In Crystal Lake, Illinois, lies a popular sledding hill. This spot is located at Veterans Acres Park on Walkup Road near the intersection at Route 176. It is open dawn to dusk. There are two hills available, with the largest parking lot located on Walkup Road at the park’s main entrance. Shelters, a warming house, and restrooms are available. The main hill is large and reaches 300-400 feet. It has a slope of about 40 degrees. It is likely that middle- to older-aged children would like this location. The smaller hill is steep, but short. A barrier prevents sledders from reaching the water. More information can be found at Crystal Lake’s park district Web page: http://www.crystallakeparks.org/General-Info/SledandSkateInformation.htm.
Another Crystal Lake sledding location exists at Indian Prairie Elementary School at Miller Road and Randall Road. This hill is a little smaller. It reaches a length of 100-200 feet and has an approximate slope of 35 degrees. Visitors can park at the school. Younger children may like the less intimidating size of this hill.
Behind Fox River Grove’s well-known Norge Ski Jump there is a sledding hill sure to please the thrill-seekers. It is very long and reaches approximately 500-600 feet and has a 40-45 degree slope. It is mostly smooth with few bumps. There aren’t any obstructions – the hill is a cleared-out area of the surrounding forest. Caution should be used when the river is not frozen; long fast runs can take a person all the way out to this river. Parking is available right at the base of the hill in Picnic Grove Park.
In McHenry behind the VFW and Moose Lodge at Route 31 and Johnsburg Road rests another sledding hill perfect for a wide range of age groups. The hill is about 200-300 feet long and has a slope of about 35 degrees. McHenry Township keeps the hill lit from 5:30-10 p.m. Restrooms and parking are available nearby. Additional information can be found at: http://www.mchenrytownship.com/htm/adams.htm.
Woodstock, Illinois, offers many winter sights as well as a smaller sledding hill. It is located at Emrickson Park entrance at 900 W. South St. The hill is about 100-200 feet long and about 25-30 degrees steep. It is perfect for younger sledders. Parking and restrooms are available at the top of the hill. It is open from 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Additional information can be found at: http://www.woodstockrecreationdepartment.com/.