9 ways to have an active winter both indoors and outdoors in Starved Rock Country

OUTDOORS

Hiking to frozen falls

Trails are open year-round at state parks throughout the region. During the winter, popular hikes include those that lead to frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park. Icefalls typically form in January and February after a sustained period of below-freezing temperatures. Four of the most popular frozen falls are found in St. Louis Canyon, La Salle Canyon, Ottawa Canyon and Wildcat Canyon.

Experienced ice climbers can climb the falls in La Salle, Ottawa and Wildcat canyons. Climbers must bring their own equipment and sign in at the park maintenance building across from the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center. For the Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s brochure and regulations about ice climbing, visit www.bit.ly/StarvedRockIceClimb.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiers who bring their own equipment can travel the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, which stretches 61.5 miles (with 40 miles spanning Starved Rock Country from La Salle to Morris). The Hennepin Canal Trail also is open to skiers. Additional parks with ski trails include 5 miles at Goose Lake Prairie in Morris, 2 miles at Illini State Park in Marseilles and 6 miles at Matthiessen State Park near Utica.

Snowmobiling

The Hennepin Canal Trail is the state’s longest snowmobile trail, stretching 91 miles. The trail opens to snowmobiles when at least 4 inches of snow cover the ground and frost depth reaches 6 inches. Snowmobiling is allowed only when the route is declared open. To check the daily trail status, call the visitor center at 815-454-2328 to hear a pre-recorded message declaring the trail open or closed. To find snowmobile routes on the trail, visit www.bit.ly/HennepinCanalActivities.

The Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail also is open to snowmobiling when conditions meet 4 inches of snow and a 6-inch frost depth. To check the trail’s open or closed status, call the park office at 815-942-0796.

Ice skating

Don’t forget to pack your skates when visiting Starved Rock Country. Two popular skating destinations are open annually:

Goold Park, Morris: Weather permitting, Goold Park’s ice rink will be open Thanksgiving weekend through February. The rink is free and open for use 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Visitors must bring their own skates.

Echo Bluff Park, Spring Valley: The ice skating rink at Echo Bluff Park is scheduled to open Friday, Nov. 29, and has a chiller to stay open all season. The rink hosts open skating on Friday nights – past seasons featured skating under disco lights. Open skate sessions and drop-in ice hockey sessions are available on weekends. Skate rentals are available. For fees and hours, visit www.echobluff.org/activities/ice-rink-skating-hockey.

Ice skating also is permitted on the Hennepin Canal when the water freezes. However, IDNR officials warn that skating is at the individual’s own risk; officials do not monitor ice conditions on the canal. Ice can be thinner near locks, bridges and culverts. The water does not always freeze completely inside culverts, and the water reaches a maximum depth of 7 feet in some locations. Skaters on canal ice should exercise caution.

INDOORS

Paramount Skating Arena

1511 Chestnut St., Ottawa; 815-433-9463; www.paramountskatingarena.com

Ice isn’t required to go skating this winter – at Paramount Skating Arena, guests can glide across a hardwood floor on in-line skates and roller skates. The roller rink has open skating sessions from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and 6 to 9 p.m. Saturdays. Advanced skate sessions (no skate trainers allowed) are open 9:30 to 11 p.m. Saturdays. Sunday afternoon matinees from 2 to 4:30 p.m. begin in November – follow Paramount Skating Arena on Facebook for updates. Skate rentals are available with the admission fee; discounts are offered to guests who bring their own skates.

Waltham Curling Club

3926 E. 758th St., Triumph; 815-538-3420; www.walthamcurling.org

Waltham Curling Club’s season typically runs mid-November through March, with several opportunities for the public to test their skills with a broom and a curling stone. Waltham Curling Club hosts free open houses that include an orientation to curling, brief instruction and a chance to throw curling stones. Sessions on the ice during an open house last about 20 to 30 minutes. For upcoming open house dates, visit www.walthamcurling.org or follow Waltham Curling Club on Facebook and @curlwaltham on Instagram.

The club also offers Promotional and Instructional Clinics (PICs). These three-hour group sessions accommodate up to 24 people and must be booked in advance at a cost of $30 per person. PIC sessions include 30 to 60 minutes of training, then guests are able to play the game. To register for a PIC, visit www.walthamcurling.org and sign up on the Event Registration page.

Starved Rock Entertainment

201 Donaldson St., Utica; 815-349-6000; www.starvedrockentertainment.com

Starved Rock Entertainment is home to an indoor playland that gives children a place to play regardless of the weather outside. The venue has a soft-floored playroom for infants to 3-year-olds and a playground open to children of all ages. The playland is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

One of Starved Rock Entertainment’s leading attractions for families with children ages 12 and older is the escape rooms, which support up to six players. The experience lasts up to an hour, although teams can escape sooner if they solve the puzzle quickly. Escape rooms are open by appointment only and can be booked online at www.starvedrockentertainment.com/booking or by calling 815-349-6000.

Axetreme Throwing

204 E. Walnut St., Oglesby; 815-993-9236; www.axetremeaxethrowing.com

Book a session at Axetreme Throwing to throw axes at wooden targets. Walk-ins also are welcome, with availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can bring their own food or have food delivered; however, outside beverages are not allowed. Beverages are available to buy at the on-site bar. The venue is open 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. Monday through Thursday is open to pre-booked appointments only.

Simulated sports

For those who miss hitting the links during the winter, simulated golf facilities are open year-round. Check out three of Starved Rock Country’s locations.

Fore on Main: 460 Main St., Marseilles; 815-343-3887; www.foreonmain.com; simulators include multiple sports such as golf, hockey, football, soccer, baseball and basketball

Bunkers!: 400 Fifth St., Peru; www.bunkersgolfusa.com; 779-444-6534; indoor golf facility with multiple bays. Tee times are required.

The Tee Box: 223 E. Saint Paul St., Spring Valley; 815-554-9049; www.theteeboxsv.com; simulators include multiple sports such as golf, baseball, basketball, football, soccer and carnival games.