Illinois is an amazing place for winter activities. There are all sorts of fun and exciting outdoor activities, including ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a more leisurely activity, Illinois has something for everyone.
Ice Skating
One of the best things about winter in Illinois is the amazing ice skating rinks. The state’s many lakes and rivers freeze over, creating natural outdoor ice skating rinks. There are also many indoor ice skating rinks, so you can enjoy skating no matter what the weather is like.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
At Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, you can skate on a unique ice skating ribbon that winds through the park. The three-acre skating ribbon is twice the length of a typical rink and features a great view of the city skyline.
Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink
The ice rink at Millennium Park is one of the most popular ice skating destinations in the city. This rink is free and open to the public, and it’s open from November through March.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the beautiful winter scenery in Illinois. The state has many amazing trails for snowshoeing that will take you through forests, across open fields, and along rivers.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is a great destination for snowshoeing. The park has many beautiful trails that take you through the park’s stunning canyons and waterfalls. You can rent snowshoes at the park if you don’t have your own.
Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is another great place to go snowshoeing. The arboretum has more than 2,000 acres of beautiful gardens, woodlands, and prairies to explore. There are many snowshoe trails throughout the arboretum, and you can rent snowshoes at the visitor center.
Skiing and Snowboarding
If you’re looking for some more exciting winter activities, Illinois has many ski resorts and snowboarding parks.
Chestnut Mountain Resort
Chestnut Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Illinois. Located in Galena, the resort has 19 ski runs and many other fun activities, including snow tubing and zip lining.
Villa Olivia
Villa Olivia in Bartlett is another great ski and snowboarding destination. The resort has seven ski runs, a snowboarding park, and a tubing hill. There’s also a ski school if you’re a beginner.
Conclusion
Winter in Illinois is truly a wonderland of outdoor activities. Whether you prefer ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding, Illinois has plenty of exciting activities to keep you active and entertained all winter long. So bundle up, grab your gear, and head out to explore the winter wonderland that is Illinois!