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Favorite Quad Cities Sledding Hills

When I was young the neighbors next door to us had a split level house, but the builders left the hill to the south of their place intact. It made for the most magical sledding hill with a perfect launch off the back patio. Even long after their kids had gone off to college, my brother and I would wait for the snow to fall and then head out to ask if we could “borrow” their hill. It was just the right amount of steep and about 100 yards to the bottom. The hike back up was a bit long, but definitely worth it.

I’ll never forget when I was getting ready to have a baby at Genesis East in Davenport and my QC doctor and I discovered we’d both sledded on that same hill in St.Charles, Illinois! Turns out he was best friends with my neighbor’s oldest son after having met at Augustana College.

When I was in college at Augustana, I asked about the best places to sled. Lincoln Park was the answer so we “borrowed” trays from the cafeteria and I was introduced to sledding in the QC. Since then, I’ve tried out quite a few of these favorite sledding hills. This year we have a new toboggan to try with our four kids and I can't wait. You’ll have to sled the hills yourself to find your favorite!

Favorite Quad Cities Sledding Hills

Black Hawk State Historic Site, 24th Avenue & Black Hawk Road, Rock Island, IL
309-788-9536

Camden Park, Corner of Milan Beltway and Rt 67, Milan, IL
309-787-8510

Duck Creek Park, 3300 E. Locust Street, Davenport, IA
563-328-7275

Fejervary Park, 1800 West 12th Street, Davenport, IA
563-328-7275

Lincoln Park, 38th to 42nd Streets, 9th to 11th Avenues, Rock Island, IL
309-732-7275

Longview Park, 17th Street & 18th Avenue, Rock Island, IL
309-732-7275

Middle Park, 23rd Street and Middle Road, Bettendorf, IA
563-344-4113

Prospect Park, 16th Street & 30th Avenue, Moline, IL
309-524-2424

Riverside Park, 31st Street & 5th Avenue, Moline, IL
309-524-2424

Scott County Park, located nine miles north of Davenport off U.S. Highway 61
563-328-3282

Here's a fun report from Anthony Panicucci and Megan Noe from a few winters ago highlighting Duck Creek and Lincoln Parks.

There’s nothing quite like sledding on a crisp winter day: flushed cheeks, anticipation, a whoop of excitement, the spray of snow, catching air over a ramp, laughter, feeling cold and hot at the same time, the happiness that is being outside in nature…it’s one of the best experiences for the young and the young at heart. Hope to see you on the Quad Cities sledding hills!


Written by Meghan Cooley

Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for the Quad City Moms Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A. and Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.