With the first major snowstorm here, we’re officially in winter territory. While the drive for camping and hiking has diminished, other outdoorsy pastimes seem to creep in—with the help of snow pants and a down jacket. The brisk months of snow and sleet are somewhat tolerable when you pair them with the adrenaline of sliding down a mountain. While you need some knowledge of skiing to find success, snow tubing, on the other hand, requires no knowledge at all. So grab the family and head to one of the best spots for snow tubing near Chicago.
1. Cascade Mountain
If you’re adventurous, don’t let the brisk, freezing temperature stop you from participating in a weekend winter getaway. Portage, Wisconsin, is only a couple of hours from Chicago and has a boisterous activity for the whole family—a daring 900-foot-long snow tubing chute in the Cascade Mountain.
No experience is needed—rent a tube and enjoy the ride. And if you think you can only go when it snows—think again. Their state-of-the-art snowmaking system keeps the snow tubing area packed with plenty of winter snow.
Address: W10441 Cascade Mountain Rd, Portage, WI 53901
Hours from Chicago: 2 hours
Price: $15+
2. Blackwell Forest Preserve Mount Hoy
One of our favorite small towns happens to be close to the best spot for snow tubing near Chicago. In Blackwell Forest Preserve, head to Mount Hoy and take a thrilling 800-foot ride down the hill. Every weekend (and school holidays) until February 25th, as long as there’s plenty of snow, rent an inner tube and go on a joy ride.
Address: Butterfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555
Hours from Chicago: 1 hour
Price: $10
3. Wilmot Mountain
Wilmot is most notably known as one of the best places for skiing near Chicago—however, it’s also the place to bring the whole family for a day of snow tubing. No lesson is needed at Bubly Tubing Park; you only have to grab a tube, have a seat, and slide.
The tubing area is immense, with over 20 lanes that are over 1,000 ft long. Wilmot provides guests with the tubes to go down the hill with two surface conveyor lifts to take them back up. Once you’re exasperated and want to warm up, head to the tubing lodge for a bite, drink, or panoramic view of the whole area.
Address: 11931 Fox River Rd, Wilmot, WI 53192
Hours from Chicago: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: $55
4. Snowstar Winter Sports Park
If you’re looking for a winter sports park for skiing, snowboarding, or leisurely tubing, Snowstar Winter Sports Park is perfect for those with or without experience. In the offseason, visit their facility for exciting zipline, disc golf, and paintball adventures; you’re bound to have a good time no matter what season.
Address: 9500 126th St W, Andalusia, IL 61232
Hours from Chicago: 3 hour
Price: $26+
5. Villa Olivia
One of the other best spots for snow tubing is near Chicago, only an hour away. Experience the thrill of racing your friends and family down our snow-covered tubing hill, then hitch a ride on our state-of-the-art magic carpet lift to do it all again!
Address: 1401 W Lake St, Bartlett, IL 60103
Hours from Chicago: 1 hour
Price: $10+