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Discover 18 Midwest Winter Adventures

Written by Jeff Inman and Trevor Meers. Reporting by Colin McDonald

Come winter, it's easy to hibernate with a book by the fire. But locking yourself away just robs you of the season's stark beauty and serious fun. All it takes to get out there is an idea, a willingness and a couple of layers. We've taken care of the ideas. The rest, you can handle.

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Try ice alfresco

Fans of outdoor skating say you can't even compare it to indoor skating. If it starts to snow when you're skating outdoors, it's like a winter wonderland. Even beginners can usually pick up ice skating quickly. Wear two pairs of socks, lace your skates tightly, dress in layers in case you get too warm -- and stay close to the rail (if there is one) if you're nervous.

Some great places to ice skate outdoors? Steinberg Ice Skating Rink in St. Louis' Forest Park, Chicago's McCormick Tribune Plaza in Millennium Park and the Ice Rink and Crown Center Ice Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri.

Steinberg Ice Skating Rink >>
McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink >>
Crown Center Ice Terrace >>