Several inches of snow are in the forecast and I know what that means – my kids will be begging to go sledding! But where to go???
This question is frequently posted by parents on our local community Facebook pages whenever it snows. I’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best places (as recommended by your fellow LO residents) to go sledding in the Lake Orion area! As always, it’s best to confirm current open hours with the venue, if possible, before venturing out sled in hand.
Bloomfield Hills
Bowers School Farm (https://www.schoolfarm.org/)
Address: 219 E. Square Lake Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
While not exactly in the Lake Orion area, Bowers School Farm is offering snow tubing and glow tubing this year! Due to overwhelming demand, tubing tickets must be purchased in advance. The farm offers several other activities on site, such as ice skating, the Farm Store, and bonfires.
Clarkston
Star & Stripes Kids Activity Center (http://starsandstripeskids.com/)
Address: 4630 White Lake Rd., Clarkston, MI 48346
Star & Stripes’ hill is available free to the community. In non-COVID times, the lobby is open to the public to use the restrooms and purchase hot cocoa from the vending machine located inside.
Dryden
General Squire Memorial Park (http://lapeercountyparks.net/general_squier_memorial_park)
Address: 4725 S. Mill Rd., Dryden, MI 48428
This hill is great for younger kids due to its gentle slope.
Lake Orion
Bald Mountain Recreation Area (https://www.michigan.org/property/bald-mountain-recreation-area)
Address: 1330 E. Greenshield Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48360
Lake Orion Chat Room users state the sledding hill is near the parking lot on Greenshield Rd. Also, there is a small sledding hill at Little Trout Lake. Parking for this hill is off of Kern Road. A Recreation Passport is required for entrance to the park.
Ehman Center
Address: 55 Elizabeth St., Lake Orion, MI 48362
There is a small hill located behind the old high school which is accessible via W. Church St. Parking can be found in the lot behind the Lake Orion Community Schools Administration Building.
Lake Orion High School
Address: 495 E. Scripps Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48360
Users recommend parking by the tennis courts/upper baseball fields to access the sledding hill at the high school.
Orion Oaks County Park (https://www.oakgov.com/parks/parksandtrails/Orion-Oaks/Pages/default.aspx)
Address: 2301 W. Clarkston Rd., Orion, MI 48360
The sledding hill is located near the scenic overlook between trail points 23 and 24. A trail map is available here: https://www.oakgov.com/parks/Resources/ORN%20Trail%20Map.png. Park at the lot on Baldwin Road to access this hill.
Oakland Township
Lost Lake Nature Park (http://www.oaklandtownship.org/boards_and_commissions/parks_and_recreation/lost_lake_nature_park.php)
Address: 846 Lost Lake Trail, Oakland Township, MI 48363
The sledding hill is one of Oakland Township’s tallest points. There must be two inches of packed snow on frozen ground for the hill to be open. Call 248-651-4440, ext. 299, to confirm the sled hill is open. Unfortunately, the warming shelter at the park is closed this year due to COVID-19.
Oxford Township
Seymour Lake Park (https://oxparkrec.org/seymour-lake-township-park/)
Address: 2795 Seymour Lake Rd., Oxford, MI 48371
The “Red Flyer Run” sledding hill is located near the back of the park by the ball fields. One of the best features of this hill is its close proximity to the parking lot. Parents can watch their children sled from the warmth of their cars instead of being outside!
Ortonville
Brandon Township Community Park (https://brandontownship.us/2020/10/15/brandon-township-community-park/)
Address: 1414 N. Hadley Rd., Ortonville, MI 48462
This hill features a motorized lift that takes you to the top of the hill! The lift station operates on non-holiday Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weather permitting and is free to use.
Feel free to add your own favorites sledding spot in the comments below! Happy sledding!
