Huzzah, winter break is here! We’re ready to kick back, relax, and celebrate the holiday season with our favourite people. And what better way to do just that, than with a plethora of fun destinations to check out during your time off! Whether you’re enjoying these activities with family or friends, we know you’re going to round out 2021 on a high note.
Just because the winter weather is here doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors and hiking trails in the area. Hang up those hiking boots and swap them out for some snowshoes and skis! On less than a tank of gas you’ll be on your way to winter wonderland bliss. Feeling the crunch of the fresh snow under your feet, enjoying the brisk fresh air and that “it’s going to snow any moment now” scent on the breeze. There’s nothing else quite like it!
Local Places for Snowshoeing, Sledding, and Cross Country Skiing
- Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan, IL
- Captain Daniels Wright Woods in Mettawa IL
- Adler Park in Libertyville, IL
- INdependence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, IL
- Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, IL
- Lakewood Winter Sports Area in Wauconda, IL
- Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, IL
- Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, IL
- Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest, IL
- Captain DAniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa, IL
- Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake, IL
- Edward L Ryerson Conservation Area in Deerfield, IL
- Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, WI
- Kenosha Silver Lake County Park in Salem, WI
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville, WI
- Parkside Cross-Country Ski Trail System in Kenosha, WI
For those with a need for speed, you can swap your street racing energy for a set of downhill skis. Forget the gravel flying beneath your spinning wheels on the road, and get ready for clouds of fresh powder and blustery swirls of snow. We’ve got the best picks in the area for mountain downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing and more. Check out our picks for best Ski and Snowsports Areas & Resorts worth the road trip!
Best Downhill Skiing and Winter Sports Destinations
- Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle, IL
- Snowstar in Andalusia, IL
- Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, IL
- Villa Olivia in Bartlett, IL
- Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL
- Gander Mountain in Antioch, IL
- Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont, IL
- Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort in Wilmot, WI
- Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn, WI
- Little Switzerland in Slinger, WI
- Fox Hill Ski Area in West Bend, WI
- The Mountain Top Ski and Adventure Center at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, WI
- Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum, WI
- Nutt Hill in Plymouth, WI
- Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque, IA
- Pines Family Ski Area in Valparaiso, IN
If you’re not much for nature or winter sports, that doesn’t mean you’ll be left out in the cold for winter break fun! You can head into the city for a night out on the town, enjoy some winter festivities like Ice Skating or Sledding, and other nifty ideas. So check out our list for non-sports related winter destinations, and some unconventional holiday celebrations. Start a new tradition with your loved ones this year, and live life to the fullest!
Wintertime Fun for Everyone
- The Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge
- NYD Pajama Brunch at Side Lot Brewery
- New Years Day Musical Yoga Event
- Dungeons & Dragons: Waterdeep Adventures Virtual Event for Grades 5-12
- Frosty Fest at the Gurnee Park District
- Holiday Adventures Zoo 4 U at Belvidere Recreation Center
- Holiday Adventures Space Station at Belvidere Recreation Center
- Holiday Adventures New Years Eve Eve at Belvidere Recreation Center
- Holiday Adventures Awesome Arts at Belvidere Recreation Center
- Grandpa’s Ho-Ho Holiday Hideaway at Lindy’s Landing Beach Club
- Sleigh Rides and Activities at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago
- Royal Carriage Rentals in Genoa, IL
- Field Stone Farm Carriage & Pony in Lake Geneva WI
- Alpine Biergarten at Buffalo Creek Brewing Co.
- Midway Plaisance Ice Rink in Chicago, IL
- Peninsula Sky Rink in Chicago, IL
- Indoor Gardens at Lincoln Park Conservatory in Chicago, IL
- Lincoln Park ZooLights Festival in Chicago, IL
- The Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, IL
- Curling at the Gwen Hotel in Chicago, IL
- Curling at the Kaiser Tiger in Chicago, IL
- Sledding at Soldier Field Sledding Hill in Chicago, IL
- Millennium Park in Chicago, IL
- The Lakefront Trail in Chicago, IL
Looking to spend the break with quiet respite instead of being constantly on the move? You’ll find all the rest and repose you’re craving on our Midwest Winter Getaways list. We’ve found everything from charming cottages to log cabin retreats, so no matter your flavor or passion, you’ll have a blissful stay.
Quiet Weekend Getaways
- Kishauwau Cabins in Tonica
- Goldmoor Inn in Galena
- Copperstone Inn at Orchard Ridge Farms
- Starved Rock Cabins in Oglesby
- White Pines Inn at Mount Morris
- Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort
- Galena Cellars in Galena
- Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in Chicago
- Heartland Lodge in Nebo
- Big Sky Cabins in Alto Pass
- Nauvoo Log Cabins in Nauvoo
- Haagen Haus in Alton
- Timber Ridge Outpost in Karbers Ridge
- Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton
- Peace of Earth Lodge in Rushville
- Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast in Antioch
- Christmas House Bed and Breakfast in Racine, WI
- Manor on the Mile in Franksville, WI
- Lilac Cottage in Bowen Park
- Augustus Chetlain Home and Log Cabin Guest Houses in Galena
- Lombard Log Cabin in Four Seasons Park
If you prefer the staycation route, there’s also lots of fun things to do right here in Waukegan! Check out our many local restaurants, cafes, and small businesses. And let us know if you have a recommendation for a nearby activity, recommended accommodations for cozy winter getaways, and we may just feature it in an upcoming post!
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