Cover Photo Credit: Amiee Gricus-Reese, Stephanie Seliga, Aspen Danielle
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but now that we're in Phase 4, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's best geocaching spots! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but now that we're in Phase 4, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's best local breweries! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY
Scorched Earth Bre...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but now that we're in Phase 4, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's best Instagram spots! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY
@visitmchenrycount...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but now that we're in Phase 4, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's best ice cream spots! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY
Julie Ann’s ...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but as we hit the unofficial start of summer, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's must-see outdoor art! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY
Woods...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but as we hit the unofficial start of summer, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's best picnic spots! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY
Pleasant V...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but as we hit the unofficial start of summer, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's best fishing spots! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY
...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but as we hit the unofficial start of summer, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's farmers markets! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY
The Woodstoc...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but as we hit the unofficial start of summer, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing eighteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re touring some of the state's top golf courses! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY
Chapel Hill...READ MORE!
National Donut Day is June 5th, and we are here for it! Whether you like a classic cake donut or long john, McHenry County has a donut shop that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Here is a list of some of the best donut shops in McHenry County, go out and celebrate by visiting each one.
Morkes Chocolates of Huntley | Huntley, IL
Most folks visit Morkes for their huge selection of handmade chocolate delights. Since 1920 Morkes Chocolates has made thei...READ MORE!
We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but as we hit the unofficial start of summer, we’re ready to enjoy our state safely. Check-in every Tuesday for an Illinois Road Trip Round-Up on themed topics showcasing sixteen destinations across Illinois. This week, we’re bringing you the state’s top hiking and biking trails! So pack up the family, bring your masks, and get ready for a road trip!
VISIT MCHENRY COUNT...READ MORE!
No matter what brings you to McHenry County, outdoor recreation, a cultural experience, shopping or something else, at some point you're going to need to stop for refreshment. And because this is McHenry County, your meal is sure to be one of the highlights.
We have shared which restaurants are the best of the best, but we needed input from the locals to know what to order. Here are 13 local's top 5 restaurants and their go-to order at each.
Thank you t...READ MORE!
Celebrate the mothers in your life and support local business.
We know that your Mother's Day festivities may look a little different this year, but we wanted to put together a list of where you can get the best local gifts and to-go brunches to make her feel special.
Brunch at Home
750 Cucina Rustica
7 Jandus Rd
Cary, IL
847-829-4993
750cucinarustica.com
Family dinner for Four: $109.90
Rustic Italian Salad
Penne Vod...READ MORE!
We are proud of the fine products, art, foods, drinks and other things made right here in McHenry County!
Now is not the time to travel - but you can still explore the best of McHenry County from the comfort of your own home!
If you're looking for products like beer, soap or even carry out meals, here are some of our very own McHenry County MADE makers creating the best of the best!
Casting Whimsy
203 Main St | Woodstock, IL
Casting Whimsy ...READ MORE!
McHenry County, IL Scenic Roads
The Scenic Roads program was established to recognize both roads and the surrounding features that create their character (the road corridor). The program applies to all roads located in McHenry County, including city streets, residential streets, and rural roads. Completed application forms will be reviewed by the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission consists of representatives from throughout McHenry...READ MORE!
As many businesses begin the initial phases of reopening in McHenry County we ask that you be patient and support them! The owners and staff have had a difficult few months managing through closures and a complete change in how they run their businesses.
Here is how you can show your support:
1. Be patient
2. Share your experiences on social media
3. Review these businesses on their social channels and Google
4. Respect the guidelines that have been pu...READ MORE!
In honor of International Women’s Day this Sunday, March 8, Scorched Earth Brewing Co. in Algonquin, IL will be tapping their specially brewed Fierce FemALE, a West Coast IPA.
With women making up half of the Scorched Earth Family, they felt it only made sense to get them all together to brew a beer in honor of this day.
