Tubing in Greater Milwaukee: Your complete guide

Whether you're chasing snowy thrills down Wisconsin's largest tubing hill or floating lazily down a summer river, the Milwaukee area offers tubing adventures for every season. This guide covers everything families need to know—from commercial snow tubing parks to free sledding hills and summer river floats—all within an hour of Milwaukee.

Three commercial snow tubing venues currently operate near Milwaukee, with a fourth (Nutt Hill) reopening in December 2025 after an 11-year closure. For summer, Float the Fox River in Wilmot stands out as the area's only dedicated tube rental operation with full shuttle service. Free sledding at Milwaukee County Parks provides budget-friendly alternatives, with Currie Park and Whitnall Park offering lit hills for after-dark fun.

The 2024-2025 winter season brings one notable change: The Rock Snowpark rebranded to Crystal Ridge (its original 1987 name) in August 2024, with plans to add snow igloos for tubers. Little Switzerland in Slinger does not offer tubing despite some outdated listings suggesting otherwise.

Winter snow tubing at commercial venues

Sunburst Winter Sports Park claims the "world's largest" title

Located 30 minutes northwest of Milwaukee in Kewaskum, Sunburst's tubing hill delivers genuine thrills with its 45+ lanes, 90-foot vertical drop, and quarter-mile runs reaching speeds up to 30 mph. Two magic carpet conveyor lifts eliminate the trudge back up—a godsend for families.

2024-2025 season details:

• Pricing: $30 online (day-before purchase) or $35 at window for 3-4 hour sessions

• Hours: Thursday 4-8pm, Friday noon-9:30pm, Saturday 9:30am-9:30pm, Sunday 9:30am-7:30pm; closed Monday-Wednesday

• Holiday hours: Open daily December 19-January 2 (closed Christmas Day); New Year's Eve fireworks at 9pm

• Height requirement: 42 inches recommended minimum

• Key rules: One person per tube, no linking tubes, no outside tubes allowed

The Sunburst chalet serves artisan sandwiches, fresh salads, and Starbucks drinks. This is a cashless facility—bring cards or use their cash-to-card machine. Military families receive 20% off, and groups of 15+ can access group rates.

Contact: 262-626-8404 | skisunburst.com | 8355 Prospect Dr, Kewaskum, WI 53040

Crystal Ridge brings tubing closest to downtown Milwaukee

Just 15-20 minutes from downtown in Franklin, Crystal Ridge (formerly Rock Snowpark) offers the most accessible commercial tubing for Milwaukee families. Its 36-inch height requirement—the lowest among area venues—makes it ideal for younger children who can't yet tube at Sunburst or Wilmot.

2024-2025 season details:

• Pricing: Weeknight unlimited sessions from $18 online ($30 window); weekend 2-hour sessions from $29 online ($45 window)

• Glow Tubing: Saturday nights in January, 9:15-11pm, from $39 online ($50 window)—sells out fast!

• Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-8pm, Friday 1-9pm, Saturday/holidays 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-8pm

• Features: 19 tubing lanes with magic carpet lift; tube linking sometimes permitted when conditions allow

Crystal Ridge is part of the Ballpark Commons entertainment complex. The Umbrella Bar operates primarily as a summer venue with concerts and food trucks, not during ski season. A warming lodge serves tubers year-round.

Pro tip: Glow Tubing tickets release December 30 and sell out quickly—set a reminder and book online immediately.

Contact: 414-235-8818 | crystalridge.com | 7011 S Ballpark Dr, Franklin, WI 53132

Wilmot Mountain offers the longest runs under Vail ownership

About 40 minutes south of Milwaukee, Wilmot Mountain boasts 22 tubing lanes stretching over 1,000 feet each—the longest runs in the region. Owned by Vail Resorts since 2016, the "bubly Tube Park" features two covered conveyor lifts and a dedicated tubing lodge separate from the main ski area.

Important note for 2024-2025: As of late December 2024, Wilmot's tubing park had not yet opened for the season due to snowmaking conditions. Check their website for current status before visiting.

