Day One

Great family fun for all ages is a short drive northwest of Chicago in McHenry County. Begin your adventure at the Illinois Railway Museum (1-800-Big-Rail). A short drive north of I-90 at the Rte. 20 (Marengo) exit the Illinois Railway Museum celebrates over 50 years of operation and is America's Largest Railway Museum. The collection of historic railway equipment includes streetcars, interurban, steam, diesel and electric locomotives, passenger and freight cars. Enjoy a 10-mile round trip ride through rolling Illinois farmland on an electric interurban train. Seasonal events include Civil War Days in June, Independence Day Weekend, Diesel Days in July, Day Out With Thomas the Tank in August and Harvest Festival Weekend in October. After lunch at the railway museum spend the afternoon in the Old West.

Donley's Wild West Town (1-815-923-9000), also in Union, is a short drive away at Rte. 20 and South Union Road, but a big step back in time to the Wild West. Families can pan for gold, get roping lessons from a cowboy, ride the Unions Express miniature steam train, catch a live action wild-west stunt show, ride the ponies and more. Don't miss the wild-west museum, street of yesteryear, ice cream parlor or unique shops. A great afternoon of family fun! When its chow time head on over to the Old West Steakhouse & Saloon adjacent to Wild West Town for the best western grub this side of Dodge City.

As the sun sets in the West it is time to make camp for the night. Chicago Northwest KOA (1-815-923-4206) campground is located right next door to Donley's Wild West Town and features RV, tent and one room cabin rentals. Amenities include swimming pool, mini golf, playground area, game room, camping kitchen and free movies on weekends during summer months. For more modern lodging, hotels are available throughout McHenry County.

Click here to view full list of accommodations.

Side Trip: While in the Marengo/Union area visit the McHenry County Historical Society Museum complex (815-923-2267). Museum includes local history from the 1830s to present, an 1847 cabin, 1885 town hall and 1895 one-room school house.

Day two

Begin with a visit to Prime Outlets Huntley (1-847-669-9100) featuring 65+ manufacturer's outlet stores. Located at I-90 and Rte. 47 this outdoor center has something for everyone in the family including indoor food court, and kids playground.

Finish your family weekend with a visit to Volo Auto Museum (1-815-385-3644) located at Rte. 120 and Rte 12/59 in Volo. Over 45 years in operation the world famous Volo Auto Museum features over 25 famous Hollywood cars on display including the original Batmobile, General Lee from Dukes of Hazard, K.I.T.T. from the Knight Rider TV show, Scooby Doo Mystery Machine and others. The museum includes the world's largest muscle car collection, elegant 1950's cars and classic pre-war vehicles in 5 showrooms. Enjoy a break at the 1950's styled food court and gift shop before taking in The Combat Zone military adventure and the 5 antique malls. Special events and displays are featured throughout the year. It's time to head home with fond memories of your family time spent together in McHenry County.




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