Did you know Illinois has a snow sculpting competition?

In 1985, two Rockford businessmen stumbled upon a snow sculpture that showed a winter carnival scene while snowmobiling through Wisconsin. After finding out who created the sculptures, the businessmen invited the artists to Rockford where they sculpted an American eagle, the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell, with the help of Rockford Park District staff.

Today is National Popcorn Day and a perfect way to celebrate is to enjoy this classic treat as your state snack! National Popcorn day may have popped up on the National Holiday calendar in 2013, but this time-honored snack has been celebrated since 1988. From a traditional movie theatre food to a gourmet sweet, popcorn is a national and local staple.

With approximately 333 popcorn farms across Illinois, the state is recognized as the third largest grower of the product. In 2003, this “Official Illinois Snackfood” was voted as a state symbol thanks to the support of second and third grade students and their teacher, Fran Hollister, at Cunningham Elementary in Joliet, which was sponsored by former State Senator Larry Walsh.

As January in Illinois brings along cold temperatures, snow and ice, are you looking to have some winter fun?

Alongside sledding, skiing, or making a snowman, ice rinks are a fun and popular place for kids and families to gather and enjoy a winter activity. Illinois is home to many ice rinks that house a plethora of different opportunities for everyone to enjoy!

Kick off the new year by exploring flavors of food scenes in cities across Illinois this month.

With hundreds of options from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, Illinois restaurant week celebrations offer options for every taste and budget and provide the opportunity to find your new local favorite.

Aurora Restaurant Week

Aurora will be hosting its first-ever restaurant week, highlighting the city’s rapidly growing and diverse culinary scene. Aurora Restaurant Week will run from Jan. 21 through Feb. 4. View a list of participating restaurants here. 

Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week

The 9^th annual Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week will be held Jan. 24 through Feb. 1. The nine-day celebration will feature restaurants serving cuisines from across the world. View a list of participating restaurants here.

Though not as snowy as states like Wisconsin and Colorado, Illinois is still a northern state and the ground turns white several times a year. Whether you’re with your friends or family, Illinois has many snow parks to enjoy during the wintery months. Whether you’re into sledding, tubing, or throwing snowballs, this list of snow parks is sure to fill your winter recreation needs:

Alpine Hills Adventure Park (Rockford)

Polar Peak's tubing lanes stay snowy all season thanks to snowmakers. A conveyor lift whisks you back to the top, so you can enjoy run after run without the hike.

Alpine Hills Adventure Park & Golf Center | Enjoy Illinois | Enjoy Illinois

Mount Hoy (Blackwell Forest Preserve)

Join the weekend fun when snow blankets this natural hill. Inner tubes are available for rent on-site, making it a convenient and affordable winter outing.