Estabrook Beer Garden operates seasonally and provides restroom access during operating hours.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; no lighting specifically for sledding.

Safety note: Unlike designated sledding hills, Estabrook's natural terrain lacks managed run-out areas. Parents should scout specific slopes before allowing children to sled, ensuring adequate stopping distance before natural obstacles.

Best for: Families familiar with the park seeking nearby sledding without traveling to Glendale, winter adventurers who appreciate historic park settings.

Practical tips

Timing your visit for optimal conditions

Best times: Early to mid-morning on weekdays offers ideal conditions—fresh snow, minimal crowds, and unhurried runs. Weekday mornings after overnight snowfall deliver the quintessential sledding experience.

Evening options: Only Brown Deer Park offers lit sledding (until 8 p.m.). For evening adventures at other lighted hills, families must travel to Currie Park in Wauwatosa (lit until 10 p.m.) or Whitnall Park in Franklin (lit until 10 p.m., with a warming house and concessions).

Crowd patterns: Weekends following fresh snowfall see peak attendance, particularly at Brown Deer Park's lit hill. Smaller neighborhood parks like Mount Bayside and Noyes Park consistently offer lighter crowds.

Where not to sled

Note: Klode Park (5900 N. Lake Drive) explicitly prohibits sledding in the Village Municipal Code (§ 8-66). The ordinance bans "sledding, tobogganing, skiing and the use of any other form of downhill locomotion on snow" on the bluff. Violators may face citations. Klode Park does offer winter ice skating with a warming house available.

Equipment and safety essentials

Recommended gear:

• Steerable wooden sleds with flexible metal runners (safest for ages 6-12)

• Sleds with brakes and steering mechanisms

• Bright, waterproof clothing in layers

• Helmets (strongly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics)

• Goggles for glare protection

• Hand and toe warmers for extended sessions

Avoid: Inner tubes and saucers (difficult to steer), garbage can lids or improvised sliders, scarves (catch hazard).

Safety fundamentals: Always sled feet-first, never head-first. Walk up the sides of hills, leaving the center clear. Roll off a sled that won't stop. Avoid hills ending at streets, parking lots, ponds, or obstacles. Skip sledding when temperatures drop below 10°F or conditions become icy.

Checking conditions before you go

Travel Wisconsin Snow Report (travelwisconsin.com/snowreport) provides statewide condition updates. The Urban Ecology Center tracks hill conditions at their lending locations and won't lend sleds when conditions are unsafe. Local TV stations (TMJ4, WISN, FOX6) and the National Weather Service Milwaukee office (weather.gov/mkx) offer real-time weather assessment.

Sled lending and purchase options

Urban Ecology Center offers the region's best sled-lending program. Members can borrow sleds free for up to three days at their Riverside Park (1500 E. Park Place), Washington Park, or Menomonee Valley branches. Members also receive free hot cocoa, coffee, and tea after sledding—a significant perk for frequent visitors.

Purchase options: DICK'S Sporting Goods, Walmart, Target, and Burghardt Sporting Goods (Milwaukee's oldest family-owned sporting goods store) stock seasonal sled inventory.

Warming up after sledding: nearby amenities

Coffee shops and hot chocolate spots

Shorewood: Colectivo Coffee (4500 N. Oakland Ave.), Stone Creek Coffee (4106 N. Oakland Ave.), Fiddleheads Coffee in a charming 1920s building

Glendale: Stone Creek Coffee (6969 N. Port Washington Rd.), Sprecher Brewing Company for famous root beer

Bayside: Friendship Circle Café & Bakery

Family restaurants near sledding hills

Solly's Grille (Glendale): James Beard Award-winning butter burgers since 1936—the perfect post-sledding reward. Kopp's Frozen Custard (Glendale) serves legendary custard and burgers year-round. North Shore Boulangerie in Shorewood offers café fare and fresh pastries.

Indoor backup activities

When weather turns or energy wanes: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (Bayside) features interactive exhibits and accessible trails; Bayshore (Glendale) provides 70+ stores and restaurants under one roof; Lynden Sculpture Garden (River Hills) displays 50+ sculptures across 40 acres.

Quick reference guide

Location Best For Lighting Warming House Steepness Kletzsch Park (Glendale) All ages, variety seekers No No Varied Brown Deer Park Thrill-seekers, evening sledding Until 8 p.m. Occasional Very steep Mee-Kwon "Mule Hill" (Mequon) Toddlers, beginners No Yes Gentle Mount Bayside School-age, safety-focused families No No Moderate Cahill Square (Whitefish Bay) Toddlers, first-timers No Yes Gentle Noyes Park (Glendale) Crowd-avoiders, young families No Pool nearby Moderate Estabrook Park Shorewood residents, naturalists No Seasonal Varied

Hidden gem pick: Mee-Kwon Park's "Mule Hill" combines gentle terrain, a warming house, and ice skating in one destination—with notably lighter crowds than Milwaukee County options.

Best overall family destination: Kletzsch Park delivers the most versatile experience, accommodating everyone from cautious toddlers to confident older children on varied terrain with scenic river views.

Evening choice: Brown Deer Park stands alone as the North Shore's only lit option, though its steep grade suits experienced sledders better than beginners.