Brewed with the 2020 Pink Boots Blend of hops, a combination of Azacca, El Dorado, Idaho Gem, and Loral hops from Yakima Chi...READ MORE!
Theatre 121’s Production of Matilda The Musical
Theatre 121 presents Matilda The Musical at the historic Woodstock Opera House from March 6th-22nd.
Matilda – the Musical is based on the children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl and adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The cast of 24 is under the direction of Jordan Rakittke (Artistic Director), Aaron Gomez (Assistant Director), Sa...READ MORE!
Take a drive in the country and put this address in your GPS:
16105 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock
(Photo by: K-Adams Foto)
It’s the best place to start your Autumn Drive adventures as neighbors offer antiques, crafts, food and fun. Local farms in rural McHenry County open their barns to offer you fall produce, honey, jams, soaps and vinegars for the 32nd year.
October 18 – 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, in rural Wo...READ MORE!
Tourism to McHenry County Contributing to Record Economic Growth in Illinois
McHenry County generated $8.32 million in local tax revenue and $256.33 million in visitor expenditures
Tourism spending increased by 3.6% in McHenry County in 2018 over the previous year, attracting $256.33 million in local spending and helping to contribute to record economic growth in the state, tourism officials said.
McHenry County’s tourism success is credited with...READ MORE!
McHenry County is home to the best fall family fun in the state! You’ll never have to look far to find farmland fun – plan an afternoon at an apple farm, get lost in a corn maze or find the perfect produce at one of our u-pick produce farms. You won’t find experiences like these in downtown Chicago.
Friday:
Arrive & check in: We have some pretty amazing accommodations in McHenry County! Looking for a comfortable hotel with all the...READ MORE!
Tucked into an unassuming building on an unassuming street in Woodstock is possibly one of the most unique cultural experiences you'll find in the Midwest. Potts & Pans, Chicagoland's largest steelpan organization, along with their not-for-profit organization, Culture, Arts & Music, provides steelpan entertainment and education
We know what you're thinking: calypso tunes and umbrella drinks. Imagine, instead, classical symphonies an...READ MORE!
See a water show like no other!
You may have seen water ski shows in other places. But we bet you've never seen anything like the Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team. This 140-plus-member team, consisting of members ranging in ages 5 - 65, is a five-time National Show Ski Champion and has placed in the top five in the nation every year since 1996.
Grab a lawn chair or your favorite beach blanket and head out to Wonder Center Beach in Wonder Lake (located at H...READ MORE!
It's an American tradition, fireworks on the 4th of July!
Don't have plans yet? Check out our full list of every firework show in McHenry County this Independence Day!
Most shows begin at dusk.
Saturday, June 29
Marengo Summerfest
Location: 101 Franks Rd, Marengo
Live bands, activities, beer, food, vendors and more! Festivities start at noon.
Wednesday, July 3
Cary Summer Celebration
Location: 1200 Silver Lake...READ MORE!
Great events happen in McHenry County
Looking for McHenry County's best summer events? Well you're in luck, we are home to some of the best festivals the summer has to offer. Many are family friendly and some are perfect for a night out with friends. No matter what you're looking for, let us help you plan the ultimate summer right here in McHenry County!
July
Lakeside Festival at the Dole
July 4 - 7
Lakesid...READ MORE!
Taste a local treat with a twist!
Julie Ann's Frozen Custard is a family-owned frozen custard shop and a McHenry County institution. Back in 1985, John and Mary Zielnicki started creating their hand-crafted custard recipe that is still used today!
What makes Julie Ann's so special is the quality of their ingredients and their custard that is made fresh several tiimes a day! The flavors have taken on a creative twist since grandson Pete and dau...READ MORE!
We pass popular tourist sites like Richardson Adventure Farm every day; we may not even think of how it supports our community. But Richardson Adventure Farm and others like The Quarry Cable Park, Woodstock Square, Raue Center for the Arts and the Illinois Railway Museum are the backbone of McHenry County. These places define our community, provide our families with jobs and have given us—and milions of visitors a lifetime of memories.
