Where can you go sledding and ice skating in Lake County, IL?
Answered by Eshu Chikoti · Licensed Illinois real estate broker, RE/MAX Top Performers
Answered October 12, 2026 · Lake County
The Lake County Forest Preserves run two sled hills: a lighted hill at Lakewood Forest Preserve's Winter Sports Area in Wauconda, open until 9 p.m. when conditions allow, and a hill at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, open until sunset. Snowboards, metal runners and toboggans are not permitted on either. For skating, Lakewood has a shallow rink open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. that usually freezes before the lake at Independence Grove in Libertyville, which opens for skating from 6:30 a.m. to sunset once the ice is 4.5 inches thick. Lakewood's Winter Sports Area parking is on the east side of Fairfield Road, south of Route 176. Cross-country skiers have about 200 miles of trails, with groomed routes at Lakewood, Old School and the Des Plaines River Trail. Check LCFPD.org/wintersports for current conditions before you go.
About the author
Licensed Illinois real estate broker, RE/MAX Top Performers
I help people buy, sell and rent homes across Lake County. Each answer here is researched from the sources listed above.