8 Best Towns in Illinois for a Winter Getaway
Winters in Illinois can be frigid, with temperatures plunging to below freezing point. While most people resort to spending a considerable chunk of their time confined to their homes, this is an excellent opportunity to step outside and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery. Small-town Illinois promises a remarkable experience with a raft of fun activities to cure your cabin fever.
From exploring deserted state parks and staying in cozy winter lodges to partaking in fun snow sports, you have all you need to forget about the winter chill. But with so many options, you might wonder where to take your cold-season vacation. To get you started, here are the best small towns in Illinois for a winter getaway.
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 accommodation in the town. Chestnut Mountain Resort promises a cozy lodging experience with awesome 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.
But there is more to indulge in outside these popular resorts. At the Shenandoah Riding Center, you can take in the magical winter scenery while enjoying a relaxed horseback ride through scenic trails with a tranquil atmosphere. Alternatively, you can head to the sprawling Grant Park to explore its isolated grounds. The park, which sits beside the beautiful Galena River, offers facilities like a gazebo with benches and tables, a pergola, a pavilion, and a fountain.
Oglesby
Spend the cold season in the heart of the outdoors in this quaint winter getaway in LaSalle County, Illinois. Oglesby's charm comes from 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, which look stunning in the cold season. It is an excellent stop for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and wildlife spotting species like the bald eagle and white-tailed deer.
Another venue worth visiting is Matthiessen State Park, home to almost 6 miles of gorgeous cross-country trails to explore while admiring sprawling prairie lands, forests, springs, and wildlife. One of the best places to soak in the beautiful winter landscape in Oglesby is from the LaSalle Rail Bridge, which straddles the Illinois River. The water views and look of the snow-coved surroundings are simply irresistible. Finally, you can have a magnificent stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center, which boasts a rustic charm and sits in the heart of Starved Rock State Park.
Makanda
Home to less than 600 residents, Makanda welcomes winter travelers to take advantage of its open spaces and enjoy an unforgettable vacation. It houses multiple nature spaces with scenic hiking trails that you can explore to keep away the chill. A good example is Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail, a quarter-mile route surrounded by forests and leading to a unique 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 do not get much better than in Grafton, one of the best small towns in Illinois, during the cold season. This small community is chock-full of winter attractions, drawing visitors from within and outside the state. Grafton is home to the state’s largest park, Pere Marquette, which stretches approximately 8,000 acres. Here, you can choose from winter hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, or wildlife viewing species like wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and the American bald eagle. If you prefer a less strenuous activity, try driving along the amazing Great River Road to check out the beautiful wintry scenes in Grafton and for a chance to catch bald eagles fishing in the Mississippi River and Illinois River.
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 hosts 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 the town, you will come across the Andalusia Slough Recreation Area, which is perfect for exploring the open spaces during winter. The site offers picnic shelters for those who want to relax in the comfort of nature and admire the winter landscape. It also offers access to the river with a boat ramp and nice fishing spots. After exploring the open spaces, you can stop by Ducky’s Lagoon Bar & Grill for a hot bowl of soup to shake off the cold. Also, bike nights on Thursday are some of the best experiences at the popular joint.
Quincy
Illinois “Gem City” is a cozy place for a winter escape. This small community of about 40,000 hosts multiple parks and trails, presenting the best location to explore its charming, wintry landscapes. A good example is Washington Park in the heart of downtown. It is a great spot with a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a lazy stroll while examining beautiful sculptures. Another exciting option for outdoor enthusiasts is Clat Adams Bicentennial Park at the town’s riverfront. It has a large gazebo for relaxing and offers terrific views of the Mississippi River that you should see during winter.
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
Renowned for being home to the creator of the legendary “Popeye the Sailor Man” cartoon figure, Chester is a historical location with more than a few winter delights. The town’s location on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River makes it an excellent location to take in the winter scenery. The Randolph County State Recreation Area draws snowshoers, hikers, and cross-country skiers to explore Southern Illinois rolling hill country, which is fascinating when blanketed in snow. It is also great 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.
