Free sledding Soldier Field (or not) Call first!. I had never heard of this until I read about it in local magazine.
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive (312) 235-7000 press 6 for operator.
When: Look for below freezing extended weather forecast and 4-5 inches of snow.
Sledding at Soldier Field is rarely available
So here’s why I never heard of this. It’s rarely available. The article makes it sound like Soldier Field makes snow all the time. That is not the case. They only make snow when there is an extended weather forecast of below freezing temperatures AND it has already snowed 4-5 inches. This is because if they make snow and it’s above freezing it will melt (Doh!) and if they make snow and it’s not freezing it will just blow onto Lake Shore Drive. When it is in operation it is a 35 foot hill.
The next time the weather meets those two conditions call to see if it’s open
It pays to do some research. I called because there is nothing on the website. The gentleman I spoke with seemed a bit irritated that other publications and websites make it sound like it’s regularly available – “Don’t worry about the weather they make their own snow…“. Presumably people drive over and find out it’s not available. So the next time the weather meets those two conditions call Soldier Field and see if it’s available.
No such thing as a free lunch
If you don’t want to take the 146 bus there with your sled you will have to pay to park. Here are the lots and the links. Let me know if it ever opens!
