8 of our Favorite Sledding and Cross-Country Skiing Spots in Northwest Indiana

1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter

Snow-covered dunes are fantastic fun in the winter! Grab your snowshoes, cross-country skis or hiking boots to enjoy some time outdoors at the national park. If you prefer sledding, there is one location at the national park where this is permitted - just southwest of the West Beach picnic shelters on the west-facing slope of the West Beach Trails.

Ever tried snowshoeing? You can borrow snowshoes during the Snowshoe Open Houses at Chellberg Farm in the dunes on a first come-first served basis. Call 219-395-1882 to get a snow update or for more information.

You can also witness a beautiful natural occurrence at the dunes in the winter - shelf ice! Find safe viewing locations of shelf ice here. 

1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton 

The Indiana Dunes State Park is home to Devil’s Slide, and with a name like that, you know it’s going to be fun! You can also hike, cross-country ski and snowshoe at the State Park, if you want to take a break from sledding. Snowshoe rentals are available if there are 6 inches of snow on the ground at the Nature Center. Call the center with questions about snow conditions at 219-926-1390.

889 S. Court Street, Crown Point

Growing up in Lowell, this was one of my family’s go-to sledding hills. Families can be spotted here after a fresh snowfall; it’s easy to get to and parking is free.

1001 129th Street, Hammond

When Lost Marsh Golf Course closes, the sleds and skis come out. Visitors are asked to check in at the clubhouse upon arrival before they take to the course for some fun.

775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso 

Enjoy hiking among the 230+ acres and sliding down the hills at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Bring your own equipment and enjoy sledding and hiking from dawn to dusk.

301 S Colfax St. Griffith

Sled down one of the largest hills in Northwest Indiana, or cross-country ski through an easy three-mile trail at Oak Ridge! Ski rentals are available during favorable conditions. Visit their facebook page for updates. 

9230 E 142nd Ave., Hebron

Stoney Run has ski rentals available, too, during favorable conditions. The park contains seven miles of easy-to-moderate trails for cross-country skiing that wind through a wooded and hilly area as well as flat open spaces. Keep in mind, this course is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers! For the latest updates, call 219-996-6500 and listen to the message. 

6322 W. 133rd Avenue, Crown Point

Lemon Lake offers not only sledding hills, but also trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. They are not renting cross-country skis this year, but it's a great place to ski if you have your own!