Winter Outdoor Activities in Illinois

Embrace the cold. Illinois winters offer activities you can't do any other time.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Illinois isn't Colorado, but we have options.

Chestnut Mountain

Where: Galena Vertical: 475 feet Trails: 19

The biggest ski area in Illinois. Worth the drive for Midwest standards.

What to expect:

• Real chairlifts

• Night skiing

• Snow tubing

• Lodging packages available

Four Lakes

Where: Lisle Vertical: 175 feet

Closer to Chicago. Good for beginners and families.

Villa Olivia

Where: Bartlett Vertical: 180 feet

Convenient suburban location with decent variety.

Snowstar

Where: Andalusia (Quad Cities) Vertical: 250 feet

Solid Mississippi River bluff terrain.

Cross-Country Skiing

When trails get snow, grab your skinny skis.

Groomed Trails

• Morton Arboretum (Lisle)

• Deer Grove Forest Preserve (Palatine)

• Starved Rock State Park

• Matthiessen State Park

Make Your Own Trail

Any snow-covered path works. Forest preserves and parks throughout the state.

Rental Options

REI, local outdoor shops, and some forest preserves offer rentals.

Ice Skating

Outdoor Rinks

Chicago:

• Millennium Park (iconic, crowded)

• Maggie Daley Park

• Midway Plaisance (Hyde Park)

Suburbs:

• Centennial Park (Naperville)

• Main Beach (Crystal Lake)

• Many park districts flood rinks

Indoor Rinks

When weather doesn't cooperate:

• McFetridge Sports Center (Chicago)

• Edge Ice Arena (Bensenville)

• Numerous suburban ice arenas

Ice Fishing

Popular at:

• Chain O'Lakes

• Fox Chain

• Lake Decatur

• Various strip mine lakes

Essential safety: Check ice thickness. 4 inches minimum for walking.

Winter Hiking

Trails don't close in winter—they transform.

Where to Go

• Starved Rock (frozen waterfalls!)

• Matthiessen (ice formations)

• Morton Arboretum (groomed paths)

• Local forest preserves

Winter Hiking Tips

1. Wear layers (avoid cotton)

2. Microspikes for icy trails

3. Start early (daylight is limited)

4. Tell someone your plans

5. Bring hot drinks in thermos

Snowshoeing

Growing in popularity. Great workout, easy to learn.

Where to Try

• Morton Arboretum (rentals available)

• North Park Village Nature Center (Chicago)

• Pilcher Park (Joliet)

• Most forest preserves

Winter Events

Sled Hills

Almost every town has a sledding hill:

• Swallow Cliff (Palos) - Chicagoland's steepest

• Soldier Field Sled Hill

• Local park districts maintain many

Winter Festivals

• Morton Arboretum IllumiNight

• Lincoln Park Zoo Lights (free!)

• Various downtown ice sculptures

Gear Essentials

For Cold Weather:

• Moisture-wicking base layer

• Insulating mid-layer

• Windproof outer layer

• Warm socks (wool or synthetic)

• Good boots (waterproof, insulated)

• Gloves/mittens (bring backup)

• Hat that covers ears

Rule of thumb: Dress in layers. You can always remove, but you can't add what you didn't bring.