Home > Nature > View All

Nature

Welcome to our back yard

From hiking and biking to boating and winter sports, if you love to play outside, you'll love what you find in McHenry County. Hit the beach without traveling to the ocean, do some skiing without traveling to the Swiss Alps. We have all the outdoor fun you want, all year round, all in our back yard.

Alpine Accessories

9219 South State Rt. 31
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
847-854-4754

Alpine Accessories offers year round gear for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer time you can hop on a paddleboard from their rental station at Three Oaks Recreation Area, or in the winter they provid...

✓ Online Shopping

Boger Bog

2100 Cherry Valley Rd
Bull Valley, IL 60098
815-338-6223

This intimate site features a one mile nature trail with boardwalk, council fire ring, and small picnic shelter. This 38-acre site is comprised of six different natural communities, including a mesic ...

Boone Creek

916 Cold Springs Rd
Bull Valley, IL 60098
815-338-6223

This picturesque site offers a 2 mile hiking trail and 1.3 mile local horseback trail link, as well as opportunities for picnicking on the observation deck and wildlife watching through viewing scopes...

Brookdale Conservation Area

18410 US Hwy 14
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338.6223

Located in the northwestern quadrant of the county, Brookdale offers a serene getaway from daily life. Visitors can enjoy a 1 mile mowed grass trail loop that transverses one side of the 11 acre pond,...

Chapel Hill Country Club

2500 Chapel Hill Road
McHenry, IL 60050
815-385-3337

Chapel Hill Country Club debuted in 1969 and since then, has been a perennial favorite of both Lake County and McHenry County golfers. The course, located in Johnsburg, IL, features one of the area's ...

Coral Woods

7400 Somerset
Marengo, IL 60152
815-338-6223

Dominated by a core of century old red and white oaks, the environmental significance of Coral Woods is the protection of these diminishing oak woodlands. Coral Woods represents one of only eigh...

Dufield Pond

11750 Country Club Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-6223

Dufield Pond offers both fishing and hiking opportunities. On the Country Club Road (north) entrance, fish in the 7 acre lake for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie channel catfish and yellow perch. I...

Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve & Varga Archaeological Site

11000 Lakeview Road
Richmond, IL 60071
815-338-6223

Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archeological Site is a large, diverse wetland community composed of every different stage of high-quality wetland, including: graminoid fens, calcareous floating ...

Exner Marsh

9000 Lakewood Rd
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
815-338-6223

Exner Marsh lies in a shallow glacial lake bed now entirely underlain by organic deposits and bordered by uplands consisting of both glacial till and outwash deposits. It is representative of the Mora...

Fel Pro RRR Conservation Area

1520 Crystal Lake Rd
Cary, IL 60012
815-338-6223

Fel-Pro RRR is a example of protecting natural areas habitat while providing diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. Unlike any other site the Conservation District owns, Fel-Pro RRR in Cary offer...

Fox Bluff Conservation Area

1300 Cold Springs Rd
Algonquin, IL 60102
815-338-6223

The Fox Bluff complex includes woodlands, wetlands, fens, wet prairies and 3,530 linear feet of shoreline along the Fox River. The topography is steep with varying slopes and ravines. The northern por...

Glacial Park

Route 31 & Harts Road
Ringwood, IL 60072
815-338-6223

Glacial Park is McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space holding, characterized by its rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and the tranquil presence of the meanderi...

H.U.M Trail - McHenry County Conservation District

111 N Prospect St.
Marengo, IL 60152
815-338-6223

The Huntley-Union-Marengo trail currently runs from East Street in Marengo to Vine Street in Union. This 3.5 mile paved multi-use trail provides a recreational amenity for bikers, rollerbladers and ru...

Harrison Benwell Conservation Area

7055 McCullom Lake Rd
Wonder Lake, IL 60097
815-338-6223

Harrison Benwell is one of the District’s oldest sites. It was one of the first properties acquired and the first site to open to the public in 1973. Recent restoration work in the oak and hicko...

Hickory Grove Highlands/ Lyons Prairie & Marsh

500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane
Cary, IL 60013
815-338-6223

This site is so large that it is actually broken down into 3 parks (Hickory Grove Highlands, Hickory Grove Riverfront and Lyons Prairie & Marsh) that are all interconnected. Within these sites you...

High Point Conservation Area

10250 Reese Road
Harvard, IL 60033
815-338-6223

Perched in the center of a three-mile radius, High Point Conservation Area boasts the highest glaciated point in Illinois at 1,189’ above sea level. This 253 acre oak and hickory savanna and eph...

Kishwaukee Headwaters

1606 Dean St
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-6223

As its name suggest, this site is part of the headwaters and watershed of the Kishwaukee River. Beginning as a simple trickle or seep, the wetland communities of this site and the area directly ...

Lake in the Hills Fen

1500 Jefferson Street
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
815-338-6223

Opened in April of 2011, this area has 229 acres adjacent to the 27 acre Lake in the Hills Fen State Nature Preserve. Within LITH Fen there are several places where the clay layer is exposed and...

Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park

6720 Keystone Rd.
Richmond, IL 60071
815-678-4532

The Lost Valley Visitor Center opened to the public in August 2010. This 28,450 square foot facility hosts a number of environmental education programs, workshops, camps and special events. An exhibit...

Main Stay Therapeutic Farm

6919 Keystone Rd
Richmond, IL 60071
815-653-9374

Main Stay’s mission is to encourage, enrich and empower individuals through the therapeutic benefits of horses, animals and nature in an uplifting and nurturing setting. Main Stay is a place where bod...

Marengo Ridge Conservation Area

2411 N. Route 23
Marengo, IL 60152
815-338-6223

Marengo Ridge Conservation Area is one of McHenry County’s most popular and treasured areas. It contains over 818 acres of oak and hickory woodlands interspersed with spruce, aspen, ash and suma...

McHenry County Conservation District

18410 US Highway 14
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-6223

If you love to reconnect with nature, where better than at McHenry County Conservation District's 30 public sites? Hike, bike, boat, fish, amp or just enjoy watching the wildlife on more than 24,0...

Nippersink Canoe Base

400 E. US Highway 12
Spring Grove, IL 60081
815-338-6223

Situated along the southern banks of Nippersink Creek, the 377-acre conservation site is home to a variety of natural communities including savanna and woodland, marsh, fen and sedge meadow. The creek...

Norge Ski Club

100 Ski Hill Rd.
Fox River Grove, IL 60021
847-639-9718

We are the oldest, continuously open ski club in the United States. The club was started in 1905 by a group of Norwegian men. Most lived in Chicago and came out to Fox River Grove to ski jump. They...

North Branch Conservation Area

11500 North Keystone Road
Richmond, IL 60071
815-338-6223

Tucked away in the in the extreme northeastern part of McHenry County lies 521 acres of preserved open space known as North Branch Conservation Area. Due to its biologically rich ecosystems, like the ...

Pinecrest Golf Club, Restaurant and Banquet Facility

11220 Algonquin Road
Huntley, IL 60142
847-669-1400

Pinecrest Golf Club is an 18-Hole, 6,666 yard, par 72 Championship Golf Course known for its pristine and friendly playing conditions. The course offers four different sets of tees to play from and h...

Pleasant Valley Conservation Area

12215 Pleasant Valley Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-6223

Pleasant Valley expands 2,080 acres and is a mosaic of natural areas. Within its borders exist a high-quality oak savanna, a grade ‘A’ stream, a never before plowed wetland and an impressi...

Prairie Trail

314 Washington St
Algonquin, IL 60102
815-338-6223

Whether it’s a morning trek, a family weekend ride or part of your weekly fitness regime, hike, pedal or roll along over 45 miles of trails offered throughout McHenry County on the Prairie Trail...

Prairieview Education Center

2112 Behan Road
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-479-5779

Opened to the public in 1999, Prairieview Education Center serves thousands of McHenry County residents annually by offering free and low-cost nature programs, youth group programs, summer camps, scho...

Rush Creek Conservation Area

20501 McGuire Road
Harvard, IL 60033
815-338-6223

Rush Creek Conservation Area is 726 acres and contains a mixture of upland forest, oak and hickory woodlands, wetlands and sedge meadows. In addition, a one-mile section of the 12.5 mile R...

Silver Creek Conservation Area

1009 Rawson Bridge Road
Cary, IL 60013
815-338-6223

Silver Creek Conservation Area is comprised of several natural communities, including wetlands, prairie, and savannas. Wetlands are areas that are saturated by surface or ground water and have th...

Soulful Prairies

4706 Alden Rd
Woodstock, IL 60098
847-366-6743

Soulful Prairies embodies a gentle energy that many have described as peace. The soil and space supports me in the work that I do with people, horses and critters while offering much more. Sharing the...

Spring Grove Horse Show

8105 Blivin St
Spring Grove, IL 60081
815-888-5009

Spring Grove Horse Show is a non-profit organization designed to help the local equine community in schooling their equine partners. The show series is run annually by local volunteers and families. W...

Stickney Run Conservation Area

3216 West State Park Road
McHenry, IL 60050
815-338-6223

This site is home to a variety of wildlife. A large variety of birds can be found because of the many different types of habitats that can be found. While on site, look for great blue hero...

The Hollows

3804 US Highway 14
Cary, IL 60013
815-338-6223

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 sh...

The Midwest Equestrian Magazine

PO Box 56
Richmond, IL 60071
847-736-5826

We at The Midwest Equestrian are fellow horse enthusiasts aiming to bring you the latest news about equine activities, products and services available in the Midwest....

The Quarry Cable Park

5517 Northwest Highway
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-455-9688

The Quarry is a next-generation cable wake park located within the beautiful Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake. This multi-faceted facility is situated on the 32-acre North Lake of Three Oaks...

The Riding Club of Barrington Hills

PO Box 418
Barrington, IL 60011
815-893-6280

One of the longest-standing and possibly most unique riding clubs in the United States celebrates 80 years of equestrian excellence, land preservation, and the pure enjoyment of sharing beautiful o...