Expected pricing and hours (based on recent seasons):

• Weekday pricing: ~$27 unlimited (Monday-Thursday)

• Weekend/holiday: ~$36 for 2-hour sessions

• Tubing 4-Pack: $69 (Monday-Thursday, excludes holidays)

• Hours when operating: Friday 4-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-8pm

• Height requirement: 42 inches minimum

Epic Pass holders receive 20% off food, rentals, and lessons through Epic Mountain Rewards. Dining options include Ski Hill Grill (cafeteria-style), Walt's Tavern (elevated pub fare), and the newly reopened Lodge Bar. Wilmot is also cashless.

Parking alert: Tubing parking is separate from ski parking, located 1/4 mile south of the main lodge. Follow signs for "Tubing."

Contact: 262-862-2301 | wilmotmountain.com | 11931 Fox River Road, Wilmot, WI 53192

Nutt Hill Winter Park reopens after 11 years

In exciting news for Milwaukee-area tubers, Nutt Hill Winter Park in Plymouth reopened December 16, 2025 after closing in 2014. A $2.3 million community-funded renovation brought this historic hill back to life with 6 snow tubing lanes, a new magic carpet lift, and modern snowmaking equipment.

Located about 45 miles north of Milwaukee in Sheboygan County, Nutt Hill offers the most affordable commercial tubing in the region at $15 per hour or $60 for a 5-voucher book. The new chalet features an indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit. While smaller than Sunburst, this nonprofit-run venue provides a charming alternative with less crowding.

Contact: 750 W. Main St., Plymouth, WI 53073

Free sledding hills at Milwaukee County Parks

For families seeking free winter fun, Milwaukee County maintains excellent sledding hills—several with lighting for evening runs. No tubes are provided, so bring your own sleds or tubes.

Whitnall Park delivers the full sledding experience

Located near Boerner Botanical Gardens in Franklin/Hales Corners, Whitnall Park features a 400-foot main hill (one of the area's largest) plus a smaller beginner hill perfect for toddlers. The golf clubhouse transforms into a warming house on weekends (Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm) offering hot chocolate, snacks, and a cozy fireplace.

Lighting: 4:30-8:30pm daily | Address: 5879 S. 92nd St., Franklin, WI 53132

Locals call the main hill "Hospital Hill" for its steepness—it can get icy, so beginners should stick to the smaller northern slope.

Currie Park offers the longest lit hours and gentlest terrain

For families with young children or nervous first-timers, Currie Park in Wauwatosa provides a long, gentle slope lit until 10pm—the latest lighting hours of any county park. The adjacent Golf Dome snack bar offers heated indoor seating with food and drinks.

Lighting: Until 10pm | Address: 3535 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53222

The enormous open space virtually eliminates collision risks, making this the safest choice for all ages.

Two more lit options worth knowing

Humboldt Park (Bay View) offers moderate slopes with lighting until 8:30pm and ice skating on the lagoon when conditions permit. Afterward, warm up at one of Bay View's many restaurants. Address: 3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee.

Brown Deer Park features a short but thrillingly steep hill—roughly 50-100 feet with a significant drop. Best for older kids seeking adrenaline. Address: 7835 N. Green Bay Road, Milwaukee.

Quick reference for additional free hills

Beyond the major parks, dozens of other free sledding spots dot the Milwaukee metro area. Valley View Park in New Berlin stands out with lighting until 11pm. Wirth Park in Brookfield offers two hills plus an ice skating rink. The Urban Ecology Center locations provide free sled rentals for members and hot cocoa for all visitors at Riverside Park, Washington Park, and Menomonee Valley.

Waukesha County Parks require a daily permit ($7) or annual membership ($40-60) but offer well-maintained hills at Minooka Park and Nashotah Park.

Summer river tubing finds its home on the Fox

Float the Fox River delivers the complete tubing experience

For families seeking authentic lazy-river tubing near Milwaukee, Float the Fox River in Wilmot is the clear choice—it's the only dedicated tube rental operation in the region with full shuttle service. Located about 45-50 minutes south of Milwaukee, this 3-mile float takes 3-4 hours on calm water perfect for families.

