Lisa Shames 2023-01-12 06:52:05
Once colder temperatures hit, Chicago becomes a winter wonderland full of all the wonderful outdoor activities only this season can offer. With views of “The Bean” and the spectacular Michigan Avenue skyline, McCormick Tribune Ice Rink offers an ice-skating setting like no other. It’s hard not to feel like you’re in Europe when skating at Hyde Park’s Midway Plaisance Ice Rink, an Olympic-sized rink with views of The University of Chicago’s historic architecture. Surrounded by snow-covered trees, the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon is a 1/4-mile meandering path that offers a unique skating experience and views of the surrounding park and cityscape. Reward your hard work with a hot chocolate from the nearby concession stand. See husky sled teams, encounter birds of prey, and make nature-inspired crafts during Northerly Island Polar Adventures Days, a free winter adventure right on the lakefront. You can also explore the island on snowshoes during Polar Adventure Days and throughout the winter. Steps from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, The Rink at Gallagher Way provides plenty of wintertime fun, including ice skating, curling lessons, and ice bumper cars. During the winter, Chicago’s famous stadium serves as a backdrop to the Soldier Field Sledding Hill, a 33-foot slope with faux snow to supplement the real stuff, perfect for big and little thrill seekers alike. Practice your curling technique on a rooftop rink and sip on spiked hot chocolate in the heart of River North at The Gwen, an art deco-inspired luxury hotel. WINTER ROOFTOP BARS As the nation’s largest rooftop venue, with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, Navy Pier’s Offshore Rooftop & Bar offers panoramic lake views, a full-service bar and kitchen, and cozy fire pits. Located on the 27th floor of a Loop hotel, ROOF on theWit is a stylish indoor/outdoor escape with sweeping city views, a retractable roof, and handcrafted cocktails and cuisine. On the 13th floor of a beautifully restored landmark turned hotel, Cindy’s at the Chicago Athletic Association resembles a chic lake house, albeit one with stunning views of Millennium Park paired with classic comfort food. AUTHOR'S TIP Shake the winter weather by using the Chicago Pedway to navigate the Loop via a system of underground tunnels.
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