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Located about a one-hour drive from Chicago, Lake County boasts some picturesque draws that would make any Instagram feed envious, from stunning nature trails to local wineries and boutique shopping. Whether you’re heading to Lake County for the holidays or need a winter getaway, make your trip up north a warm and memorable one with our tips for winter activities in Lake County.

By Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred

Cross-County Skiing and Sledding

If skiing is your thing, Lake County has more than 130 cross-country skiing trails, so you're sure to be able to find something suitable for all skill levels. Check out numerous trails at the Lake County Forest Preserves, or head over to Mundelein to check out Millennium Trail and Greenway, a trail that passes through multiple towns in Lake County.

If you'd rather take out the ol' toboggan, take a quick jaunt to Wadsworth for its famous Sled Hill near Village Hall. Open anytime there is a snowfall, Wadsworth’s Sled Hill also has accommodations for skiing and ice skating.

Lake County Libation Trail

There's no better way to warm up than from the inside out. Raise your winter spirits with the impressive array of breweries and vineyards along the Lake County Libation Trail. Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove and Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville each brew their craft beers on-site, while Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich hand-crafts its award-winning bourbon from grain to bottle. If you prefer wine, Vigneto del Bino in Antioch makes award-winning reds and whites from grapes grown on its 10 acres of vines.