The quiet season has arrived.

Summer was a standout season in Northwest Illinois, and our Fall was stellar. If you don’t want to hibernate during the next few months, we have some incredible adventures awaiting you indoors and out.

You might not immediately think of Northwest Illinois as a winter getaway, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Our region, spanning Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties, is packed with hidden gems for a perfect cold-weather escape. Conveniently located, it’s an easy drive—just 90 minutes to three hours—from Chicago’s bustling suburbs and within reach of travelers from Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Prairies provide ample outdoor activities.

Two large forest and prairie preserves grace Northwest Illinois. On our region’s eastern edge, Ogle and Lee Counties, are the Byron Forest Preserve and Nachusa Grasslands, respectively.

In Ogle County, the Byron Forest Preserve, located at 7993 North River Road in Byron, Illinois, is a natural haven brimming with unique landscapes and opportunities for adventure. This preserve is dedicated to protecting and managing its natural areas while fostering an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the region’s native ecosystems.

Winter rentals and outdoor fun

When the snow blankets the trails, the Byron Forest Preserve transforms into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Snowshoes and cross-country skis are available for rent (just $5 an hour)! Call 815-234-8535 to reserve your rentals. Outfit the whole family for an unforgettable day of gliding through prairie trails, racing down hills with joyful laughter, or simply enjoying the crunch of fresh snow underfoot.

Equestrian Adventures Await

Have a horse? Load them up and head to Bryron. The Nardi Equine Prairie Preserve is a must-visit. With 10 miles of scenic trails, it’s the only area within the Byron Forest Preserve where horseback riding is permitted. Open year-round, this serene space offers stunning views of oak savannas, forests, and prairies. The preserve maintains a no-pet policy to ensure the safety of both riders and their equine companions.

Indoor options on bad weather days

The Byron Forest Preserve offers the Jarrett Prairie Center Museum for stunning views of the Jarrett Prairie Nature Preserve, over 4,000 square feet of exhibits, and interactive learning for all ages. Highlights include natural history dioramas, fossil displays, prairie restoration info, and an interactive agriculture exhibit where visitors can design their own farm—live exhibits feature box turtles, a fox snake, and honey bees. Step out onto the 2,600-square-foot wrap-around outdoor observation deck to take in the scenic views from one of Ogle County’s highest points. The museum is open daily with free admission and serves as a hub for eco-tourism and environmental education in the Rock River region.

Located on the driving range at PrairieView Golf Club, PrairieFire Golf & Grill delivers a year-round golf entertainment experience. It features Toptracer technology and offers a range of game modes that appeal to golfers and non-golfers. Enjoy heated hitting bays during the winter and relax in the welcoming clubhouse with a bar and grill, all designed for comfort and fun. PrairieFire is perfect for entertainment for all.

Nachusa Grasslands is a year-round gift

Nachusa Grasslands, located at 2075 S. Lowden Road in Franklin Grove, Illinois, is a Nature Conservancy preserve set in the scenic countryside of Lee County. This expansive natural area is open for hiking daily from dawn to dusk, with access restricted only during controlled burns and hunting seasons. While the trails welcome visitors, pets, including dogs, are prohibited.

Winter offers a unique opportunity to discover the local wildlife. A fresh layer of snow can unveil the hidden stories of the grasslands, revealing animal tracks and the subtle signs of their activities.

Keep an eye out for bison sightings!

In October 2014, the Nachusa Grasslands welcomed an old resident: the American bison. The Nature Conservancy introduced thirty bison to the preserve, marking the first time these majestic animals roamed east of the Mississippi River in over 200 years. Since their arrival, the herd has thrived, now living on approximately 1,500 fenced acres to ensure their safety and that of visitors. Spotting bison is a special treat for hikers—on some days, you’ll see them grazing across the prairie, while on others, they may be more elusive. If you do encounter them, don’t forget to capture the moment; it’s a memory worth sharing.

Heading Toward the Mississippi River

Mississippi Palisades State Park, located just three miles north of Savanna, Illinois, in Carroll County, lives up to its name with towering cliffs that line the river. The park spans 2,500 acres and offers hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and birdwatching activities.

Watch Your Step
The park features about 15 miles of trails. The northern trails are broader and less challenging, while the southern trails are narrow, close to the bluff, and more strenuous—precarious when wet or icy in winter.

Winter Birding
The park and nearby river areas are home to diverse wildlife. Waterfowl and shorebirds are plentiful and vary by season. Bald eagles are a highlight in January and February, feeding along the river depending on ice conditions. For birders, the Flock to the Rock event every February at the Rock Falls Lower Dam is a must-visit. Bring binoculars and a camera, and dress warmly to learn about bald eagles and other birds along the Rock River.

For those who enjoy embracing the chill of winter

Ice Fishing
For ice fishing opportunities without a guide, head to Morrison-Rockwood State Park in Whiteside County, just north of Morrison, Illinois. The park’s Lake Carlton, a stream-fed reservoir, is perfect for fishing and offers year-round hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and camping options.

Snowmobile trail is a record-breaker

Located on the edge of Rock Falls, Illinois, the historic Hennepin Feeder Canal at 810 E. 2nd Street offers a range of winter activities, including cross-country skiing, ice skating, hiking, and snowmobiling. It features the longest snowmobile trail in the state, stretching 91 miles along the signed towpath. When the ice is thick enough, visitors can enjoy skating on this scenic canal. Whether skating, hiking, or enjoying the trails, be mindful of snowmobilers traveling at high speeds.

Make Northwest Illinois Your Winter destination

No matter the season, the stunning landscapes of Northwest Illinois never fail to impress. From the flat farmlands to the rolling hills and forests that lead to river valleys, each county offers its own unique beauty.

As you explore your outdoor destination, let spontaneity lead the way. Discover a hidden preserve, park, quaint village, or a one-of-a-kind shop or brewery. Take time to chat with the locals—they’re passionate about their home, and soon, you will be too.