Winter is finally upon the Illinois and Wisconsin area which means it is time to pull out the sleds, snow shoes, skis, skates, tubes and enjoy some outdoor winter activities. There are many opportunities around Gerstad Builders communities to experience all these fun activities. Check out the list we have put together of some places to go.

Liberty Trails, McHenry

There is so much to do this winter near our beautiful Liberty Trails community! Cold weather hiking enthusiasts will be pleased to find there are lots of trails in the area. These paths are perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? Try one of the many sledding hills scattered throughout McHenry! If you want to take sledding to the next level, visit Wilmot Mountain’s tubing hill. Furthermore, if you happened to purchase an Epic pass because you were heading to Vail for skiing, you can use this pass at Wilmot and enjoy multiple perks.

Winter anglers will also be fulfilled this winter. McHenry County is filled with lakes that are perfect for ice fishing! Finally, we recommend you check out the Norge Ski Jump in Fox River Grove. This 150-foot ski jump rises high above the Fox River and is open all year long!

Bailey Estates, Williams Bay

If you’re living in gorgeous Bailey Estates, there are plenty of outdoor activities for you to enjoy this winter! Come out to Lake Geneva and zipline in the winter! Their 100 acre property is filled with breathtaking views and scenery that cannot be beat! You can also experience the Ice Castles this winter on January 22. Let your imagination run wild as you explore caverns and tunnels all made entirely from ice. Finally, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Grand Geneva. You can participate in classic winter activities like ice skating and sledding or you can walk through forest preserve paths on snowshoes.

The Trails of Dawson Creek, Poplar Grove

When it comes to winter activities near Poplar Grove, Alpine Hills is a perfect place to enjoy winter activities. Admission is relatively inexpensive and all the equipment is provided by the facility. So gather the whole family and enjoy a day of tubing. Remember that children ages 4-5 must use a mini tube and ride tandem with an adult. If you’re an avid snowboarder, the terrain park is perfect. Snowboard rentals are available at an additional fee or you can bring your own equipment as long as it has metal edges.

Snowmobile options

For those of you who use snowmobiles, there are many options available to you near Liberty Trails. Hop one of these trails and they will lead you north up towards Wisconsin. Liberty Trails is not the only community with great snowmobile trails, if you live in Dawson Creek or Richmond you have access to some major trails that head north and south. If you live in Wisconsin, you are fortunate to have even more options for snowmobile trails. Remember, if you cross over the border, make sure your snowmobile is registered in both states!

As you can see from the activities listed, there are many outdoor winter activity options near each of Gerstad Builders communities. If you are looking for a new home in Williams Bay, Poplar Grove, McHenry, or Richmond, visit us on our website or call us at (815) 385-4495 and we can help you find your beautiful new home.