If you love spending time outdoors (even in winter!), you must check out this natural ice skating rink. Show off your moves and stay active on days when most would rather curl up with a cup of cocoa. You can just do that afterward.

Lace up, bundle up, and grab a friend for some of the most memorable experiences you can make out of a winter wonderland. This is a local favorite for ice skating in Illinois! Keep scrolling for all the fun facts and important details.

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Not sure you’ll make it to this rink? Try one of these other epic places to go ice skating in Illinois.

Have you ever used this natural ice skating rink? Share your experiences and photos with us!

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Winter In Illinois

What is winter like in Illinois?

This is what winter is like in Illinois:

  • The cold season lasts 3.2 months, from December 2 to March 9.
  • Average winter daily high temperatures are below 43°F. 
  • The coldest month is January, with an average low of 22°F and an average high of 33°F.
  • The coldest winter was in 1985 when temperatures dropped to -25°F. 
  • Average snowfall in Illinois is about 48 inches in the southern part of the state and 35 inches in the northern portion.

To find out what winter is like in Illinois this year, take a look at the Farmers’ Almanac weather predictions for 2022-2023.

What are the most popular winter activities in Illinois?

These are the most popular winter activities in Illinois:

  • Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities in Illinois with rinks all over the state.
  • Sledding and snow tubing are extremely popular with no shortage of snowy hills and sledding ramps to enjoy.
  • Winter hiking and snowshoeing are popular winter pastimes in Illinois with hundreds of miles of trails available to explore.
  • Skiing, whether it’s downhill or cross-country, is something thousands of people love to do during the winter in Illinois. 

Here are 11 things to add to your bucket list for popular winter activities in Illinois.

What are the best places to visit during winter in Illinois?

These are the best places to visit during winter in Illinois:

  • White Pines Ranch - This ranch offers winter horseback riding followed by games and warm beverages.
  • Depot Pond - This pond, located on the Batavia Riverwalk, freezes over into a natural ice skating rink every winter, providing picturesque views of the Fox River.
  • Starved Rock State Park - A popular spot for birdwatching, hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, and climbing ice waterfalls, this park is a popular local winter attraction.
  • Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve - This nature preserve has a 40-foot sledding hill and is a great location for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and ice skating. 

Here are 12 indoor attractions that are the best places to visit during winter in Illinois to beat the winter cold.