Thomas Woods - McHenry County Conservation District

3100 N. Route 23
Marengo, IL 60152
815-338-6223

While camping at Thomas Woods you will enjoy the sights and sounds of Marengo Ridge. Currently McHenry County’s most popular and treasured areas, Marengo Ridge contains over 818 acres of oak and...

Three Oaks Recreation Area

Rte. 14 & Main St.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-459-2020

Three Oaks Recreation Area provides visitors with a unique recreational experience. The Three Oaks Recreation Area is a reclaimed quarry that has pristine waters and excellent fishing. Patrons are abl...

Wilmot Mountain

11931 Fox River Rd.
Wilmot, IL 53192
262-862-2301

With nearly 120 skiable acres, 23 trails, 7 lifts, 2 surface conveyor lifts and progression terrain parks with a double high speed rope tow, there is enough terrain to challenge experts to beginners, ...

Winding Creek Conservation District

8415 Johnson Road
Hebron, IL 60034
815-338-6223

A 1.7 mile looped multipurpose hiking trail runs through restored prairie and woodland or just a short .5 mile looped from the parking lot to around the pond. An early morning parking lot near the ent...

Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team

PO Box 518
Wonder Lake, IL 60097
815-321-3846

This 140-plus member team is a four-time National Show Ski Champion and has placed in the top five in the nation every year since 1996. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the ski team performs a fre...

All Marine's Retro Rentals
1210 Riverside Dr
McHenry, IL 60050
815-363-2100

Blackstone Golf Club
9700 St. Andrews Drive
Marengo, IL 60152
815-923-1800

Boone Creek Golf Course
6912 Mason Hill Road
Bull Valley, IL 60050
815.455.6900

Boulder Ridge Country Club
350 Boulder Drive
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
847-854-3010

Cary Country Club
2400 Grove Lane
Cary, IL 60013
847-639-6582

Cary Park District
255 Briargate Rd.
Cary, IL 60013
847-639-6100

Chain O'Lakes State Park
8916 Wilmot Road
Spring Grove, IL 60081
847-587-5512

Chalet Hills Golf Club
943 Rawson Bridge Road
Cary, IL 60013
847-639-0666

Chicago Northwest KOA
8404 South Union Road
Union, IL 60180
800-562-2827

Craig Woods Golf Course
5915 S. Route 47
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-3111

Crystal Lake Park Distirct
One East Crystal Lake Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-459-0680

Crystal Lake Park District Beaches
Lake Shore Drive
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-459-0680

Crystal Woods Golf Club
5915 S. Route 47
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-3111

Foxford Hills Golf Club
6800 S. Rawson Bridge Road
Algonquin, IL 60013
815-639-0400

Gardens of Woodstock
5211 Swanson Rd.
Lakewood, IL 60098
815-337-2509

Golf Club of Illinois
1575 Edgewood Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-658-4400

Huntley Park District
12015 Mill Street
Huntley, IL 60142
847-669-3180

Indian Trail Beach
228 Indian Trail
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
847-960-7460

Lake Julian
65 S. HWY. 14
Cary, IL 60013
847-639-3734

Lehman's Lakeside RV Resort
19609 Harmony Rd
Marengo, IL 60152
815-923-4533

Lippold Park Family Golf Center
1251 W. Route 176
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-477-5401

Lucky Brake Bicycles
470 W. Virginia St.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-459-1833

Marengo Ridge Golf and Country Club
9106 Harmony Hill Road
Marengo, IL 60152
815-923-2332

McHenry Riverwalk District
Green Street to Riverside Drive
McHenry, IL 60050
815-363-2100

Merkel Aquatic Center
201 S. Green St.
McHenry, IL 60050
815-363-2169

Moraine Hills State Park
1510 S. River Rd
McHenry, IL 60051
815-385-1624

Oak Grove Golf Course
16914 Oak Grove Road
Harvard, IL 60033
815-648-2550

Old Top Farm Golf Course
2120 Crystal Lake Rd
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
815.479.9361

Petersen Park Beach
4300 Petersen Park Rd
McHenry, IL 60050
8153824300

Prairie Isle Golf Club
2216 Route 176
Prairie Grove, IL 60012
815-356-0202

RedTail Golf Club
7900 RedTail Drive
Lakewood, IL 60014
815-477-0055

Scull & Oars Canoe and Kayak Rental
6014 N Mill Dr
Wonder Lake, IL 60097
815-814-5155

The Bike Haven McHenry
3318 W. Pearl St.
McHenry, IL 60050
815-385-4642

✓ Online Shopping

The Bike Haven Woodstock
132 Cass St.
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-308-5840

✓ Online Shopping

Volo Bog
28478 W. Brandenburg Road
Ingleside, IL 60041
815-344-1294

Whisper Creek Golf Club
12840 Del Webb Boulevard
Huntley, IL 60156
847.515.7682

Woods Creek Lake / Nockels Park
149 Hilltop Drive
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
847-960-7460

Woodstock Water Works
1313 Kishwaukee Valley Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-4896

SnapWidget · Instagram Widget

Visit McHenry County, Illinois

Request or Download our FREE Visitors Guide!