Cross- Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Trails in Wisconsin and Illinois

Feb 7, 2025

We’re in the thick of winter and living for it! On today’s blog, we’ll be sharing some great places to check out in Illinois to enjoy some cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing trails. Whether it’s a trail past frozen waterfalls, or a glide through a snow covered meadow in the glistening sun, there’s so much to see and experience. But that’s not all! Our neighbors just due North in Wisconsin have also some of the most beautiful winter scenery in the Midwest! Enjoy a trek through some of the beautiful state parks and forests on a cross-country skiing excursion or some snowshoeing. A blast of winter fun, and all just a few hours drive away from our dealerships right here in Waukegan! So what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the trails.

Illinois Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing Trails

The Lake County Forest Preserves offer more than 200 miles of trails through forests, around charming ponds, and on the shores of some truly spectacular lakes and streams. Specially designated trails located at Lakewood and Raven Glen are prime spots for cross-country skiing, as are marked trails along the Lakewood Winter Sports Area, Old School, and Des Plaines River Trail in select areas. Weather permitting, you may also enjoy the trails at Ryerson Conservation Area at Riverwoods. For an updated map of trails that are open, groomed, or not groomed, you can check out this map run by the forest preserves.

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle rests upon 1,700 acres with 16 miles of marked trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing when snowfall permits. Guests can bring their own cross-country skis or snowshoes, or enjoy one of the on-site rentals available for 2 hour increments with at least 4 inches of snowcover.

Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park has trails which are groomed at least 1x per week, and has plenty of trail options for cross-country skiing in both the “strider” and “skater” styles. You’ll find a mix of trails across flat areas and gentle rolling hills. This is one of our state’s largest state parks, featuring 50-acre Olson Lake, camping, horse and bike trails, and ice skating as well.

Starved Rock State Park in Utica offers more than 10 miles of trails which wind through the forests and alongside stunning scenic overlooks along the Illinois River featuring cascading waterfalls. You can spend the day in a winter wonderland and warm up at the Starved Rock Lodge Cafe at the end of your trek.

Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby is a true hidden gem offering 6 miles of tree-lined skiing trails for a beautiful cross-country skiing or snowshoeing experience. It’s just 3 miles southwest of Starved Rock, and on some weekends also offers its own equipment rental kiosk.

Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry offers more than 10 miles of gorgeous trails through scenic areas and forests with plenty of opportunities to enjoy some wildlife spotting as well.

The Illinois & Michigan Canal in Channahon offers 61 miles of picturesque trails along the historic route of the canal from Channahon to LaSalle, and is not only top notch for snowmobiling but highly prized for cross-country skiers as well, weather conditions permitting.

Bartlett Park Nature Center at JAmes Pate Philip State Park offers snowshoe rentals in morning through afternoon Monday through Saturday, but only opens to the public for snowshoe trails when there is at least 2 inches of snow cover on the ground.

Red Oak Nature Center in North Aurora offers snowshoeing and snowshoe rentals as long as there is at least 3 inches or more of snow on the ground.

Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton offers 2 hour cross-country ski rental packages by reservation, perfect for a family fun day together! Trails are open provided there’s adequate snow coverage which you can check regularly here.

The Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont offers daily cross-country skiing equipment rentals from 9AM to 2PM daily, but you must reserve your spots online and return equipment by 3:45PM daily.

Waterfall Glen in Darien is another must-see trip for winter hiking with nearly 11 miles of trails to explore with varying degrees of difficulty during the winter months.

Wisconsin Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Trails

Kettle Moraine State Forest has more than 50 miles of hiking trails with both classic and skate-groomed cross country skiing trails available. The Lapham Peak Unit offers 10 miles of trails; Northern Unit offers 25 miles of trails; Pike Lake Unit offers 4 miles of trails; Southern Unit offers 24 miles of trails.

Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo has 6 miles of ungroomed, multi-use trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking.

Black River State Forest in central Wisconsin offers 68,000 acres of forest and woodlands featuring 20 miles of classic groomed and 14 miles of skate-groomed trails.

Brule River State Forest boasts 18 miles of combined trails for classic and skate cross country skiing styles on the “Afterhours Ski Trail System” as well as 11 miles of ungroomed trails for those who seek a challenge.

Flambeau River State Forest offers 16 miles of both classic and skate-groomed cross country trails, 6 miles of which include some ungroomed trails for more experienced skiers.

Governor Dodge State Park features 5,000 acres of hills, bluffs, and deep cut valleys along with two sparkling lakes and a waterfall, and features 12.5 miles of trails for classic cross-country skiing enjoyment.

Potawatomi State Park sprawls across 1,200 acres of gorgeous upland terrain with steep slopes, limestone cliffs and beautiful waterfront views. In the winter, it offers 9 miles of classic groomed and 8 miles of skate-groomed cross country trails