Best Ways to Spend the Winter in Marion, Illinois

Marion is a small city in the southern portion of Illinois with plenty of things to see and do throughout the year. Whether you live here or plan to visit, you know you’ll find something enjoyable to do when you check out these top ways to spend the winter in Marion.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

IL Bogart Point, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters is licensed with CC BY 2.0

While most people visit Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in the warmer months to enjoy biking, boating, paddling, camping, fishing, picnicking, and hiking, the 44,000-acre refuge is also a wonderful place to visit in the winter. Nearly all the trails and boardwalks are open to year-round foot traffic. One of the most popular trails is the 2.2-mile Rocky Bluff Trail. This loop trail winds through numerous habitats and offers some of the most spectacular views of the refuge. You’ll also be treated to a unique spectacle when it’s cold enough for the waterfalls to freeze.

If it’s a little too chilly outside, you can stop by the visitor center to learn more about the refuge and explore the large exhibit hall. The refuge also hosts a variety of ranger-led programs during the winter. One well-liked program held in the winter at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is the bald eagle tour. The refuge is home to several nesting pairs of bald eagles. You can join a guided tour to look for the eagles during select weekends. Since these tours are so popular, reservations are required.

2023 Snowman Shuffle 5K

When the holidays are over, you might feel like you indulged too much in those cookies and sweets. That’s why it’s the perfect time to sign up for the 2023 Snowman Shuffle 5K. This family-friendly walk and run takes place 10 miles west of Marion at the Logan Fitness Center on the John A. Logan College campus in Carterville. Hosted by the college and The Orthopedic Institute of Southern Illinois, the event takes place on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at 9 a.m.

In addition to the race, the event will have door prizes and awards. Plaques will be handed out to the winners, and medals will be given to the top three runners in each age group and the top three walkers. The race costs $25 for adults, $20 for children 10 years and younger, or $50 for a family of four.

Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show

Winter is the perfect time to prepare for summer fun, thanks to the Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show. Held at The Pavilion from Friday, Feb. 3 to Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, this outdoor exposition is packed with boats, trailers, fishing gear, campers, educational sessions, live entertainment, and more.

Since parking, admission, and seminars are all free, this is one of the best events for the entire family to attend. When you go, sign up for the door prize drawings and big prize giveaways. The show’s sponsors will also collect canned goods to support local charities, so don’t forget to bring some items you can donate.

Pirate Pete’s

If you’re looking for indoor fun the entire family can enjoy, head to Pirate Pete’s Entertainment Center. Located at 3000 W. DeYoung St., this family entertainment center is open Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year. Pick up some tokens and then head to the arcade area, where you can play a great selection of fresh and new games for all ages.

Young children between 3 and 7 will have a blast at the indoor playground with PlaySmart equipment. They can run, climb, swing, and slide in a safe and enclosed environment. It costs $7 for unlimited time in the playground. While the young kids romp at the playground, the older kids can check out the laser tag arena. Listen to the instructions, snap on a vest, and head into the arena for some exciting fun. Laser tag is available to anyone age 7 and older and costs $6 per person per game.

If all that playing makes everyone hungry, stop by the cafe for an excellent selection of food and drinks. Popular menu items include pizza, nachos and cheese, hot dogs, boneless wings, pretzel bites, mozzarella sticks, and mini breadsticks. Plus, don’t forget to save room for one of the decadent desserts, such as a chocolate chip cookie or funnel cake fries.

Egyptian Hills Resort

Whether you’re interested in a relaxing adult getaway or a fun family trip, visiting Egyptian Hills Resort offers everything you need. Located just 12 miles south of Marion on Lake of Egypt, this large but cozy lakeside retreat is a four-season escape everyone will enjoy. The resort has several cedar cabins and chalets for rent that provide everything you need.

The single chalet sleeps up to six people and features a full-size bedroom, two loft bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and a spacious deck with a charcoal grill. The double chalet can comfortably sleep up to 10 and includes two full-size bedrooms, two loft bedrooms, a fully furnished kitchen, two bathrooms, a living area, and an expansive deck with a grill. For convenience, all chalets also include towels, linens, Wi-Fi, cable television, and cookware.

The resort is just a few miles from several outdoor recreation areas, such as Ferne Clyffe State Park and Shawnee National Forest. Here you can find activities that include winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. When you’re done enjoying all these activities, head back to the resort to warm up at the bonfire pit.

When those of us at Ike Honda want to enjoy winter fun around Marion, these are the activities we enjoy the most. Did we forget to include your favorite way to spend winter in the area? If so, please contact us and let us know so we can include it on this list.