Winter Fun at Bowdoin Park & More

Date Published: December 20, 2018

Sledding and Skating at County Park; Sledding Hills in Dutchess

Are you ready to enjoy winter? Head to Dutchess County’s Bowdoin Park where sledding reigns on the big hill, thanks to Mother Nature. Grab some friends and bring the kids to enjoy this much loved seasonal activity. Sledding is most manageable on the main hill where the band shell is located, with gorgeous Hudson River views as a backdrop! Hay bale barricades ensure safe stopping conditions. Then warm up with hot chocolate or coffee sold at a vending machine at Pavilion 5 on the hilltop.

Even more winter fun transpires at Bowdoin Park thanks to the portable skating rink next to Pavilion 5. The 76 x 80 foot rink is open, as extra-cold temperatures have allowed for a solid freeze to create a smooth skating surface. You’ll need to provide your own skates. The rink is open as weather conditions permit during park hours, 9am to 5pm daily. Make sure to dress warmly, including a hat and gloves.

“We’re thrilled to have these family fun activities available this winter at Bowdoin Park,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro. “Mother Nature’s providing us with perfect conditions for sledding and skating. Come to Bowdoin Park and join us for some winter fun!”

Rules for sledding:

• Sled at your own risk
• Sled ONLY on designated hill area within orange fencing.
• Metal-edge or metal runner sleds, wooden toboggans, snowboards, skis and oversized tubes are prohibited.
• Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of the Parks staff
• Use return lane to return to the hilltop – Do Not Walk Up Main Sledding Hill

Rules for skating:

• Bring your own skates!
• Skate at your own risk
• Ice skating can be hazardous; accidents happen.
• Children younger than 7 must to be accompanied by an adult.
• No hockey sticks, food, beverages or roughhousing allowed.

Thinking of ice skating outdoors? Safety tip: at least of 3 to 4 inches of solid ice is the rule for safety. Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water.

Snow provides the chance for other winter activities at Dutchess County Parks, such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing on the Dutchess and the Harlem Valley Rail Trails.  Don’t let the cold get you down!  

Bowdoin Park is located at 85 Sheafe Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie; call them at 845-298-4600. For information about Dutchess Parks, visit Dutchess County Government’s website  

Dutchess County Sledding Hills

Here are some other great places throughout the county to use your flexible fliers, snow tubes and toboggans! Take your sled and get outdoors to enjoy healthy winter fun and exercise! Add some excitement to your day. Make memories with the kids!

Check out our suggestions for great sledding hills in Dutchess, and let us know if you have any more public spots to add for this winter!

Burger Hill Park, Rte. 9G, Rhinebeck, 12572. Open year round, daily at 9am-8:30pm. Enjoy cross country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. 845-876-4213.

College Hill Park, N. Clinton St., Poughkeepsie, 12601

James Baird State Park, 14 Maintenance Ln., off Rte. 44 & Taconic State Parkway, Pleasant Valley. Open year round. Enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the wintertime. 845-452-1489.

Lakeside Park, 2 Lakeside Dr., Pawling

Memorial Park, Robert Cahill Dr., Beacon

Mount Beacon Park, Wolcott Ave./Rte. 9D, Beacon Along with skiing, enjoy the beautiful views from the top of the mountain. 845-765-3262

Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park, Old Post Rd., Staatsburg, 12580. Open year round. Cross country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing trails. 845-889-4646.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site, 75 Mills Mansion Rd., off Old Post Rd., Staatsburg. Sledding is right behind the Mills’ family mansion, on the hill down toward the Hudson River.

Thomas J. Boyce Park, Rte. 55, Wingdale

Also:

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, 1498 Rt. 301, Carmel (we share it with Putnam County!)  . Enjoy sledding and snowshoeing trails. 845-225-7207.

Clermont State Historic Site, 1 Clermont Rd., Germantown (we share it with Columbia County!)