Cozy Up to an Illinois Winter Getaway


January 24, 2019

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Illinois has been around for over 200 years as a state, and one can’t help but think: that’s a lot of Illinois winters. It’s true: the winter months bring cold and snow to the Land of Lincoln. But as generations of Illinoisans have discovered, an Illinois winter is an opportunity for unique adventures, whether it’s cross-country skiing down a freshly blanketed trail or seeing bald eagles wintering on a riverside cliff.

Here are four ways to enjoy a cozy winter getaway in Illinois — all of which provide just the right mix of winter adventure and good, old-fashioned, warm relaxation.

1. Cabins and Cottages at Wildlife Prairie Park

The 1,800-acre zoological park known as Wildlife Prairie Park is home to over 50 species of animals who live there year round. In the winter months, the spectacular trails and hills allow for activities such as cross-country skiing, fat biking and sledding, but you may just want to head out for a glimpse of the bison and elk that inhabit the restored prairie. During your stay, book a cozy room in the Wildlife Prairie Park Lodging, which includes a set of brand-new cottages built to overlook the bison enclosure itself.

2. A Rustic Fireplace at Starved Rock Lodge

DSC 0806 BEST READING WINTER FP2In the winter, bald eagles come to the area near Starved Rock State Park to roost in the cliffs surrounding the Fox River. Follow their lead and make the region into a winter getaway of your own. The beautiful landscape makes for a variety of winter activities, especially when the waterfalls have frozen over. That’s when visitors strap on some spikes and climb the ice (as long as you’ve registered at the front desk and brought your own equipment). Even if you aren’t that adventurous, the winter makes for a cozy getaway thanks to the rustic Starved Rock Lodge, where you can keep warm next to a roaring fireplace or sip hot cocoa while looking out at the landscape from the veranda.

3. Vacation Homes in Shawnee Wine Country

FireFly Lodge WinterSummer may be the time for growing grapes along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, but winter allows you to enjoy a slower, calmer pace of life in the area around Shawnee National Forest. Properties such as The Stablehouse or the Firefly Valley Lodge serve as a home base for winter activities like hunting, hiking or horseback riding. Of course, all the wineries are open in the winter, too, making it a great time to grab a winery passport and warm up with all the wines along the trail.

4. A Spa Getaway on Galena Lake

Sleigh Photo Credit Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa 1In northwest Illinois, just six miles from the small town of Galena — where the snow shimmers on a historic Main Street — Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa overlooks the shores of Galena Lake. The lakeside setting makes for great winter activities, especially along the 23 miles of hiking trails, though you may be tempted to just stay inside and relax in the onsite spa or heated swimming pool. Nobody could blame you for wanting to stay cozy.


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