Hickory Hills Recreation/Ski Area has been owned and operated as a ski area and municipal park by the City of Traverse City since 1952 and has been an iconic natural setting within the Traverse City micropolitan area. The park is widely used by the greater community—offering active and passive recreational activities through all four seasons. In 2018, Hickory Hills built a new lodge which is now being offered as a venue for weddings. The lodge can accommodate up to 138 people indoors and up to 325 outside. The outside space offers two firepits. There is plenty of parking space with handicap accessibility.