2025 season details:

• Price: $40 per person (includes tube, life jacket, and shuttle)

• Cooler tubes: $40 each (first-come, first-served)

• Group discount: $5 off per tube for 20+ bookings

• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, check-in times 9am-12:30pm (closed Mondays)

• Age requirement: Minimum 5 years old; ages 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult

• Weight limit: 275 lbs

The operation handles everything: park at their lot (10720 Fox River Rd, Wilmot), board the shuttle to the launch point at Fox River County Park, then float downstream to Wilmot Landing where another shuttle returns you to your car. Alcohol is permitted on the water for adults 21+, and dogs are welcome (though not on the shuttle).

Must bring: Water shoes with heel straps (flip-flops prohibited), sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case. Optional add-on rentals include Bluetooth speakers ($20), dry bags ($15), and paddles ($5).

Themed events throughout summer include Float Fest, Halloween Costume Float, Hawaiian Float, and Superhero Float—check their website for dates.

Contact: 262-220-7555 | floatthefox.com | 10720 Fox River Rd, Wilmot, WI 53192

The Bark River offers scenic paddling, not tube rentals

While the Bark River near Delafield and Oconomowoc is a gorgeous paddle destination, PRS Watersports—the main outfitter—focuses on kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards rather than tubes. DIY tubers can bring their own tubes, but there's no commercial tube rental with shuttle service.

PRS Watersports operates April through November with kayak tours starting at $48 for singles and $80 for tandems (3 hours, shuttle included). The route through Lower Nemahbin Lake and into the Bark River winds through scenic cattail marshes with clear, sandy-bottomed water.

Contact: 262-424-9805 | prswatersports.com

Waterpark lazy rivers provide weather-proof alternatives

When river conditions aren't ideal or you want guaranteed warm water, two nearby waterparks offer lazy rivers:

Springs Water Park at The Ingleside Hotel (Pewaukee, 25 minutes from Milwaukee) features a 45,000 square-foot indoor waterpark maintained at 84°F year-round. Day passes available.

David F. Schulz Family Waterpark in Milwaukee's Lincoln Park offers outdoor summer tubing with budget-friendly admission around $5-7.

Planning tips for Milwaukee-area tubing adventures

Booking strategy matters. All commercial snow tubing venues limit capacity and can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Purchase tickets online at least one day ahead to save $5-10 and guarantee entry. Crystal Ridge's Glow Tubing sells out within hours of release.

Height requirements vary significantly. Crystal Ridge accepts tubers as short as 36 inches, while Sunburst and Wilmot require 42 inches. Measure your kids before choosing a destination.

Dress for the conditions. Waterproof snow pants, warm gloves, and winter boots (not ski boots) are essential for snow tubing. For summer river tubing, water shoes with heel straps are required—no exceptions on flip-flops at Float the Fox.

Cash won't work everywhere. Sunburst, Wilmot, and all Vail properties are completely cashless. Crystal Ridge accepts most payment methods. Bring cards or mobile payment.

Complete waivers online before arrival at all commercial venues to save time at check-in.

For snow tubing, conditions vary with weather—call ahead or check social media for hill status, especially at Wilmot where the tubing park opens later than skiing. Summer tubing depends on water levels; Float the Fox posts updates via text when you reserve.

Venue comparison at a glance

Venue Distance Winter/Summer Price Range Min Height Best For Sunburst 30 min NW Winter $30-35 42" Thrill-seekers, longest runs Crystal Ridge 15-20 min S Winter $18-50 36" Younger kids, Glow Tubing Wilmot Mountain 40 min S Winter $27-36 42" Longest lanes, Epic Pass holders Nutt Hill 45 min N Winter $15/hr TBD Budget-friendly, smaller crowds Float the Fox 45-50 min S Summer $40 Age 5+ Family river tubing Whitnall Park 15 min SW Winter Free None Free, lit evening sledding Currie Park 15 min W Winter Free None Youngest kids, latest lighting

Whether you're seeking the adrenaline of Sunburst's 30-mph drops, the glow-stick magic of Crystal Ridge's night tubing, or a leisurely summer float down the Fox River, the Milwaukee area delivers tubing memories for every age and season. Bundle up, grab your sunscreen (depending on the season), and get ready to slide.