Best Sledding Hills in Rochester MN
Justin Schwirtz
Justin Schwirtz, a Southeast Minnesota native, lives in Rochester with his wife, Sarah, and their three children...
Justin Schwirtz, a Southeast Minnesota native, lives in Rochester with his wife, Sarah, and their three children...
❄️The Best Sledding Hills in Rochester, MN
A warm, local-friendly guide to real Rochester, MN, Sledding Hills.
When the snow starts to fall in Rochester, people all across the city bundle up, grab the sleds, and head out in search of the perfect hill. Whether you're new to town, here for work or school, or you’ve lived here for years, sledding is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a Rochester, Minnesota Winter.
Here’s a verified list of real sledding hills that local families actually use — no guessing, no outdated locations, just the places people really go. And if you have any more suggestions or tips, please let us know!
🌟 Rochester’s Official Sledding Hills
These are the hills the City of Rochester recognizes.
1. Judd Park – NW Rochester (Country Club Manor)
📍 3812 3rd St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Judd Park is Rochester’s classic sledding hill
— The one kids grow up on. It’s steep, fast, wide, and always full of families after a good snowfall.
🛷 Long, thrilling runs
🛷 Big open landing area
🛷 Easy access and parking
🛷 Fun, energetic atmosphere
Best for: Kids, teens, and adults who want a “real” sledding hill.
2. Gamehaven Park – SE Rochester
📍 2016 45th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Gamehaven is Rochester’s modern sledding hill, known for its long, smooth slope and snowmaking that keeps the hill usable even when others melt.
🛷 Reliable snow - assuming the snow maker is still there.
🛷 Wide, consistent hill
🛷 Room for groups
🛷 Safe, open visibility
Best for: a smoother, more controlled ride.
🛷 Neighborhood hills the Rochester locals actually use
These are not “official” sledding facilities, but they are active sledding hills every Winter.
3. Kellogg Middle School Field – NE Rochester
📍 503 17th St NE, Rochester, MN 55906
Behind Kellogg Middle School is a gentle, easy-to-access slope that’s perfect for beginners or cautious riders.
Best for: Little kids, grandparents, and first-timers.
4. Schmidt Park, North Rochester
📍 6222 24th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Schmidt Park has a legitimate sledding hill that slopes into a large open field. It’s a safe, convenient choice for families on the north side.
Best for: North-side families who want to stay close to home.
5. Pinewood Ridge Park – SE Rochester (a hidden gem)
📍Pinewood Riodge Park
-Tucked inside the Pinewood Ridge neighborhood, Rochester, MN 55904
A quiet, low-key sledding spot most people never notice — and that’s exactly the charm. The hill isn’t oversized, but it delivers a smooth, fun ride with little chaos. At the top, there’s a small playground for the kids to burn energy between runs, and at the bottom, you’ll find a little pond that sets the scene. Come late afternoon, the sunsets drop right behind the tree line, making the whole place glow.
Best for: Younger kids, relaxed sledding, and anyone who wants a peaceful winter escape with a view.
6. Elton Hills Run Park – NW Rochester
📍 Near 1015 Cascade St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
A friendly, mid-sized hill along the trail system carved right through the neighborhood. It’s not as intense as Judd, making it perfect for a calm afternoon of sledding.
Best for: Younger kids and relaxed sledding.
🎢 Nearby Tubing Hills
(Bigger Thrills, Still Close to Home) But you'll need to pay
Both are real, active, and popular with Rochester families.
Steeplechase Tubing – Mazeppa, MN
📍 59468 423rd Ave, Mazeppa, MN 55956
Features groomed lanes, a tow rope, night tubing, and a warming area.
Steeplechase Snow Tubing
Steeplechase is Minnesota's Newest Ski Hill! 24 Runs, 4 Chairlifts, Snow Tubing Park ...
Ironwood Springs Tubing – Stewartville, MN
📍 7291 County Road 6 SW, Stewartville, MN 55976
Offers multiple tubing runs, a tubing lift, and a cozy chalet atmosphere.
🧣 Tips for the Best Sledding Day
Go after fresh snowfall — it makes the hills smooth and soft
🧤 Bring backup gloves and socks (they get soggy fast)
🪖 Helmets aren’t a bad idea for the kids on the bigger hills
🅿️ Park early, especially at Judd and Gamehaven
☕️ Pack hot chocolate for the ride home
Rochester has so many hidden gems, and these sledding hills are part of what makes winter here special. If you’re exploring neighborhoods, these parks can actually help you get a feel for each area’s personality.
If you ever want local insights on parks, schools, or homes near these winter spots, we’re here to help.
The Schwirtz Team – Edina Realty
Helping you love where you live… winter and all.
Searching for a home in one of these areas?