...READ MORE!
You’ve had ‘farm to fork’ – now try grain to glass
When you visit Rush Creek Distilling, you’ll probably drive right by some of the fields where local farmers grow the corn, wheat and rye that go into the craft spirits you’re about to enjoy.
Take one of Rush Creek’s popular distillery tours to appreciate everything that happens between the farmer harvesting the grain and the bartender pouring you a glass of whiskey, ...READ MORE!
We all scream for ICE CREAM!
Here are our top 10 favorite places to get an ice-cold treat! Whether you’re a fan of a classic chocolate vanilla twist or maybe a peanut butter puppy chow concrete you’ll find exactly what you’re craving at these stops!
10. Riverside Chocolate Factory
2102 W. Route 120
McHenry
815.344.6040
Riverside Chocolate Factory in McHenry is the place where chocolate dipped happiness begins. They are known for t...READ MORE!
Whether you're looking for an elegant Easter Brunch, or a fun filled egg hunt; here is your full guide to Easter fun in McHenry County.
Flashlight Egg Hunt
Friday, March 13
8:00 P.M.
Towne Park
100 Jefferson St.
Algonquin, IL 60102
Stop by the 4th Annual Flashlight Egg Hunt in Algonquin! The Bunny has left some special eggs for you around Towne Park and it's your job to find them! Grab your flashlight and basket and head downt o the park! M...READ MORE!
Winter hibernation has ended, so it’s time to enjoy the spring and plan summertime fun in charming McHenry County. Get back outside and take in one of the Chicago area's best destinations. Whether a weekend getaway, or just a fun drive through the country, McHenry County offers the best of each season.
Spring weather is ideal for horseback riding, picnicking or observing abundant wildlife. McHenry County Conservation District maintains 25,021 acres of open...READ MORE!
The fifth day of March of each year shall be designated as the Day of the Horse, to be observed throughout the State of Illinois as a day to encourage citizens to honor and celebrate the role of equines in the history and character of Illinois, and to recognize the benefits of the equine industry to the economy, agriculture, tourism and quality of life in Illinois.
Learn more about the Equestrian Community in McHenry County and how you can experience it for your...READ MORE!
As Valentine's Day approaches we all start to think about how to spend this special day with our special someone! Whethere you're in town for a romantic getaway or you live near by here are a few ways to woo your sweetheart this Valentines Day!
Grab a bite to eat:
Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen - Gourmet comfort foods, artisan sandwiches and burgers all utilizing local and sustainable ingredients. Pair them with Duke's extensive beer ...READ MORE!
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT DINING DUSTER!
Stunning, old world charm with modern conveniences is how we would describe the Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast in Woodstock, IL. Made famous by a movie feature, the Cherry Tree B & B is more than a movie set. Built in the 1800’s, this nearly 7,000 Victorian home is owned and operated by George & Lori. George & Lori like to create experiences for their guests. This could include cocktails in the sitting room, a ...READ MORE!
1. Norge Ski Club – International Winter Tournament
January 25 & 26, 2020
At the Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, the party’s been going on for more than 110 years. This 150-foot ski jump rises high above the Fox River and offers a year-round training facility and competition venue for world-class athletes.
Want to know “How to Norge”? Click HERE to read our blog post!
2. Volo Auto Museum
27582 W. Volo ...READ MORE!
Shopping small this holiday season is a win for everyone!
When you shop small you support a small business owner and their family, and you get to give a unique gift to a loved one! McHenry County is filled with quaint downtowns lined with one of a kind boutiques and shops! Let us give you the inside scoop on so you can make the most of your holiday shopping excursions!
Historic Woodstock Square -
Rich with Victorian architecture, this historic t...READ MORE!
From our friends at Chicago Foodie Sisters!
I’ve just returned from a fun whirlwind three-day FAM tour in McHenry County, Illinois where we visited a number of far northwest suburban communities and ate our way through each one.
