As soon as the cold weather blows in, outdoor winter activities begin in the Midwestern state of Illinois. Snowfall adds a magical, winter wonderland appeal but isn't necessary to many of the outdoor winter activities that can be enjoyed in this state. Adult and family activities abound and you may be as active as you like or enjoy the Illinois winter weather at a slower pace. With so many places and activities to choose from, Illinois makes a fun and exciting winter vacation destination.
Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo is a popular outdoor winter destination for those who live in Illinois and visitors. Each year, beginning on Thanksgiving weekend, Lincoln Park Zoo and a local energy company work together to decorate Lincoln Park Zoo with thousands of lights, light displays and musical and animated displays. Lincoln Park Zoo has many outdoor animal viewing and activity areas which are enjoyable to visit as you walk around with bright and beautiful light displays illuminating the background. As music plays, the light displays move and change in time to the music, capturing the attention of adults and children alike. Lincoln Park Zoo does not charge for admission, though donations are accepted and you will have to pay for parking. Zoo Lights runs from Thanksgiving weekend through January 1st.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2000
lpzoo.org
Ice Skating in Millennium Park
McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink, located in Chicago's Millennium Park offers a 200-foot long by 80-foot wide ice rink for outdoor activity in the winter. The ice rink, totaling 15,910 feet of skating surface is a favorite winter spot among ice skaters in Illinois. The ice skating rink, as well as Millennium Park, is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, surrounded by plenty of restaurants and coffee shops at which to warm up after a day of ice skating.
Bring your own ice skates to the ice rink or you may rent them there. Use of the ice rink is free. The ice skating rink typically opens in mid-November and remains open until mid-March.
McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink of Millennium Park
55 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60602-4813
312-742-1168
millenniumpark.org
Downhill Skiing
Villa Olivia, in Bartlett, Illinois, began as a private estate in the early 1900s. The expansive estate allowed for the development of a golf course. When the estate was sold in the mid-1960s to another family intending to use it for business, they saw the potential for winter sports activities to be added. Villa Olivia has been a family-owned and operated business since then; the ski area was introduced in 1975 and has become one of the most professionally run ski facilities in the Chicago area. The wonderful thing about Villa Olivia is you don't have to wait for the snow to ski, snowboard, or tube on one of their seven, lighted downhill ski runs. When temperatures fall to appropriate levels, Villa Olivia covers their ski hills with man-made snow, keeping them groomed and in proper condition throughout the season.
Villa Olivia boasts a 180-foot vertical drop, quarter mile long ski run, a quad chair lift and tow ropes, ski and snowboarding hours seven days per week and an indoor snack and drink area where you can refresh and warm up. Villa Olivia offers lessons for the novice skier or the advanced skier. Bring your own equipment or rent for the day in the Pro Shop. Perfect for families, adults or groups, Villa Olivia is a great outdoor winter activity destination.
Villa Olivia
1401 W. Lake Street
Bartlett, IL 60103
630-289-1000
villaolivia.com/skiinfo.html
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Writer Bio
Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness instructor and a small-business owner.