With the cold weather comes snow and winter fun! Take a look at everything you need to know about our outdoor winter activities.
Sunset Woods Park: 1801 Sunset Road
Hours: 9am-9pm daily (rink is lit by existing park lights)
When weather conditions allow (an average temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for 5 consecutive days, 5-6 inches of ground frost), Park District staff will begin flooding the ice rink at Sunset Woods Park. It takes four 24-hour days to spray and freeze the water to create a base and finish ice.
Throughout the season, the rink may be closed for snow removal or unsafe ice conditions.
Skating is free and the rink is sectioned off to allow for separate hockey and recreational skating. Groups should be considerate of one another. For the safety of our patrons, helmets are required in the hockey rink.
There is no supervision or skate rental at the outdoor rink. Anyone using the ice rink should be aware that the risk of injury is present. The Park District encourages everyone to participate in this activity in a safe manner and suggests that children be supervised by a responsible adult.
Danny Cunniff Park: 2700 Trail Way Street (located toward the back of the park, just south of Centennial Ice Arena)
Hours: No set hours
The sled hill is free and open to the public. Please be aware that there is no supervision or warming facility at the sled hill. The Park District of Highland Park encourages everyone to participate in this activity in a safe manner and to follow these safety guidelines:
Throughout the season, the sled hill may be closed from time to time.
Heller Nature Center: 2821 Ridge Road
Hours : 7:30am – Dusk
Hit the snow on three miles of ungroomed trails at Heller Nature Center. Skiing with Skis is available whenever snow conditions permit (4″ base or greater). Call 847.433.6901 to check snow conditions.
$13/person: Reservations must be made online, no walk-ins.
If you have your own skis, please feel free to use our trails at your leisure from 7:30am to dusk.
Monday-Sunday: 9-10am, 10:10-11:10am, 11:20am-12:20pm, 1-2pm, 2:10-3:10pm, 3:20-4:20pm
Highland Park Golf Learning Center: 2205 Skokie Valley Highway
Hours : Dawn – Dusk
Open mid-December through mid-March (dates are weather dependent). A large outdoor venue for your dog to run off some of that cabin fever energy. There are two off-leash exercise areas available, depending on the size of your dog.
For more information on our dog parks and to apply for a dog park membership, click the button below.
This week we celebrated the grand re-opening of the Park Avenue Boating Facility Breakwater and Boat Ramp. The event took place on Wednesday, July 19. Over 120 guests gathered for event; among those in attendance were Illinois State Representative of the 58th District, Bob Morgan; City Council members, members of the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners, Parks Foundation of Highland Park Board members, Park Avenue Breakwater & Boat Ramp Fundraising Committee Members, and members of the Park Avenue Working Group.
The rejuvenated Boating Facility continues its legacy as a place where residents can come to restore their minds, bodies, and spirits through boating, fishing, social activities, walking, or simply sitting to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Michigan for generations to come. If you haven’t visited the new breakwater – you are in for a treat!
About the Project
In April 2022, the Park Board approved the construction of the Park Avenue Breakwater Project. Funding included $2,000,000 from the Park District’s capital fund, $200,000 from a Boat Access Area Development Grant through IDNR, and $455,000 from the Park Avenue Fundraising Committee of the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, made possible from community donations. Construction began in Fall of 2022.
