8 Best Towns in Illinois for a Winter Getaway
Winter shows different sides of Illinois depending on where you go. In the northwest, Galena settles into the hills along the Galena River, with snow collecting on steep streets and bluffs. Farther south, river towns like Grafton, and Andalusia quiet down along the Mississippi, where winter brings open views, bald eagles, and empty riverfront paths. In southern Illinois, Makanda sits near forested hills and sandstone formations that feel especially still once the leaves are gone.
Not every winter trip in Illinois is about snow and cold-weather sports. Towns like Oglesby, near Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, and Algonquin, along the Fox River, work well in winter because their trails, river overlooks, and walkable centers remain accessible year-round. These places offer a slower, more scenic way to get out of the house during the cold months. For travelers looking for winter escapes rooted in landscape, rivers, and small-town character, these Illinois towns are some of the state’s best options.
Galena
Galena might be a small village in northwest Illinois, but it is big on winter delights. There are numerous options to guarantee you a remarkable vacation, and you would not have to worry about accommodations in the town. Chestnut Mountain Resort offers cozy lodging and plenty of winter fun. It has a 7-acre park with over 19 ski runs, making it an excellent hub for skiers and snowboarders. Alternatively, you can stay at the luxurious Eagle Resort & Spa. Its Nordic Center caters to all kinds of winter sports, including snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
There is more to enjoy beyond these popular resorts. At the Shenandoah Riding Center, you can experience the enchanting winter scenery on a leisurely horseback ride along scenic trails in a calm setting. Alternatively, visit the expansive Grant Park to explore its secluded areas. Located beside the picturesque Galena River, the park features amenities such as a gazebo with benches and tables, a pergola, a pavilion, and a fountain.
Oglesby
Spending the cold season in the heart of the outdoors is easy in this quaint winter getaway in LaSalle County, Illinois. Oglesby's charm lies in its beautiful state parks, which are the perfect playground for winter enthusiasts. One of the town’s highlights is Starved Rock State Park, spanning over 2,600 acres. This lovely nature spot boasts diverse landscapes, including lush forests, sandstone canyons, frozen waterfalls, and rivers, all of which look stunning in the cold season. It is an excellent stop for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and wildlife spotting, including bald eagles and white-tailed deer.
Another must-visit destination is Matthiessen State Park, offering nearly 6 miles of stunning cross-country trails through expansive prairies, forests, springs, and wildlife. For exceptional winter scenery in Oglesby, head to the LaSalle Rail Bridge over the Illinois River, where the views of snow-covered landscapes are breathtaking. Lastly, enjoy a luxurious stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center, renowned for its rustic charm and centrally located within Starved Rock State Park.
Makanda
Makanda, home to fewer than 600 residents, invites winter travelers to enjoy its open spaces and create memorable vacations. The area features several natural areas with scenic hiking trails perfect for escaping the cold. One notable trail is Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail, a quarter-mile path through forests that leads to a distinctive geological formation.
Another enticing option for winter hikers, the Trillium Trail passes through the massive Giant City State Park. The site is ideal for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching. Inside the park, you can taste Southern Illinois hospitality at the Giant City State Lodge, which offers luxurious facilities to guarantee a comfortable stay. These include an outdoor swimming pool and a full-service restaurant with a luscious all-you-can-eat chicken dinner. The hotel is also ideal for admiring the winter scenery with a snow-blanketed Shawnee National Forest view.
Grafton
Winter getaways are hard to beat in Grafton, one of Illinois' top small towns, especially during the cold months. This charming community offers numerous winter attractions that draw visitors both from within the state and beyond. Grafton hosts Pere Marquette, the largest park in Illinois, covering about 8,000 acres. Visitors can enjoy winter activities such as hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, or wildlife viewing, with species like wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and the American bald eagle. If you prefer a more relaxed outing, consider driving along the scenic Great River Road to enjoy the stunning winter landscapes in Grafton and perhaps spot bald eagles hunting in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
Meanwhile, Aerie’s Resort promises a memorable winter experience jam-packed with fun outdoor pursuits. The resort presents the family-friendly Aerie’s Alpine Coaster, which takes you on a thrilling ride down a track at 28 mph through serene natural terrain with beautiful river views. More adrenaline-inducing adventures await at the Grafton Zipline at Aerie’s Resort, which provides guests with four ziplines, suspension bridges with high walking trails, and a fun ATV ride through the backcountry.