Among them was Woodstock, where we stayed at an adorable bed and breakfast, The Cherry Tree Inn. (It’s the bed and breakfast that was featured in the movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray.) Our last stop of our ...READ MORE!
From our friend Sara at Travel with Sara:
There’s a whole lot of chocolate in McHenry County, Illinois. I recently spent a few days in this area right outside of Chicago and quickly learned that this is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. I’m not talking about a good old-fashioned, everyday run of the mill chocolate bar that you purchase at the local convenience store, I’m talking about “real” chocolate that is made in McH...READ MORE!
The holidays come to life in November and December in McHenry County. Visit The Raue Center for the Arts or The Woodstock Opera House for a show that will excite the senses and get everyone in the holiday spirit!
November 22 - December 8 - A Christmas Carol
Woodstock Opera House | Woodstock
Get the whole family into the Christmas Spirit at the Woodstock Opera House! Join Ebenezer Scrooge as he journeys through the Christmases of Past, Present and F...READ MORE!
We are proud of the fine products, art, foods, drinks and other things made right here in McHenry County! When you see our seal, it means you've found something first-class and McHenry County Made!
We have our first round of makers that you can learn about HERE, or continue reading to learn more about our newest makers!
Fruits, vegetables and meats used at Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen come from local and organic farms, eve...READ MORE!
From our friends at Dining Duster Blog:
During a press trip to McHenry County, Illinois we were most impressed with the vegan options that were available to us. If there’s one thing we’ve learned since switching to a vegan diet is that eating out can be a challenge, if not impossible to find a vegan option on the menu. Rest assured, there are plenty of vegan options in McHenry County, IL.
For reference, here is a map of McHe...READ MORE!
Ski jumping in September
September 21 & 22
Join the Norge Ski Club for the 34th Annual Norge Autumn Ski Jump! (YES, you can ski jump without snow!) This year they have been adding some awesome food to the event by combining the fall jump with a food truck festival! This is a weekend of FUN for the entire family! Come out and try some tasty food and see the jumpers FLY!
Explore the country’s FIRST apple tree maze
Royal Oak Farm O...READ MORE!
When the Richardson family sat down to brainstorm the theme for this year's gigantic corn maze, it wasn't an easy task. After all, the last three mazes each set new attendance records by celebrating the Chicago Cubs World Series, Chicago Black Hawks Stanley Cup and Star Trek's 50th Anniversary.
They finally selected Illinois' Bicentennial, honoring the 200th anniversary of the state's founding. Once that was done, the design came na...READ MORE!
Illinois Railway Museum -
Musing on how to spend the day? Get on the right track at the Illinois Railway Museum. Spend a few hours or an entire weekend seeing the education, restoration and preservation efforts of this museum in motion. Different trains run on different days, so check the website to line up your visit so you can ride a steam train, electric street car, diesel train or trolley bus!
Volo Auto Museum -
This is a car museum worth the tri...READ MORE!
Outdoor dining season is something everyone looks forward to! The weather is warm, the drinks are cold, and the views are unbelievable!
Let us walk you through the 10 most unique places to grab a bite and enjoy the outdoors!
The Quarry Cable Park & Grill
5517 Northwest Highway
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
New to the Quarry Cable Park is the Quarry Grill. Enjoy casual dining overlooking the Quarry Cable Park! Take advantage of these veiws all summer long and...READ MORE!
They're a big deal
You might not know it, but McHenry County has some of the best farmers markets in the state - literally. We're ranked. Our farmers markets are scattered all throughout McHenry County, and you can visit each and every one.
COVID-19 Requirements: Masks must be worn, please pre-order from vendors if possible and practice social distancing
Cary Grove Farmers Market
Visitors will find fresh fruits and veggies, as well as...READ MORE!
