Winter brings shorter days and colder temperatures, but it also inspires exploration of a different side of Illinois: the inside. For outdoor enthusiasts accustomed to spending long days outside, indoor destinations offer a comfortable change of pace. While some tourism destinations go dormant, many others throughout Illinois boast winter wanderlust for all ages.
See more: Evergreen Farm Brewing Keeps It “Ale” in the Family
Chicagoland and Cook County
The Windy City stays in a flurry year-round, with a whirlwind of winter wonders cultivating tropical tales and immersive exploration. When the city’s white snow has you longing for green spaces, Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens will have you tickled pink. Often called “landscape art under glass,” this indoor oasis houses gorgeous plant varieties from around the world. With lush palm houses and colorful blooms, visitors can soak up warm garden vibes, even as snow falls outside.
Step inside the Driehaus Museum and step back into the Gilded Age. From stained-glass windows to marble fireplaces, each room is a visual tale told through stunning architecture, intricate craftsmanship and decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
At the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, visitors can explore everything from transportation and engineering to space exploration and environmental science. Many exhibits spotlight innovations and technologies that have played a major role in modern agriculture.
Also try: Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum and Indoor Farmers Market at Water Tower Place
See more: Cruise Into Celebrating the Route 66 100th Anniversary
Springfield and Sangamon County
Springfield is a “big, small town,” with both big and small seasonal possibilities. And a visit to the capital of Illinois must include a salute to its most iconic occupant. Start at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where Abraham Lincoln lived before his White House residency. Stroll the preserved neighborhood, then stop by the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices to see where Honest Abe practiced law. Lastly, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum features historical tidbits and multimedia presentations.
Springfield’s stretch of Route 66 offers plenty to discover, both on the road and indoors. Stop by cozy diners and vintage shops that celebrate the Mother Road’s golden era, then browse memorabilia, classic signs and local history exhibits.
Also try: Air Combat Museum, Dana-Thomas House Foundation, Illinois State Museum and Malibu Jack’s Fun Park
See more: Fall in Love With the Charming Town of Golconda, Illinois
Cairo and Alexander County
Located at the southern tip of Illinois, where the Ohio and Mississippi rivers meet, Cairo is the county seat of Alexander County. In the winter, you can explore the Cairo Public Library, a gem for readers and history buffs. Established in 1883, the library offers many resources to explore Cairo’s legacy. Browse photographs, newspapers and genealogy resources at your leisure. The historic library also hosts holiday events, including visits with Santa.
See more: Illinois Farm Stays Welcome Visitors to Enjoy a Rural Retreat (VIDEO)
Champaign County
Home to the University of Illinois, Champaign offers educational and cultural attractions year-round. Open March through December, the Museum of the Grand Prairie’s indoor exhibits highlight prairie life, early settlement stories and regional heritage through displays and relics. It’s a relaxed way to appreciate how the Grand Prairie shaped the agriculture industry.
The William M. Staerkel Planetarium brings the winter night sky indoors with dome shows that’ll leave you feeling over the moon. This out-of-this-world site has astronomy programs and light presentations, as well as opportunities to inspect constellations, planets and cosmic concepts.
Station Theatre becomes a cultural refuge during winter, showcasing live, community-driven performances in an intimate setting. Programming leans into comedies, dramas and other works.
Also try: JJ’s FunHouse Virtual Reality Lounge, Just Fore Fun Golf, Krannert Art Museum, The Pottery Place and Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center
Jersey County
Skate to Jersey County for a winter wonderland and twirl through history. Located inside a historic riverside boatworks building, the semi-outdoor Ice Skating Rink at The Loading Dock is among the coolest spots in the county, literally. Lace up for a spin on the ice and embrace the winter temps.
One of Jerseyville’s oldest buildings, the 200-year-old Cheney Mansion Museum, began as the area’s original frame house and later served as a stagecoach stop, tavern, bank and Underground Railroad site.
Exhibits at the Jersey County Historical Society Museum highlight everything from pioneer life and antique schoolrooms to military memorabilia and genealogy records. The complex also includes historic buildings and log cabins.
Also try: 1904 General Store, Elsah Village and Tee Shots
See more: New Philadelphia, Illinois’ Newest National Park, Brings Energy to An Inspiring Historic Site
Bloomington and McLean County
Centered around Bloomington, McLean County blossoms no matter the season, whether you are reliving childhood favorites or meandering through museums. Housed in a historic courthouse, the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington features displays that celebrate local stories, people and events.
Childhood fun abounds. Relive childhood favorites at Arcadia, an arcade museum with playable classic video games and pinball machines. Expand the mind as you escape the chill at the Children’s Discovery Museum, which encourages critical thinking, creative expression and curiosity through interactive play.
Also try: Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts and Grossinger Motors Arena
Ogle County
Known for its scenic countryside, Ogle has oodles of indoor opportunities. PrairieFire Golf & Grill features climate-controlled golf bays equipped with Toptracer technology, letting you enjoy virtual courses and flavorful fare no matter the forecast.
Located within the Byron Forest Preserve, Jarrett Prairie Center Museum features interactive exhibits, including fossils, prairie restoration displays and wildlife dioramas.
Also try: Ogle County Historical Society Museum and Rochelle Railroad Park Indoor Exhibits
See more: Stade’s Farm & Market Offers a Theme Park Experience on an Illinois Farm
Mount Vernon and Jefferson County
Find festive fun in the “Festival City.” One of southern Illinois’ premier cultural destinations, the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts features rotating exhibitions, educational programs and an impressive permanent collection. And during the holiday season, The Lights, a moving installation, illuminates the area.
Among the most popular holiday hosts in Illinois, Christmas at Central Christian Church offers Christmas cheer aplenty, featuring holiday music events, special services and more.
The Jefferson County Historical Museum offers a unique look at how local families lived, worked and helped shape southern Illinois.
Also try: Granada Theatre, Hall of Honor & Military Museum and Winter Farmers Market at Times Square Mall
See more: Enjoy a Winter Getaway with These 9 Things to Do in Rock Island County
Editor’s note: The print edition of this story included the incorrect address for the McLean County Museum of History. We apologize for this oversight.