Algonquin
Algonquin is a beautiful community of about 30,000 that comes alive in the cold season thanks to its fair share of winter activities. The Chicago suburb hosts several parks and trails, highlighted by Towne Park, which transforms into a winter wonderland when it snows. This 12-acre space in the middle of downtown offers the ideal setting for a family outing, surrounded by dense trees. It also features recreational facilities like picnic tables, playgrounds, and sports fields to fend off the winter chill. Another smaller but just as delightful park to visit is Cornish Park, which, besides iconic landmarks like the Clock Tower, has beautiful trails with spectacular views of the Fox River.
If you have a penchant for winter camping, Buffalo Park State Preserve allows you to experience the ultimate outdoor experience. It has a tranquil atmosphere away from the urban noise, with excellent fishing spots on the Fox River, picturesque trails, quiet picnic areas, and fishing birds like cranes and egrets. Lastly, you can enjoy the historic charm of the Victorian Rose Garden Bed and Breakfast for your stay.
Andalusia
Andalusia is a quaint riverfront village of just over 1,000, offering a fantastic winter experience. This small town delights with 28 acres of winter wonderland at the iconic Snowstar Winter Sports Park. The popular hub presents an impressive mix of opportunities for fans of the cold season, including snowboarding, snow tubing, and skiing. It also features zipline tours that see you flying 100 feet at an adrenaline-inducing 35 mph.
Just two miles west of town, the Andalusia Slough Recreation Area is an ideal spot to enjoy open spaces in winter. It features picnic shelters where visitors can relax amidst nature and take in the winter scenery. The area also provides access to the river, including a boat ramp and good fishing spots. After your outdoor exploration, stop by Ducky’s Lagoon Bar & Grill for a warm bowl of soup to beat the cold. Additionally, Thursday bike nights are some of the most popular and enjoyable experiences at this well-loved place.
Quincy
Illinois' “Gem City” offers a charming winter retreat. This small town of around 40,000 residents features numerous parks and trails, making it ideal for exploring its picturesque, snowy scenery. Washington Park, located downtown, is perfect for a peaceful walk while admiring beautiful sculptures. For outdoor lovers, Clat Adams Bicentennial Park at the riverfront provides a spacious gazebo for relaxation and stunning winter views of the Mississippi River.
If you have a canine companion, you can bring them to explore the picturesque walking paths on Bill Klingner Trail. The 3-mile route passes through bridges and is an excellent winter hiking and sightseeing option. Finally, you will have the opportunity to have one of Quincy's most charming winter stays at the Stoney Creek Inn and savor luxurious amenities like an indoor pool and a cozy sauna.
Chester
Chester, famous as the birthplace of the creator of the iconic “Popeye the Sailor Man” cartoon, is a historic town offering several winter attractions. Its position on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River provides stunning views of the winter landscape. The Randolph County State Recreation Area attracts snowshoers, hikers, and cross-country skiers eager to explore Southern Illinois' rolling hills, especially when covered in snow. The area is also ideal for camping, picnicking, and ice fishing.
You can head to the Segar Memorial Park, which honors the Popeye creator and Chester native with a six-foot bronze statue. The park overlooks the Mississippi River, presenting some of the best photo opportunities during winter. While most people prefer visiting covered bridges in the fall, Mary’s River Covered Bridge can be magical during winter. Meanwhile, you can book a room at Best Western Chester Hotel to spend the nights in the town.
Illinois Winter Wonderland
The American Midwest boasts some of the best winter settings in the United States, and Illinois is one of the best places to spend the cold season. These small towns in Illinois have all the ingredients to guarantee an unforgettable winter getaway, from sprawling state parks and fun winter holidays to endless snow sports and activities. Whether traveling alone or with family, you can not go wrong in small-town Illinois.
