Best Places for Sledding and Snow Tubing
Indy Parks has a list of seven parks with approved sledding hills in all areas of Indianapolis – pick the one closest to you! Brookside Park and Garfield Park are two favorites, and sledding hills are open from dawn until dusk.For the ultimate sledding hill, head to the northeast suburb of Noblesville to Koteewi Run Snow Tubing. It is open daily through the end of February – or longer if weather permits. You can slide down a dedicated 700-foot lane and then use the tow rope to quickly get back to the top to experience the thrill again!
Cross-Country Skiing
Did you know you can also ski right here in Indianapolis? Eagle Creek Park (7840 W. 56th St.), Northwestway Park (5253 W. 62nd St.), and Southeastway Park (5624 S. Carroll Rd.) all offer cross-country skiing trails. Also, the greenways offer great cross-country skiing if trail conditions allow.Veal’s Ice Tree – An Ice Spectacle Unique to Indy
Veal’s Ice Tree is a seasonal Indiana attraction that dates back to the winter of 1961. It’s a family tradition that is created using nearby pond water. The family makes the tree in January and keeps it up until it melts in April. It is located at 6445 Mimosa Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46259, and you can visit it seven days a week. The tree is illuminated at night until 10 p.m.Winter Outdoor Dining
Even in winter, breweries and wineries in all corners of Indianapolis offer unconventional outdoor dining options. In the northeastern suburb of Fishers, Four Day Ray (11671 Lantern Rd.) offers igloo dining. Head over to Westfield and Urban Vines Winery (303 E 161st St.), where you can sip your wine inside an igloo. In Broad Ripple, Union Jack Pub, a neighborhood favorite for 40 years (921 Broad Ripple Ave.), offers igloos that comfortably fit four to six guests.If you want something different than an igloo, head east to Spencer Farm Winery (7015 E. 161st St.), where you and 6 of your friends can relax in a yurt. The yurts are equipped with an electric fireplace, string lights, and comfortable seating. In the cultural district of Broad Ripple, you will find tiny greenhouses at Public Greens (902 E. 64th St.), where you can dine on the weekend or enjoy Sunday brunch.
It may be chilly outside, but there is still lots to do and explore in the Circle City!