water skiing on the fox
outdoor fun headline our community
Miles of hiking trails, endless biking opportunities, fishing, boating, ballooning and even ski jumping, McHenry County is a literal playground for the outdoor enthusiast and an escape from the urban environment. Two state parks and over 20,000 acres of conservation district land are all waiting to be explored. Welcome… relax, rewind and refresh in McHenry County.

January & February Candlelight Ski – Friday/Saturday, check website for dates (5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) Don’t miss your chance to cross-country ski on trails lit only by candlelight! Two Candlelight Skis will be hosted on the Friday and Saturday evenings that coincide with the first two consecutive snowfalls (4" or greater) after January 1st. Locations: 1st Snowfall at Rush Creek in Harvard, 2nd Snowfall at Hickory Grove Highlands in Cary. Bring your own skis and enjoy refreshments afterwards around the campfire. Skiers of every level and age are welcome. Visit the front page of the District’s website for updates or call the main office at (815) 338-6223. Also, check out the ski on your own options at any one of the District's seven groomed trails.

www.mccdistrict.org
815-338-6223


camping

Camping

Now's a great time to load up the family and head off to a campsite. Some campgrounds have planned activities, some have fishing, boating and canoeing. But whatever you choose you'll be sure to have a good time. View Campgrounds

fishing

Fishing

McHenry County offers fishing fun for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Whether your passion is fly rods and spring trout or bobbers for bluegills, there is something for everyone!

hiking

Hiking & Biking

With over 41 miles of trails scattered throughout the county, it's a great place to spend time with your family and get away from the hectic everyday life; most trails are also available for Cross-Country Skiing, too! View trails: www.mccdistrict.org

hiking

Sking & Snowmobiling

Winter doesn't mean the end of Fun Filled Days in McHenry County; miles of cross-county skiing and snowmobiling trails offer the cold weather adventurer endless possibilities. State park and conservation district hiking trails are open year round and ice fishing is abundant.

boating

Boating

With the Fox River running through the heart of McHenry County there is always pleanty of activity on the river during summer.

golfing

Golf

Featuring some of the most beatiful courses in the Midwest, McHenry County has championship level courses with unique natural terrain nestled in a rural enviroment. View Golf Courses

parks

Parks

When visiting McHenry County take time to have a look at our parks. With so many activities to choose from, such as baseball, basketball and volleyball along with playgrounds and picnic areas, why not spend the day relaxing. View County Parks

Cary Park District
255 Briargate Road | Cary, Illinois 60013 (main office)
Phone: 847-639-6100
Website: www.carypark.com

McHenry County Conservation District
18410 U.S. Highway 14 | Woodstock, Illinois 60098 (main office)
Phone: 815-338-6223
Website: www.MCCDistrict.org





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Where Are We Located?

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McHenry County, Illinois is located approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago with easy access from I-90. The Fox River Valley and Chain O' Lakes region borders to the east giving way to quaint villages and expansive rolling countryside to the west. The county is traversed by routes 20, 31, 47, 120, 173 and 176 making it a convenient escape from all parts of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.