7 Illinois Attractions That Will Cure Your Cabin Fever During Harsh Winter Months

There's no reason to go crazy this season staying inside just because it's cold outside. Check out these seven outdoor winter attractions that will help you beat the winter blues and get back to enjoying nature. These seven places will make winter in Illinois a complete blast!

1. White Pines Ranch

While you can ride horses here any time of the year, it is more magical after a snowfall. Bring your friends and go on a tour of the grounds with a group of horses before heading back to the lodge for warm drinks and games. Click here to learn more about this unforgettable experience.

2. Depot Pond

Located along the Batavia Riverwalk, which lets locals enjoy all sorts of lovely views of the Fox River in Aurora and St. Charles, this ice skating rink is available when temperatures are low enough to freeze the water. Peg Pond Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the green flag is up and serves as a warming house with restrooms. Learn more about it here.

3. Snowstar Winter Park

This Quad City winter paradise features 15 hiking trails, 11 snow tubing trails, a freestyle zone, a massive terrain park, and 40-foot jumps for skiers and snowboarders. Galaxy tubing keeps guests here all through the night. Get more details about this exciting place here.

4. Starved Rock State Park

Hiking trails, bird-watching, rock-climbing, waterfall ice-climbing, cross-country skiing, and many other fabulous winter activities can be enjoyed at this most popular of Illinois state parks. It is full of outdoor winter attractions that will keep you busy all day long. Click here for more details.

5. Maggie Daley Park

Situated in Chicago's front yard, this spectacular playground features a skating ribbon each winter that is like an ice skating trail through the park. Lights and trees guide your way and skate rentals are available on-site. Learn more about this activity here.

6. Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve

Home to a 40-foot sledding hill, this nature preserve is also a great place to go hiking, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Guests will need to bring their own equipment. Click here for more details.

7. Take A Winter Hike

There are all sorts of places to go hiking in Illinois, and winter should not stop you from getting out and enjoying your favorite trails. It's one of the best things to do in the winter in Illinois. Dawn boots, snowshoes, and skis in order to brave these snowy and icy paths. Click here to check out four of the best winter trails in the state.

For more like this, check out these 11 attractions that belong on your winter Illinois bucket list.

What other outdoor winter attractions do you still like to enjoy this time of year? Do you have any favorite places to visit in Illinois in the winter? Share your favorites with us below in the comments.