#11: Illinois
Average Low: 22° F, Average High: 33° F
Winter in Illinois paints a charming and diverse landscape, where bustling cities and serene countryside blend seamlessly. Chicago, the Windy City, transforms into a winter wonderland, with ice skating in Millennium Park and vibrant holiday displays along the Magnificent Mile. In the heart of the state, historic towns like Galena and Springfield embrace the season with cozy inns and festive events.
The Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois offers picturesque snow-covered trails for hiking and exploration. Illinois’s winter is a time for savoring deep-dish pizza and warm apple cider, all against a backdrop of Midwestern hospitality and a touch of urban excitement, making it a season worth experiencing.