Experience the thrill of winter on the Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run

Visiting Pokagon State Park in winter

There’s nothing quite like the rush of flying downhill on a sled at 40 miles per hour on a winter day. The Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run in Angola, Indiana, has been delivering sledding fun since 1935, making it one of the Midwest’s most beloved winter traditions. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adventure or a family searching for a memorable winter outing, this historic toboggan run offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Indiana.

But the Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run is just the beginning. Nestled in the northeastern corner of Indiana, near the Michigan border, Pokagon State Park transforms into a winter wonderland each year, offering everything from peaceful hiking trails and cross-country skiing to cozy fireside evenings at the historic Potawatomi Inn. It’s the perfect destination for a winter getaway that combines outdoor adventure with comfortable lodging and that nostalgic, timeless atmosphere that keeps families coming back year after year.

Ready to plan your visit? Here’s everything you need to know about experiencing the Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run and making the most of your winter adventure.

The Heart of Winter at Pokagon State Park: The Toboggan Run

The Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run isn’t just an attraction, it’s an Indiana tradition.

• Originally built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (Company 556), the toboggan run started as a curved wooden track created simply for fun.
• In 1938, the track was straightened to make it faster.
• In 1971, it was converted to a refrigerated track, meaning snow is optional and winter fun is guaranteed.
• The current tower and track, added in 1974, are still the ones riders zoom down today.

Climbing the tower is part of the experience. Step by step, higher and higher, as anticipation and excitement builds. Then comes that moment at the top: gloves on, knees bent, a deep breath, then suddenly you’re flying.

Fast. Smooth. Exhilarating!

Hours of operation

The run is typically open weekends from late November through the last weekend of February.

• Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Extended hours during Winter Break and holiday weekends
• Check the Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run website for specific dates and times

Toboggans are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, which means busy days can include a little waiting unless you arrive early. But honestly, watching other riders take their turn on the track is a fun way to pass the time and build anticipation.

Cost

• $20 per hour, per toboggan | 3- and 4-person toboggans are available
• Toboggans must be rented; no personal toboggans are allowed on the track
• Pay by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard
• A valid ID is required for toboggan rental

Since the Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run is located inside the state park, a park entry fee also applies.

• $7 per car for Indiana residents
• $15 per car non-resident fee

Other important details

• Gloves are required when riding toboggans. Bring your own or rent a pair.
• Snow is not required; toboggans run on a refrigerated track
• Track closes if the temperature drops to zero degrees Fahrenheit
• Warming Center with restrooms and concession stand available onsite
• No outside food allowed in Warming Center
• Picnic tables available; tailgating allowed in lower toboggan parking lot

Winter Days at Pokagon State Park

[Click on images to enlarge]

Since moving to the Midwest, we’ve found that winter is a time when most people seem to hibernate. But, there’s something special about getting out in nature during the winter months. The trees might be bare, but the park is full of opportunities to refresh the spirit.

We visited Pokagon State Park in January, during a very cold, very snowy weekend. We’d just gotten snowshoes for Christmas and had big plans: go sledding on the Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run, go for a snowshoe hike, and stay overnight at the Potawatomi Inn. A whole winter adventure lineup. When we got there, we found even more to do!

Do you love birdwatching? Pokagon State Park is home to many bird species during the winter months; including Downy and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Northern Cardinals and Great Horned Owls (just to name a few). Migratory birds might also be found in the park; including Canada Geese and Mallards who frequent the areas around the lake.

How about playing in the snow? Located in the northeastern corner of Indiana, Pokagon State Park gets more snow than other parts of the state. In addition to hiking, winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding or the simple pleasure of making snow angels.

Prefer to stay inside where it’s warm while watching the snow fall? Grab a good book or your favorite board game and settle in by one of the stone fireplaces located inside the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park.

There are nearly 14 miles of hiking trails in Pokagon State Park, spread across nine designated trails that range from easy strolls to more rugged terrain. Even in winter, the trails felt welcoming; quiet but not empty, peaceful without feeling remote.

While we showed up with snowshoes in hand, it turned out that even on a snowy January weekend, the park was popular enough that many of the trails had already been well-hiked and snowshoes weren’t necessary at all. Instead, we layered up with warm coats, beanies, and gloves, and headed out with regular hiking shoes.

Some places instantly make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era, in the best possible way. The Potawatomi Inn & Cabins at Pokagon State Park is one of those places. Think Kellerman’s from Dirty Dancing… a little nostalgic, a lot cozy, and full of opportunities for fun!

Staying at the Potawatomi Inn feels like a step back in time. In fact, during our stay, we met a couple who honeymooned at the Potawatomi Inn 52 years earlier and continue to visit the inn year-after-year. That’s how special it is.

The Potawatomi Inn sits right on the shores of Lake James and some rooms even have small patios overlooking the water. In winter, the view feels especially peaceful with a frozen lake, snow-dusted trees, and the kind of quiet you don’t often get at home.

Inside, there are multiple fireplaces, perfect for a cozy evening after dinner in one of the two onsite restaurants.

Other amenities include:

• Indoor pool, hot tub and sauna
• Fitness room
• Game room
• Gift shop

And yes, there are pet-friendly rooms ready to welcome your favorite furry friend.

More things to do at Pokagon State Park

While winter steals the spotlight thanks to the toboggan run, there are plenty of things to do at Pokagon State Park year-round:

• Cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter
• Fishing, biking, and boating on Lake James in warmer months
• A nature center with wildlife exhibits and ranger-led programs year-round
• Picnic shelters, a sand volleyball court, and lakeside trails
• Summer swimming at the beach (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day)
• Horseback riding from the saddle barn (open starting in the spring)

Final thoughts

The Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run is more than just a winter activity, it’s a piece of Indiana history that continues to create memories more than 90 years after it first opened. From the moment you start climbing that tower to the exhilarating rush down the refrigerated track, every part of the experience reminds you why some traditions never get old.

Combined with miles of scenic hiking trails, the charm of staying at the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, and all the winter activities the park has to offer, a visit to Pokagon State Park is the perfect antidote to winter hibernation.

So grab your gloves and your favorite outdoor adventure friend, and head to Angola, Indiana, for a winter experience that proves the best memories are made when you get outside and embrace the season. The Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run is waiting and trust us… it’s worth every thrilling second!

Ready to plan your visit? Check the official Pokagon State Park website for current toboggan run hours and conditions, and book your stay at the Potawatomi Inn in advance, especially for holiday weekends.