Wonderful Wintertime Weekend Getaways in Indiana and Illinois

Feb 3, 2023

Today we’re back with another travel blog, sharing some great places to get away from it all this winter. Here are four great places to explore just a short drive away, along with some suggestions for excursions and plenty of family friendly fun!

Mt. Morris, Illinois

Check out from the rush of modern society, and get back to basics with a cozy stay at the White Pines Lodge. These gorgeous, rustic log cabins may date back to the Depression Era, but they’re filled to the brim with modern amenities and cozy fireplaces. Cuddle up with a good book, cozy blanket and a hot beverage, and just nestle in for a few hours. When you find yourself experiencing a bit of cabin fever, you can step into the great outdoors for some snowshoeing or cross-country skiing! And of course, there’s always a show or performance happening at the White Pines Dinner Theatre for a memorable, romantic evening. Want to explore the local area? Why not enjoy the retro fun of the Rink at Pine Creek or bowling at the 12-lane New Town & Country Lanes facility or the Funway indoor-outdoor family center! There’s also plenty of cozy eateries downtown serving up lots of comfort food and family favorites.

Oregon, Illinois

Winter is the perfect time to head out to Oregon and explore family friendly fun at White Pines Ranch! The ranch is open to guests year round, but Winter is a very special season to visit. With 200 acres of wooded areas, pastures, and riding tales, it’s like something out of a Hallmark special during the winter season. Enjoy a snowy romp through the trails on horseback, plenty of downhill sledding, wilderness survival classes, winter hikes, and so much more! When things get a little too chilly, you’ll be able to head inside for bingo, country line-dancing, wintry crafting sessions, sing-a-longs, and much more. There’s also plenty of coffee and hot chocolate all day near the roaring fire. Your family won’t soon forget this wonderful place!

Bloomington, Indiana

This beautiful college town is hip, happening, hustling, and bustling even in colder months. You can tour the grounds of the Indiana University, stopping to take some scenic photos of the historic buildings, walking across campus, and even catch a sports game if you’re into that sort of thing. The downtown area is picturesque and full of wonderful little local shops and quaint little stores, and plenty of eateries to choose from. If you’re outdoorsy you may wish to bike or walk the “B-Line Trail” or enjoy as scenic visit to check out the frozen surface of Lake Monroe or appreciate the flora and fauna of Griffy Lake Nature PReserve. For those with kids there’s the charming WonderLab Museum, Eskenazi Museum, The Frank Southern Ice Arena, LaserLite Tag, and the Urban Air Adventure Park.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Winter in Indianapolis is full of surprises! If you’re looking for something truly spectacular and memorable, we recommend checking out Veal’s Ice Tree. This yearly tradition has been hosted by the Veal Family since 1961, when Mabel and Vierl Veal came up with the idea to create an ice sculpture that evolved over the entire winter season. So long as the weather provides freezing or below-freezing temperatures, the Veal family and friends carry on this tradition, creating a man-made ice sculpture of truly spectacular proportions. The sculpture is truly one-of-a-kind and ever changing throughout the winter season, and full of gorgeous colors and hues! You may also enjoy a memorable trip over to Wolf Park, a 70-acre habitat for wolves, foxes, bison and other wildlife, located just outside of West Lafayette. If you’re looking for indoor fun, we recommend perusing the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, the Eiteljorg Museum, The Children’s Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum!