Posted: January 15th, 2015
While skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on all of the forest preserve trails, we have a few suggestions for where to go first. You can ski and snowshoe just about anywhere your feet will take you, except for the golf courses and at nature centers. If you are skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, please do your best to stay on the ski tracks.
Camp Sagawau near Lemont (southwest)
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center near Lemont offers a complete Nordic Ski Program,including lessons for all ability levels, nature ski tours, school group programs, and ski rentals.
Dan Ryan Woods on Chicago’s southside (south)
Beverly Bike and Ski, rents, you guessed it, skis and snowshoes and is about a block from Dan Ryan Woods on Western Avenue. The staff is great and exceedingly helpful and their rates are reasonable. While Dan Ryan is a small preserve in comparison, it offers plenty of options for skiing and snowshoeing. And, the 91st Street Metra Station on the Rock Island Line is adjacent to the woods.
Bemis Woods near Brookfield (west)
Bemis Woods is actually a woods with large picnic groves, long loop trails, and Salt Creek running through it. Skiers have reported that they enjoy the trails at Bemis.