Posted in Illinois Hiking, Nature, Winter November 20, 2022 by

4 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Illinois To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead

When the air becomes crisp and the weather threatens snow, it can be a challenge to get outside, but winter in Illinois is also the perfect time to go on one of these calming hikes. Clear your mind and find tranquility along these less-trafficked paths. They will give you the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year and the one to come. Scroll on for details about the best places to go on a winter walk in the Land of Lincoln.

1. Sag Valley Forest Preserve
Alltrails/MARK WEGLARZ
Alltrails/MARK WEGLARZ
The first on our list of the best winter hikes in Illinois is at the Sag Valley Forest Preserve in Palos Hills. This interconnecting system of loop trails takes hikers to the most remote parts of Cook County and is made up of unpaved trails. It is ideal for walking, biking, dog-walking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. It is open year-round between sunrise and sunset and contains about 20 miles of trails, so you're likely to have space to yourself.

Visit the webpage to learn more about the Sag Valley Trail System.
Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA
2. Starved Rock State Park
Tom Gill/Flickr
Wei OConnell/Google
Arguably the most popular state park in the state, this wonderland of waterfalls, trails, and forestry is made even more magnificent during winter. Frozen waterfalls, ice-coated branches, and snow-covered paths turn this 2,630-acre area into a whole new world, and the cold weather means fewer visitors. This is one of the best places for winter hiking in Illinois.

Read our previous coverage on the frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park to learn more.
2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
3. The Morton Arboretum
Facebook/The Morton Arboretum
Facebook/The Morton Arboretum
This museum of trees is no less magnificent during the winter months, which is why it remains open all year long. Even after its holiday lights event ends, this place remains a popular place to explore regardless of the weather. It is home to more than 4,000 plant species and spans 1,700 acres.

Visit the Morton Arboretum website for more information.
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
4. Buffalo Rock State Park
Google/Tim Arnold
Google/Tim Arnold
Situated right across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park is a lesser-known state park that is worth a trip from any part of the state. It encompasses nearly 300 acres and has been part of the state since 1928. Once an island, this is a fabulous spot for a winter picnic and some winter hiking in Illinois.

Visit the webpage to learn more about Buffalo Rock State Park.
Buffalo Rock State Park, 1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA

If you enjoyed reading about these trails, check out the 15 most scenic hikes in Illinois.

What other trails would you consider to be the best hikes during winter in Illinois? Share your favorites with us in the comments. We would love to hear from you!

Address: Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA
Address: 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Address: Buffalo Rock State Park, 1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Winter Hikes In Illinois

December 12, 2021
Melissa M.

What are some of the best winter outdoor activities in Illinois?

While it’s cold and snowy in Illinois in the winter, it doesn’t mean we have to spend all our time indoors. There are plenty of outdoor activities to be found around the state during the cold months. See how many you can cross off your winter bucket list:

  • Try horseback riding at White Pines Ranch.
  • Go ice skating along the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago.
  • Go snow tubing and skiing at Snowstar Winter Park.
  • Feel like a kid as you sled through Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve>

For more ideas about winter outdoor activities in Illinois, check out this post. 

Are there any cabins I can stay at in winter in Illinois?

How would you like a weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the woods? There are many cabins around the state that are in or close to a state park or you can try an Airbnb cabin with a hot tub. Read our post, Soak In A Hot Tub Surrounded By Natural Beauty At These 5 Cabins In Illinois, to start planning your cozy overnight stay.

Where can I go snow tubing in Illinois?

Snow tubing is one of the best activities you can do in the winter in Illinois. Consider any of the following places.

 

Address: Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA
Address: 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Address: Buffalo Rock State Park, 1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.