When cold weather gives you cabin fever, it’s time to break out the atlas and GPS and think about a few winter day trips in Illinois. We’ve come up with a trio of ideas for you to consider this winter. The question is, where will you go first?

1. Millennium Park, Chicago

SUNG JIN YANG/Google
During the warm weather months, Millennium Park is often crowded and packed with tourists.
Chea N/Google
But if you're looking for "day trips near me" in winter in Illinois, you'll find much smaller crowds (if any) at Millennium Park. You can also take your time to explore all that this iconic Chicago location has to offer.
Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, USA
Sylvia Lin/Google
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.

Take a look at this drone footage of Millennium Park in Chicago by @docaz1e:

2. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, Rockford

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens/Facebook
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, in Rockford, is even more amazing in the winter than in the summer.
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens/Facebook
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.

Related Stories

Galena Illinois

These 7 Small Towns In Illinois Honor Christmas In The Most Magical Way

 2023-2024 winter predictions

You Might Be Surprised To Hear The Predictions About Illinois' Cold And Stormy Upcoming Winter

 Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Illinois

Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Illinois
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens/Facebook
It may even give you the energy for some skating on the lagoon later in the day.
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, North 2nd Street, Rockford, IL, USA
Kim Owen/Google
Try to visit between November and January because Nicholas Conservatory is home to some of the ​​best holiday lights in Illinois.

Take a look at this video of the holiday lights at Nicholas Conservatory by @RockfordParkDistrict:

3. Galena

VisitGalena.org/Facebook
If you're looking for things to do in Illinois in winter, how about a day trip to one of the state's most charming towns? 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.
Chestnut Mountain Resort/Facebook
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.
Galena, IL 61036, USA
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa/Facebook
Consider a stay at ​​Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, where you can ice skate, snowshoe, and even go sledding.

Take a look at this video of Galena in winter by @LukeGeeTravels:

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 for winter day trips in Illinois? What are some other cold weather destinations in the Prairie State that should be on this list?

If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors of Illinois this winter, make sure to bundle up. If you need new cold-weather gear, take a look at the selection on The North Face’s website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Winter Day Trips In Illinois

Melissa M. | November 30, 2023

What are some other day trips in Illinois I can take?

There is so much to explore in Illinois, even in the winter. Here are a few more day trip ideas for you to consider:

  • Take a walk along the Batavia Riverwalk and go ice skating here as well.
  • Go snowshoeing on Northerly Island, a little-known island in Chicago.
  • Go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at Snowstar.

Check out the Ultimate Illinois Winter Weekend Guide for more.

What are the best winter hikes in Illinois?

You don’t have to wait until the spring to start hiking again. There are plenty of incredible hikes you can do in winter in Illinois. And you may even stumble upon a frozen waterfall along a trail if you’re lucky! Check out the following winter hikes in Illinois:

  • Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry offers 10 miles of trails and picturesque winter scenery.
  • Take the Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest in Herod with some of the best views in Illinois.
  • Explore Starved Rock State Park and all of its frozen waterfalls in Oglesby.

Check out more winter hikes in Illinois.

Related Articles

Explore Illinois