The Ultimate Illinois Winter Weekend Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed

Believe it or not, this time of year is actually ideal for fun trips and outdoor adventures. Some of the best ice skating, hiking, and snow tubing in the country can be found right here in Illinois, in fact! Cozy up and use this winter weekend guide to help you get the most out of the cold-weather months in Illinois. If you like sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and skiing in Illinois, this list is for you. Check it out!

1. Batavia Riverwalk

This is one riverwalk you can enjoy anytime of year. When temperatures get low enough, Depot Pond becomes the most amazing ice skating rink in the state. There is a flag that serves as a signal to guests for whether or not the ice is solid enough. If it's green you're good to go. Go on a weekend after it's been below freezing for a few days. Learn more about this winter attraction here.

2. Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve

Any weekend that there is snow on the ground is a good time to visit this place. It features a 40-foot sledding hill that is good for hours of fun. Bring your own sleds or rent tubes at the Plum Creek Nature Center. Guests can also rent snowshoes from the center and explore five miles of trails. Ice skating and cross-country skiing are also available. Get more details here.

3. Northerly Island

Few people know that one of the most unique places to spend a winter weekend is this little-known island in Chicago. Enjoy fabulous views of the skyline and Lake Michigan while you easily walk across a snowy surface. Rent or buy your own snowshoes to enjoy this season in a whole new way. Click here to learn about more places in Illinois to go snowshoeing.

4. White Pines Ranch

Last but not least, our winter weekend guide takes you to a lovely farm with majestic horses. After a snowfall, the horseback rides offered here become even more magical. Tours lead you around the grounds as you sit atop your very own horse. Learn more about this place here.

5. Snowstar Winter Park

Located along the Mississippi River around the Quad Cities, this winter sports attraction belongs on your bucket list. It has 15 trails, 11 snow tubing lanes, and a massive terrain park for free-styling. This place is open Friday through Sunday, making it the ultimate weekend adventure. Click here for more details.

6. Starved Rock State Park

This northern Illinois state park is the most popular in the Land of Lincoln due to its waterfalls, canyons, and other gorgeous views. During the winter, the waterfalls freeze and become ideal for ice climbing. You'll have to bring your own gear, and it is suggested that you sign in at the maintenance building. Even if you don't want to climb them, hiking to these frozen waterfalls is worth the trip just for the sights. Get more details about it here.

Of course, if you'd rather forget that it's winter, check out these eight wonderful Illinois attractions.

What else belongs on this winter weekend guide? Share your favorite cold-weather activities with us below in the comments.