These Towns in Illinois Come Alive in Winter
Whether planning a relaxed rural escape or an adrenaline-filled vacation, Illinois has the diversity to deliver your envisioned experience. From gorgeous natural scenery, sprawling state parks, and fun winter festivals, the cold season can be an exciting time in the Land of Lincoln. But you would not find this in big cities like Chicago or Aurora; the small towns bring out the best of Illinois winters.
While mostly overlooked as ideal travel destinations, these little locations offer a unique holiday experience shielded from the chaos in crowded cities. They are home to endless outdoor opportunities and host friendly, close-knit communities that will make you feel like a home away from home. If you are thinking of spending winter in the Midwest, these are the most exciting small towns in Illinois.
Lisle
This charming village in DuPage County does not get enough credit as a winter destination. Home to about 24,000 people, it hosts an eclectic mix of attractions to impress any cold-season traveler. The Morton Arboretum can be irresistible when it snows, providing a family-friendly atmosphere to spend time outdoors. You can hike over 16 miles of trail amidst thousands of snow-coated trees and discover at least 4,000 plant species from around the world. Sensory Garden Playground is another excellent venue to take in the winter scenery. The 37-acre nature space hosts walking trails, gardening areas, and playground facilities that you can roam about to stave off the cold.
Your winter stay in Lisle would not be complete without visiting the Four Lakes Recreation Area. This sprawling facility draws different winter sports lovers thanks to its premium facilities. It has the perfect slopes for skiing and snowboarding of all skill levels. It also offers sports facilities like volleyball fields, tennis courts, and a golf course, making it a beehive of winter fun.
Andalusia
This quaint Rock Island County destination lies on the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River. When the winter season comes around, the sleepy village transforms into a hub of activity for snow enthusiasts, thanks to the 28-acre winter wonderland within its jurisdiction. Snowstar Winter Sports Park is a magnificent facility with an expansive terrain park, 11 snow tubing lanes, and 15 trails, making it a prime spot for all winter sports. It even has a 1,300-foot zipline that lets you fly at speeds of 35 mph.
Just two miles west of the town, the Andalusia Slough Recreation Area presents an excellent site to admire the winter scenery of snow-coated trees and lawns. Bald eagles can be seen flying around the area, and if you bring along fishing gear, you can try ice fishing in the frozen waters of the Mississippi River.
Carbondale
Carbondale is a small town in the “Little Egypt” region of southern Illinois, known for hosting the main campus of Southern Illinois University. It is home to multiple parks and nature areas with numerous trails, beckoning tourists to explore its superb winter scenery. Castle Park draws a considerable crowd during winter, and the large wood and stone castle inside the park looks magical when covered in snow. Alternatively, you can head to Evergreen Park, which has several trails for snowshoers and sports fields for those looking to shake off the winter chill with some activity.
Another idyllic spot you can check out is Campus Lake of the Southern Illinois University. This 40-acre waterbody has a paved trail circling it with a nature boardwalk, ideal for a lazy hike. You also get an opportunity to try ice fishing in the frozen waters of the lake. Lastly, Marberry Arboretum has a spectacular forest trail that you can follow to discover over 600 plant species in the area.
Galena
Galena might be known to be a summer hotspot for tourists, but the town’s charm does not fade during the snow season. This is a credit to the impressive array of fun activities it offers winter enthusiasts. Chestnut Mountain Resort is among the top spots where people converge in the town, home to a sprawling 7-acre terrain with 19 ski runs. The resort is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders from within and outside the state.
More winter opportunities are available at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa. At its magnificent Nordic Center, you can indulge in fun snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing. Elsewhere, you can tour the Galena Cellars Vineyards & winery. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for admiring the snowy scenery, and a glass or two of some of the town’s best wines promises to keep the winter chill at bay. The scenes are just as impressive at Grant Park, which lies on the banks of Galena River. You can find a nice spot inside the park’s gazebo just to sit back, relax, and enjoy the storybook surroundings.
Warrenville
Warrenville hosts an extensive network of parks and forest preserves, presenting countless outdoor opportunities during the snow season. There are numerous sites to explore, but you can start at the Blackwell Forest Reserve. Spanning over 1300 acres, the reserve transforms into a magical setting in the winter, with beautiful snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. It also features multiple ice fishing spots and wildlife like waterfowl. If you do not want to stray too far from the town center, Summerlakes Park is an excellent alternative with sports facilities like a baseball field, playground, and soccer field.
More winter fun awaits at the sprawling McDowell Grove Nature Preserve along the DuPage River. From hiking and cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, at least 7 miles of scenic trails let you explore the snowy woodland. For a less strenuous activity, you can find a nice spot along the river for a relaxed ice fishing session.
Makanda
Numerous outdoor opportunities in Makanda make it a favorite spot for winter travelers in Illinois. This small town is riddled with sprawling parkland, nature preserves, and summer hiking trails that transform into the perfect snowshoeing and cross-country routes when it snows. One of the best places for a winter hike is Giant City State Park. Exploring miles of icy trails in this natural area exposes you to a winter wonderland with dramatic ice formations, frozen waterfalls, and beautiful wildlife. There are more picturesque trails with hidden gems to discover in the town’s backcountry. Hiking through the Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail puts you on an isolated route surrounded by a dense forest with a stunning geological formation at the end. Also, a trip to Blue Sky Vineyard treats you to serene Tuscan architecture with epic views of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest, which can be breathtaking under a blanket of snow. This is also an excellent opportunity to drink a glass of fine local wine.
Lake Forest
This charming community in Lake County can be found on the shores of Lake Michigan. Its rich natural surroundings make it one of the best towns in Illinois for a winter escape, and several nature areas in Lake Forest look stunning after snowfall. You discover this magical scenery at the Lake Forest Open Lands Association. The site covers at least 800 acres, and there are 12 miles of trails you can slip into your snowshoes to explore.
If you have a canine companion, you will find a pet-friendly environment at the Prairie Wolf Dog Park, with 44 acres of off-leash play area. Meanwhile, Lake Forest Beach presents epic views of Lake Michigan during winter, and strolling along the snowy shores makes for a surreal experience. When the lake waters freeze over, the surface is perfect for ice skating, or you can break the ice to try your hand at ice fishing.
Quincy
Popularly known as Illinois “Gem City,” this small town on the banks of the Mississippi River promises visitors a satisfying winter experience. It has an impressive network of trails and parks surrounded by picturesque landscapes, culminating in countless outdoor opportunities. One of the best places to admire the winter scenery is Clat Adams Bicentennial Park, which borders the river. Besides dramatic vistas of the icy Mississippi River, it has a cozy gazebo you can sit under with family or friends to enjoy the outdoors.
If you are trying to shake off the winter chill with some activity, you can fetch your snow shoes and walk along the Bill Klingner Trail to explore the beautiful scenes. The path stretches 3 miles through secluded woodland, and traverses isolated bridges for a delightful sightseeing option. Another pleasant space you can go to just to relax and unwind is Washington Park, which is in the middle of downtown.
Although winters can be pretty frigid in the Midwest, the Land of Lincoln has a nice mix of snow-season attractions to make you give up the comfort of your hotel room. Numerous outdoor adventures await in the backcountry, and these small towns in Illinois are an example of how much fun you can have in the winter. The winter season does not have to put a damper on your travel plans when you have these hidden gems to discover.
