James Park and Mount Trashmore
A beloved local park featuring Mount Trashmore, offering thrilling sledding hills and a playground for year-round fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime sledding conditions!
James Park and Mount Trashmore
Best Time
Prime sledding conditions!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved local park featuring Mount Trashmore, offering thrilling sledding hills and a playground for year-round fun.
"Mount Trashmore is the place to be for sledding, with hills for every age and a blast for the whole family!"
🎯 Cushion Your Ride!
Bring a sled cushion for the tallest, bumpiest slope to save your tailbone. :snowboard:
👨👩👧 Hill Choice Matters
Smaller hills are ideal for toddlers and beginners; the main hill is for experienced sledders. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Sledding Hills
Mount Trashmore
Three distinct hills offer varying levels of thrill, from gentle slopes for tots to a challenging, bumpy ride for daredevils.
Playground Fun
Adjacent to sledding hills
A playground provides an alternative or complementary activity for younger visitors when sledding isn't the main focus.
Uphill & Downhill Runs
Park grounds
The park's terrain is perfect for a vigorous run, offering both an invigorating uphill climb and a fun downhill descent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sledding Safety First!
Beyond the Sledding Hills
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mount trashmore at 75th Street and route 53 is open for scenic views now. The sign said an hour after sunrise and an hour after sunset for hours... Saturday and Sunday. Definitely worth checking out if you're new.
🎯 Cushion Your Ride!
Bring a sled cushion for the tallest, bumpiest slope to save your tailbone. :snowboard:
👨👩👧 Hill Choice Matters
Smaller hills are ideal for toddlers and beginners; the main hill is for experienced sledders. :child:
Lots to practice driving
What are some good hills in Chicago for disc brake bed-in?
👟 Playground Break
A playground is available for kids if sledding gets too intense or as a separate activity. :playground_slide:
⚠️ Sledding Etiquette
Be mindful of others: don't walk up the middle or stop in the path of sledders. :warning:
Best Sledding Hill?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cushion Your Ride!
Bring a sled cushion for the tallest, bumpiest slope to save your tailbone. :snowboard:
👨👩👧 Hill Choice Matters
Smaller hills are ideal for toddlers and beginners; the main hill is for experienced sledders. :child:
👟 Playground Break
A playground is available for kids if sledding gets too intense or as a separate activity. :playground_slide:
⚠️ Sledding Etiquette
Be mindful of others: don't walk up the middle or stop in the path of sledders. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Mount Trashmore's sledding hills, praising the variety of slopes suitable for all ages and the fun atmosphere during snowy days. The adjacent playground is a hit with families. Some note the potential for discomfort on the steepest hill without a cushion and occasional sledding etiquette issues.
"BE ADVISED make sure you've got a sled cushion for the taller bumpy slope unless u don't mind a sore tailbone for a week. The 2 other ones are better for tots and amateurs. Evanston should make it more of an attraction so it's safer.
Now if Chicagoans could somehow only turn all of the corrupt liberal and Democrat made trash into something useful; maybe a mountain?"
Elliott Sarpy
"Took my daughter sledding after 10 inches of snow. It was a blast! Many different hills of varying height so even the little ones can have fun. And there’s a playground of the sledding is too much."
Duncan Sattler
"This past weekend we Googled a sledding hill nearby and Mt. Trashmore had the best name, so we went for it. There are 3 hills and the one closest to the parking lot was small yet bumpy. The kids loved this one as much as my back hated it. The middle hill is large and the sides were so icey that we couldn't even climb up to the top. It was a blooper reel of spills until we gave up and went to the far hill. This hill was medium sized and was great for a few longer runs. For better or worse, sledding etiquette was new to some folks, who didn't realize it's unwise to walk up the center of the hill or take video from the middle while sledding are whizzing by. I did my best to yell like a cranky old man at these buffoons but only to make sure nobody got hurt physically, only emotionally. I look forward to returning again and getting trashy on Trashmore."
Pete Horvath
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
James Park is located in Evanston, Illinois. Public transportation options include CTA buses and the 'L' train, with a walk from the nearest stations. Driving is also an option, with parking available.
Yes, parking is available at James Park, providing convenient access to Mount Trashmore and its amenities.
Depending on your starting point in the Chicago area, routes will vary. Using a GPS app is recommended for real-time traffic updates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, James Park and Mount Trashmore are public parks and do not require tickets for entry. Access is free for all visitors.
Sledding at Mount Trashmore is free. You only need to bring your own sled.
James Park generally has open hours from dawn to dusk, but it's always a good idea to check the official Evanston Parks and Recreation website for any specific seasonal or event-related closures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mount Trashmore is a popular local spot, especially in winter, for sledding down its various slopes. It's also part of James Park, offering other recreational activities.
Yes, Mount Trashmore features three hills of varying heights. The smaller ones are suitable for younger children and beginners, while the largest offers a more challenging experience.
James Park includes a playground, open green spaces for running and playing, and is a great spot for general park activities.
While generally safe, visitors are advised to be cautious on the steeper slopes and to practice good sledding etiquette to avoid collisions. A sled cushion is recommended for the main hill.
Absolutely! Bringing your own sled is essential for enjoying the sledding experience at Mount Trashmore.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the sledding hills offers panoramic views of the park, especially beautiful with snow. The playground area also provides fun photo opportunities.
Yes, Mount Trashmore is excellent for winter photography, with snow-covered landscapes and the activity of sledding creating dynamic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack essentials like sled cushions for the taller, bumpier slopes to ensure a comfortable ride for everyone. The variety of hills means you can find the right level of excitement for each child. It's a great way to enjoy a winter day or a pleasant afternoon outdoors.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Sledding at Mount Trashmore
Navigating the sledding experience requires some awareness. It's important to be mindful of sledding etiquette, such as avoiding walking up the center of the hill where others are descending and refraining from stopping in the path of oncoming sledders. The middle hill can sometimes become icy, making ascents challenging, while the farthest hill offers a good balance of length and manageability for longer runs.
Beyond the adrenaline rush of sledding, Mount Trashmore is part of the larger James Park, which offers additional amenities. This ensures that visitors have options for recreation even if sledding isn't possible or desired. The park's natural terrain also makes it a great spot for general outdoor activities.
James Park: More Than Just a Sledding Hill
The park's layout provides opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more vigorous exercise. The uphill and downhill sections of Mount Trashmore itself can serve as a natural workout area for runners. Its accessibility and free entry make it a valuable community resource for residents and visitors alike, offering a place to connect with nature and engage in physical activity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit