Discover Mchenry

Mchenry combines vast natural areas, river landscapes, and surprisingly diverse cultural offerings. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home as a base for varied days away will find inspiration here for observing nature, active pursuits, history, and regional culinary experiences. The McHenry County Conservation District manages more than 25,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and prairie; its lands also include 17 State Nature Preserves.

Nature amid prairie, wetlands, and rivers

The Glacial Park is particularly impressive. The area covers 3,400 acres of prairie, savanna, wetlands, and gently rolling hills and is characterized by a series of glacial kames. Along the shoreline is a designated nature preserve covering 490 acres. It provides habitat for, among others, yellowthroats, great blue herons, herons, kingfishers, and swallows. Nippersink Creek flows through the park and is suitable for leisurely paddling through prairie and wetlands and past kames. Kayaking opens up views of the landscape and opportunities to observe wildlife.

Lake Defiance also has its own distinctive character: the 48-acre glacial lake has remained largely undeveloped. More than 200 bird species have been documented at Moraine Hills State Park. At McHenry Dam State Park, the Fox River offers another scenic perspective; there is also a fishing pier accessible to visitors with disabilities. A concession stand offers refreshments, fishing supplies, and boat rentals for the Fox River and Lake Defiance.

Trails for active and relaxing days

The landscape can be experienced in a variety of ways. Coral Woods is a 407-acre park with more than two miles of multi-use trails. Marengo Ridge has more than five miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails through coniferous forests, deciduous forests, and natural prairie. Winding nature trails lead through oak, hickory, and maple forests and offer opportunities for birdwatching. Pleasant Valley covers 1,777 acres of forests, savanna, and prairie, as well as five miles of trails. For a shorter outing, Rush Creek offers a 1.5-mile interpretive hike through stands of hickory, white and red oaks, and black cherry trees.

Depending on the time of year, additional activities are available: at Glacial Park, visitors can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling on nine miles of trails, and sledding. The H.U.M. Trail is a 3.5-mile cycling and hiking trail between Marengo and Union. A tourism loop combines hiking at Glacial Park, kayaking on Nippersink Creek, and cycling on the Prairie Trail.

Culture, history, and regional cuisine

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union has the largest collection of historic railroad equipment in America. The campus covers 100 acres and includes more than twenty buildings. The Model Railroad Exhibit contains three operating model railroad layouts and another layout under construction. On operating days, the general admission ticket includes unlimited train rides and access to all public areas; on special-fare days, an assigned train time may apply.

The historic attractions also include the 1843 Gannon Log Cabin and Perkins Hall, an 1885 town hall, on the museum campus of the McHenry County Historical Society and Museum. The Old McHenry County Courthouse and the Old Sheriff's House and Jail are located on Woodstock Square and are jointly known as the Old Courthouse Center. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Woodstock Opera House offers professional theater, dance, music concerts, and art exhibitions year-round.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether nature days, culture, or a combination of both should be the focus. McHenry County is approximately an hour from Chicago and provides access to Chicago O'Hare, Rockford, and Milwaukee Mitchell International airports, as well as Class A rail service and major highways. Restaurants along the Fox River with waterfront views, craft brewery taprooms, farm-to-table offerings, and international cuisine round out your travel plans.

Other places in the area

As you continue searching for suitable places, you can also view Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Mchenry, Johnsburg, Fox River Grove, Spring Grove, and Huntley.

For the broader travel overview: Illinois.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

White County.