Snowmobiling on the Illinois River Road

Snowmobilers in Northern Illinois (IL) [1]

Winter brings a new range of activities along the Illinois River. The falling snow changes the landscape and presents a different playland to every visitor. While enjoying the winter season, take advantage of the many snowmobiling locations along the Illinois River Road.

Running parallel to the byway east and west between Rockdale and La Salle, the Illinois and Michigan State Canal Park contains 60 miles of immaculately groomed snowmobiling trails. When you decide to take a break from snowmobiling, picnic in one of the park's warming shelters and experience enticing views of the Illinois River.

Discover Illinois' largest snowmobiling trail along Hennepin Canal State Park. The 105-mile linear park spans five counties near the byway, and winter turns the canal's towpath into a 90-mile-long snowmobiling trail. The towns of Sheffield (20 miles west of the byway) and New Bedford (25 miles northwest of the byway) are good places to start. Ride your machine along the tree and shrub-lined canal and observe the Illinois River's historic canal locks. You may even be able to take your snowmobile right on the ice if conditions permit.

Untamed Trail in Jubilee College State Park (IL) [2]

On your Illinois River Road snowmobiling trip, be sure to visit Jubilee Creek Trail in Jubilee College State Park in Brimfield only minutes west from the byway. This 14-mile trail meanders along Jubilee Creek for an exciting ride over rolling terrain through winter woodlands. Look for traces in the snow of Illinois River wildlife such as raccoons, deer, rabbits, and foxes. Stop your engines for a moment of stillness in the quiet forest, and perhaps the mink, beaver and muskrats that live in or near Jubilee Creek will peek out from their snowy homes to look at you!

Snowmobiling trails are open 24 hours a day at the Sand Ridge State Forest, located five miles from the byway. In addition to the forest's 26 miles of designated trails, 120 miles of available fire lanes unlock almost unlimited opportunities to enjoy the mature native sand oak trees and vast pine plantations.

Before starting your winter snowmobile extravaganza, make sure you read up on the Illinois laws and regulations. Have fun but be safe out there!

There's no shortage of wintertime fun on this byway. Enjoy nature and wildlife on miles and miles of exciting snowmobile trails. The Illinois River Road is a truly memorable place for a snowmobiling adventure.