For those who don’t know, McHenry is a farm town in the northern part of Illinois in the United States. The city is located only 50 miles (80 km) north of Chicago and every summer hosts so called Fiesta Days, which is a ten-day festival, where you can take part in parades, see car shows, listen to music and eat some good food. Check out this list of the best things to do while visiting McHenry in the northern part of Illinois state.
1. Stade's Farm and Market
Stade’s Farm grows fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables that are later available for all the customers at their farm market. They are also opening a Theme Park where everybody will be able to go and have fun in a corn maze, petting zoo and on many other attractions.
Stade's Farm and Market
Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60051
Website: Stade’s Farm and Market
2. Veterans Memorial Park
If you’re looking for a nice place to sit, relax, have a picnic and let children play in fresh air, Veterans Park is a good choice. Many citizens voted for the park as their favorite park in the town. In the summer you can also stop by in the evening to listen to some local bands playing some good music, or watch a movie.
Veterans Memorial Park
Address: 3400 Pearl St., McHenry, IL 60050
3. Moraine Hills State Park
If you’re looking for a way to actively spend a day with the family or a group of friends, then you should go to the Moraine State Park. They offer a very wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing and boating, as well as there are many beautiful trails to go hiking or biking. The park itself is located close to the Fox River and McHenry Dam, just 3 miles (5 km) south of McHenry town centre. The Lake Defiance in the middle of the park is especially interesting, because it’s one of a very few glacial lakes in Illinois, so it’s for sure worth checking out.
Moraine State Park
Address: 1510 S. River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051
Website: Moraine State Park
4. Peterson Park Beach
Let’s say you’re in McHenry in the summer and it gets really, really hot. You need to refresh a little bit. Where should you go? The answer is Peterson Park Beach, where blue lake water will perfectly cool you off. You can also rent a boat or a kayak if you don’t feel like swimming, and if you reserve it early enough you may even get 30 minutes for free. The admission to the beach is 5 USD for non-residents.
Peterson Park Beach
Address: Peterson Park Beach, McHenry, IL 60050
Website: Peterson Park Beach
5. McHenry Outdoor Theatre
Have you ever dreamed about a date straight from the 60s - sitting on the hood of your car, watching a movie on a big screen under the stars with your crush or significant other next to you? You can make that little dream come true in McHenry thanks to their nostalgic outdoor theatre. It’s also so much easier when you can put everything you need in your car and don’t leave it till you get back home or to your hotel. And it’s cheaper because you can watch two movies for the price of one.
McHenry Outdoor Theatre
Address: 1510 Chapel Hill Road, McHenry, IL 60050
Website: Outdoor Theatre
6. Twisted Limits
Mystery, adrenaline, nowhere to run until you solve the case. Twisted Limits offer it all in their fun and interesting Escape Rooms. It’s a perfect activity for whole families or groups of friends, especially if it’s ugly and rainy outside. In Twisted Limits, you get 60 minutes, locked in the room full of clues, puzzles, interesting stories and challenges. The groups should be 2-8 people and you’ll be able to choose between 3 different experiences. Can you escape?
Twisted Limits
Address: 3735 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60050
Website: Twisted Limits
7. Chain O'Lakes Brewing Company
After a day full of fun and interesting activities, it’s nice to have a place to go, sit and drink some good beer (21 and over of course). For that, you should definitely check out Chain O'Lakes Brewery and try one of their home-brewed beers or maybe one of the guest beers. Their most popular draft is the Fox River Scotch Ale, and everyone on Friday night who wears a red shirt gets one dollar off!
Chain O'Lakes Brewing Company
Address: 3425 Pearl St, McHenry, IL 60050
Website: Chain O'Lakes Brewing Company
8. Mackey's Hideout
If you don’t feel like just sitting or standing around a table and drinking beer, you can connect your special craft beer experience with some good live music. Mackey’s Hideout will show a new band almost every day. You can spend a whole week just going to this interesting brewery and every time have a brand new experience. And the admission varies between 5 and 10 USD. That’s a little price for a night full of fun. Okay, maybe not the whole night, because they close at 2am, but it’s close enough.
Mackey's Hideout
Address: 2601 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051
Website: Mackey’s Hideout
9. Volo Bog State Natural Area
Everyone sometimes needs a little peace and solitude. Especially if you’re socializing the whole week - it’s nice to have a quiet place to go and spend some time with nature and with ourselves. And you can find that place driving just 10 minutes away from McHenry. Volo Bog State Natural Area is full of beautiful hiking trails, hunting opportunities and, if you happen to be in the area in winter, cross country skiing possibilities. If you’ve never tried it, you should definitely put it on your to-do list!
Volo Bog State Natural Area
Address: 28478 W Brandenburg Rd, Ingleside, IL 60041
Website: Volo Bog State Natural Area
It seems to be a quiet farm town...
But that’s not fully true. In McHenry, you can spend days full of fun! Follow our guide for an excitement and relaxation filled itinerary during your visit.