Every February, Groundhog Day revelers from around the world visit Woodstock, Illinois to watch a rodent predict the weather for the coming weeks. This may sound crazy to some, but if you've seen the 90's classic Groundhog Day featuring Bill Murray, you know what we're talking about. The film is based on the annual event hosted in Punxsatawney, Pennsylvania, but if you make the treck to Pensylvania you will find that it looks nothing like the movie. Tha...READ MORE!
BRAND GUIDELINES & PROMISE STATMENTS
Visit McHenry County, in collaboration with McHenry County, Illinois, and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), has unveiled an all-new brand identity — Naturally McHenry County — that aligns the three entities to better promote the county as a top choice to visit, live and work. Highlighted by gorgeous, natural vistas with miles of rivers, streams and trails, plus innume...READ MORE!
Illinois Office of Tourism Announces 28 New Small Businesses Inducted to the Illinois Made Program
Including 2 McHenry County businesses!
Newest Illinois Made class highlights diverse group of small businesses with goal of generating tourism activity in every corner of Illinois
The Illinois Office of Tourism today announced 28 new small businesses, or ‘Makers’ have been recognized as part of the Illinois Made program. The program recog...READ MORE!
McHenry County comes alive during the holiday season!
Experience the best of it on our Merry McHenry County Holiday Getaway.
We've done all the planning, all you have to do is book your magical holiday getaway to McHenry County, IL.
Friday:
Arrive and check-in at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
Visit Downtown Crystal Lake's Santa House to get your wish list taken care of with the big man!
Head to Duke's Alehouse & Kitche...READ MORE!
Conservation District Disc Golf Course at Fel Pro ranked one of the higest in the Chicagoland Area
When McHenry County Conservation District’s new and improved 18-hole Disc Golf Course at Fel Pro Conservation Area in Cary opened in September of 2020, no one could have guessed its immediate growth in popularity.
Based on the UDisc App and website for disc golfers that tracks over 10,000 courses worldwide, Fel-Pro Conservation Area’s...READ MORE!
If you’re scrolling Instagram in late summer, you will most likely see beautiful fields of sunflowers filling your feed. Want to jump on the Insta trend? Well, you’re in luck, McHenry County is home to 4 farms filled with sunflowers for days. Below is a list of our local farms offering sunflower fields, mazes and special events. Always check each of their social media channels before visiting to ensure the blooms are ready as things change quickly based on th...READ MORE!
After the year that was 2020, it’s time to get out and experience it all! That is why we have put together the ultimate Summer 2021 Bucket List so you can get the most out of your summer adventures. This list is packed with outdoor adventures, fun for the family, delicious detours and so much more! So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into summer!
Kayak the Nippersink –
Bring your own Kayak or rent from Scull & Oars to experience t...READ MORE!
In McHenry County, strawberries typically peak in early to mid-June and typically last only a few weeks due to popularity. We are lucky to have a wide variety of farms that offer pick-your-own strawberries, so we want to give you a few tips and tricks to make the most out of your visit.
Walk carefully in the strawberry fields so that you do not damage plants or fruit along the edge of the row.
Only pick berries that are fully red.
Grasp ...READ MORE!
McHenry County is home to so many unique farms and farmers markets. Unlike grocery stores though, fresh produce is only available during certain times of the year. Explore the guide below to discover where and when you can pick and purchase the freshest produce straight from the growers. Looking to shop our farmers markets? Click HERE to see all of the farmers markets that call McHenry County home.
Asparagus –
&...READ MORE!
Tips to enjoy your visit - by O the Places We Go
Opening date for the 2022 Festival are TBD!
We will update as soon as Mother Nature is ready to bloom!
Did you hear? Tulips are coming back to McHenry County! Richardson Farm in Spring Grove is hosting their 2nd annual Tulip Festival. This is HUGE considering no one else in the Chicagoland area has done anything like this. Richardson Farm is no stranger to fun – every year they open their doors ...READ MORE!
Their bright red parkas popping against a backdrop of sunlit snow on a chilly, early March afternoon, George and Wendy Richardson pointed toward a northwesterly field on their 500-acre farm.
Soon enough, that sea of melting snow will give way to brilliant oranges, deep reds, bright pinks, purples, yellows and golds as the 300,000 tulip bulbs planted there begin to emerge.
Thirty different varieties with names like Apricot Impression, Golde...READ MORE!
Cold weather is officially here. Take advantage of the winter season by exploring the vast outdoor adventures McHenry County has to offer. Whether it’s sledding with the family, ice fishing with friends, or hiking a candlelight trail there are winter activities and outdoor recreation for everyone.
Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing & Winter Hiking | Map
The McHenry County Conservation District offers two weekends of candlelight cross-country...READ MORE!
Fall colors are beginning to reach their peak throughout McHenry County and Northern Illinois. To experience the best of them we suggest visiting the following 5 locations:
Photo: @emilykalinowski
Chain O' Lakes State Park
8916 Wilmot Road | Spring Grove
Chain O' Lakes is filled with river bluffs and gently sloping morainal hills that were deposited by Illinois' last glacier. The mixture of oak and hickory forests provide excellent views of fall f...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!
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!
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!
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:
3600 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock
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 33rd year.
October 15 – 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, in rural Woodstock and Marengo.&...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!
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, July 3
Wonder Lake 4th of July Celebration
Wonder Lake | E. Lakeshore Dr., Wonder Lake
Admission is free
Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team performance at 4:30 PM followed by fireworks
Red White & Blue Food Truck FEASTival
Milky Way Pa...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!
June
Harvard Milk Days
June 3 - 5, 2022
Milky Way Park | 300 Lawrence Rd, Harvard
Don&...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!
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!
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!
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!
Explore the country’s FIRST apple tree maze
Royal Oak Farm Orchard is home to the country’s 1stapple tree maze, Amaze ‘N Apples! Wander through 1 ½ miles of walking trails while picking from nine different varieties of apples. When you find your way out, stop by the bakery for fresh apple cider doughnuts, find beautiful fall décor for your home or get an early start on Christmas shopping at the country gift store.
Pick ...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!
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.
Cary Grove Farmers Market
Visitors will find fresh fruits and veggies, as well as specialty canned items, salad dressings and more. Stop in the first Sunday of the month for a free reusable bag. Located right of...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 almost 120 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 se...READ MORE!
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