Snow tubing near Chicago?
 

My husband and I and our 15 year old daughter are planning a trip to Chicago between Christmas and New Years to visit an Uncle we haven't seen in a while. We don't get much snow in Oklahoma and I was wondering if there was a place near Chicago for snow tubing? We also may take a detour over to Fort Wayne, IN (more long lost relatives), so anything in that general vicinity would work as well. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
H

I'm not sure about tubing, but the REAL DEAL of true tobaggan slides are available in SW Chicago area. They are located in Palos. Just off of where Rt. 83 and 171 come together. (171 becomes Archer Ave. and transects the entire SW side of Chicago- one of the main "angle" streets in the city proper.)

These slides are awesome. Like you may see in the Olympics. I'm not sure if you can rent tobaggan there anymore, as I haven't been in years. Goggle to check.

My daughter lives in Ft Wayne and they've only had one snow that melted the next day. Hopefully, they'll get some more before you go--it sounds fun.

Thanks for the replies. I looked up the toboggan place JJ, it looks pretty neat. It's in Palos Park and it's called Swallow Cliff Toboggan Run. According to the website, they do rent toboggans, and there's also a phone number. Thanks again for the suggestion. I guarantee there's nothing close to that in Oklahoma!
H

I grew up in the ``non-mountainous'' region of Indiana, and us kids used to make a sledding hill by piling snow at the top of a culvert. The entire hill was about twice the length of the sled. Seriously, it was the highest thing we could find.

They still rent the toboggans there, and yes it will scare the bejeezus out of you. Lots of fun, lots of work climbing the stairs to the top, but hot chocolat in the warming cabin will take care of the chill.
The procedure is: Clinb to the top, wait in line, (it will be crowded) when it's your turn you drop the toboggin into the chute behind an electric gate. Once everyone is on the toboggan ( keep in mind that this could take a minute or two locking your arms over the person behind's legs) the gate will drop and you feel as though you're being hurled into space. Then when you're off the hill and flying down the outrun, you will pass under a bridge where other tobogganeers will pelt you with snowballs. HAVE FUN!

Looking at the weather forecast, it could be that you do hit the snow. But I must say, that in the last twenty years, we have had some great deep snowfalls, but it has not sustained an entire winter with white, as it did in '50's- '70's. The farmers by me who know much more than I, say that the cycle is starting to change back. I hate to drive in the stuff, but otherwise it's good for agriculture and these fun sports.

I didn't know about the ice generated one in Indiana. These runs are for those who really like an adrenaline rush. If it does snow, the one in Palos is very close/ accessible for anyone in Cook or Will County and parking is free and spaceous.

There is one problem with the one in Palos. It's likely to be closed. The slides haven't been open much for years. One problem is that snowfall has been rather sparse and very sporadic for at least the past decade. So, it makes it difficult to staff the slides when you can't depend on snow cover. Second, the insurance costs a fortune and the Crook County, er Cook County Forest Preserve District is broke. So, as of this fall, they were saying it's unlikely the slides would open. If even they decide they can afford to open them, they need 4" of snow and 48hrs. of below freezing weather. So, it's unlikely this will be an option.

flamingomoneky is so right. Today's area paper, the Southtown, has a long article on Swallow Cliff. People are angry by me about this and also recent Metra decisions. Once again we are the Cook County foster child. I have a feeling that the runs will open this year if the snows sustain. But, the 2006 plus season looks like a total close, if South Suburbia doesn't get together and save (buy)or outsource this. And I believe that they will.

Once again, Cook County has deemed to spend all its money downtown in Chicago and left all of us that are south and southwest with less inputs $$ and much more outputs $$. They spend millions and millions on artwork and "beans" but do not give the city workers a contract for 18 months now. These are the Democrats with "heart". All our politicians are too busy being politically correct to each other and also lining each others pockets with "programs" and jobs that few attain (EITHER). Money for Head Start has "disappeared" into holes of "empty" buildings and imaginary children, chronies trucks stand empty and running at huge amounts per hour. But they can't seem to give this recreation center out of Chicago borders a couple of decent jobs and a maintenance crew.
Well maybe he will sell it to our smaller townships like he just did the Skyway. Socialist/Liberal economy in action.