3 Illinois Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter
When cold weather gives you cabin fever, it’s time to break out the atlas and think about a winter day trip in Illinois. We’ve come up with a trio of ideas for you to consider this winter.
During the warm weather months, Millennium Park is often crowded and packed with tourists.
But in the winter, you'll find much smaller crowds (if any), and you can take your time to explore all that this iconic Chicago location has to offer.
You can even skate at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which is one of the best skating rinks in Illinois, between November and March. If you visit Millennium Park before early January, you will be able to enjoy all the holiday decorations, as well.
Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, USA
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, in Rockford, is even more amazing in the winter than in the summer.
It's the perfect winter day trip destination when the cold weather's got you down and you could use some sunshine, warmth, and vitamin D. A walk among the conservatory's plants and trees, with the heat and humidity, feels almost miraculous compared to the frigid weather outside.
It may even give you the energy for some skating on the lagoon later in the day.
Try to visit between November and January because Nicholas Conservatory is home to some of the best holiday lights in Illinois.
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, North 2nd Street, Rockford, IL, USA
Galena is a town that truly comes alive in the wintertime. In fact, with all there is to do, it may be the best winter destination in Illinois.
Galena is home to Chestnut Mountain Resort, which is the biggest ski resort in the Land of Lincoln, with more than a dozen lift-served runs and hundreds of vertical feet along the bluffs of the Mississippi River.
Consider a stay at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, where you can ice skate, snowshoe, and even go sledding.
No matter which destination you choose – or if you try all of them – we hope they make your winter go by more quickly. Have you visited any of these spots during the winter? What are some other cold weather destinations in the Prairie State that should be on this list?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Address: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
Address: Galena, IL 61036, USA
