Visitors can trek on over 6 miles of looped nature trails or cross-country ski on two miles of groomed trails in the winter. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a picnic at a picnic table or one of the 2 shelters. Pitch a tent, gather around a campfire and enjoy a starry night in the group campground area. Fish in the clear, deep waters of Lake Atwood (22 acres), Little Atwood Lake (2.5 acres) or West Lake (12 acres). Launch a canoe, kayak or electric motorized rowboat and take a spin around Lake Atwood. “The fishing at Lake Atwood in the McHenry County Conservation District’s The Hollows is a great place to take kids. The bluegills are everywhere but are on the small side. Use a redworm or waxworm on an ice fishing jig for best results. Catfish can be caught on stinkbait or a nightcrawler. Bass will hit a Yamamoto Senko or try a Rebel Pop-R on a windy day. Lake Attwood is also a no-minnows allowed lake.” Dave Kranz – Dave’s Bait & Tackle The Hollows is an example of a site that is in an ecological state of flux. Native species are doing their best to thrive in an environment that has felt numerous human pressures over the years ranging from agricultural uses to extensive gravel mining. Little by little pockets of native plants are thriving and are a testament to their own success story.

Note: Some map locations are approximate. Please call the venue at 815-338-6223 for exact directions.