McHenry County offers the discerning sweets fiend many possibilities. The Swiss Maid Bakery specializes in European-style fine pastries, breads and desserts, and has been doing so for five generations. Konrad's Bakery has a variety of sweets that are almost too beautiful to eat - these are Instagram/Facebook/Pinterest-worth treats. At Mellie's Chocolates, you'll find the candies of your childhood along with amazing chocolate items for any occas...READ MORE!
McHenry County is the perfect place to plan your perfect day!
Whether you're looking for a rustic barn wedding, a fairytale garden wedding, or a classic wedding in a banquet hall, we have it all!
Start planning your big day today!
Venues:
Plan a fairy-tale garden wedding
Imagine your ideal garden wedding: You're strolling along a luminary-lit cobblestone path. The sounds of waterfalls provide a soothing cadence...READ MORE!
February 1 - 4, 2018
Woodstock, IL
It's time to party again and again and again in Woodstock, IL at the annual 2018 Woodstock Groundhog Days Festival!
2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the classic film “Groundhog Day”, which was filmed in Woodstock. The weekend celebration kicks off on Thursday, February 1 with the Awakening of the Groundhog at the historic Woodstock Opera House. On Friday, February 2 at approximately 7:07 AM, Woods...READ MORE!
At the Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, the party’s been going on for more than 110 years. This 150-feet ski jump rises high above the Fox River and offers a year-round training facility and competition venue for world-class athletes. No snow? No problem. The plastic covering on the hill creates a slick surface, even on 90-degree days.
While the athletes practice quietly throughout the year, on competition days in January and September, thousands of spectators...READ MORE!
Have the most unique gift at this year's festivities by shopping in some of McHenry County's small businesses!
Because we have so many amazing small businesses right here in McHenry County, we reached out to a variety of stores to get their suggestions on what they predict will be the best selling gifts for this holiday season!
Here is what they said:
Silver Prairie Natural Soap Company -
Woodstock, IL
Lather your loved one in a l...READ MORE!
In McHenry County, we are more than strip malls and big box stores. Our communities are filled with interesting, intriguing and sometimes even ingenious shops to fit your shopping personality. What kind of shopper are you? Use this list to help you create your ultimate holiday shopping list!
Treat yourself to a book (and a sweet)
Dreams do come true! Or, at least they do for Arlene Lynes, her knowledgable staff and all the dedicated customers of Read...READ MORE!
Beyond the gifts under the tree, part of what makes Christmas special are the family traditions involving the tree. Sure, you could bring up an artificial tree from the basement, but you can also visit a Christmas tree farm, smell the holiday scents of pine and balsam, maybe take a wagon ride to the distant corners of an orderly pine forest and choose exactly the right tree to serve as the centerpiece of your holiday decor. Fact is, we harvest more Christmas t...READ MORE!
October 14th is National Dessert Day, so here is a list of the top 10 places to satisfy your sweet tooth in McHenry County!
1. The Sugar Circle - Woodstock, IL
This quaint little shop just off the Woodstock Square is the perfect place to stop by for a sweet treat during the Farmer's Market, or for a gorgeous cake for your special day! They have all of your dessert needs covered! Owner Lauren Hamilton has loved to bake and is adventurou...READ MORE!
As you make your way through McHenry County you will find a breadth of small businesses that are thriving! One of the largest categories of small businesses in the county are coffee shops! Here are a few in different areas of the county where you can get the best cup of joe!
Ethereal Confections - Woodstock, IL
Not only is Ethereal Confections the perfect place for a sweet treat, but you can get a outstanding cup of joe while you're there! Which makes...READ MORE!
Taking food (and chocolate) forward
Bean to bar chocolatier, Ethereal Confections, does things because they are worth doing and because sanity comes before sounding cool. The company, co-founded by owners Sara Miller and brother and sister duo Michael and Mary Ervin, make bean-to-bar chocolate and confections from scratch ingredients which are dairy, gluten and soy-free. Yum!
The Woodstock Based Ethereal Confections has a food-foward cafe, as well as a speake...READ MORE!
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