This Chicagoland County Welcomes You

Just 50 miles northwest of the city of Chicago, McHenry is a county that knows how to treat visitors. With diverse attractions for tourists and plenty of facilities for sports planners, McHenry County shows guests that variety is the spice of life.

The county hosts several sport events regularly, including the MCYSA Summer International Basketball Championships, Savage Race, Tough Mudder and Mudderella. All this experience means McHenry County can skillfully cater to many different sports, from skiing and skating to mud runs and obstacle races. Off the field, the county boasts enjoyable leisure-time options ranging from museums to picturesque gardens and orchards.

Attractions for every taste

McHenry County residents are proud of their many attractions and welcome visitors of all stripes to explore and enjoy entertainment in a wide variety of venues.

The McHenry County Fairgrounds host the county fair for one week in August and several other festivals, including a holiday celebration in winter. Richardson’s Adventure Farm boasts the largest corn maze in the world, a zip line and other exciting attractions.

On the calmer side of things, visitors can enjoy the natural bounty of Royal Oak Farm Orchard and Gardens of Woodstock. Visitors can also visit historical sites such as Dole Mansion at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, Illinois Railway Museum and Volo Auto Museum.


X Factors

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Find Fabulous Facilities

Crystal Ice House

Sports: Hockey, skating

This ice rink, located in the town of Crystal Lake, hosts leagues and programs for hockey and figure skating, like the Crystal Lake Stingers and Yellowjackets. Three sheets of ice (one NHL-sized), locker rooms, concessions and a pro shop are among some of the amenities offered by the Crystal Ice House. The general public can also skate at Crystal Ice House. No matter the skill level of visitors, Crystal Ice House works to make itself accessible to all.

The Quarry Cable Park

Sports: Wakeboarding

The Quarry - croppedThis Crystal Lake park takes its name from its original function as a gravel mine. The former quarry was filled with water and turned into a park with an extensive cable course for wakeboarding that will open in the spring of 2016. The 32-acre lake has jumps and other features that make for a complete wakeboard course. In addition to competitions, the Quarry offers lessons in wakeboarding and tours of its cutting-edge facilities. The Quarry also has a volleyball court and the Bar and Grille restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Pinecrest Golf Club

Sports: Golf

This 18-hole golf course resides in Huntley, a fast-growing community. Covering 130 acres, it has five lakes and 63 sand bunkers, as well as plenty of trees. An all-grass practice range, three target greens and a practice sand or chipping green are also available. This course keeps busy hosting various leagues, classes and outings, but welcomes new clients looking for an extensive, well-maintained venue for their next tournament.

McHenry County Fairgrounds

Sports: Indoor and outdoor sports

When these Woodstock fairgrounds aren’t hosting the county fair for five days in August, or special festivals at times, they are available for rent by event planners. The grounds cover 65 acres with outdoor grandstand seating for 1,300 and also 9,600 square feet of multipurpose climate-controlled indoor space. Both indoor and outdoor spaces can be used for diverse purposes, from BMX racing to polo to dog shows. Just about any event imaginable can be catered to. Parking space includes up to 125 RV spaces during events.

Lippold Park

Sports: Disc golf, baseball, softball, soccer, football, sand volleyball

Lippold Park in Crystal Lake is 310 acres of designated spaces for a variety of sports. There is one disc golf course, eight baseball fields, four softball fields with artificial infield turf, nine irrigated soccer fields, three football fields, a couple of sand volleyball courts and a miniature golf course and driving range. Lippold Park also offers concessions, a dog park and several miles of recreational walking trails including 60 acres of natural landscape largely made up of ponds and wetlands. A skate park, practice batting cages and an outdoor fitness area round out the sport offerings.

Three Oaks Recreation Area

Sports: Water sports

This park in Crystal Lake is connected to the wakeboarding Quarry and covers an extensive area of three lakes dotted with marinas, a scuba diving facility and designated swimming areas. Boat rentals for fishing, wakeboarding and canoeing are available to the public, in addition to several walking and hiking trails. A lake house and picnic grounds offer a place to rest while out of the water and enjoy some food. A pavilion area can be rented as a picnic space or home base during your event.

Sunset Park

Sports: Outdoor sports

Sunset Park is located in the town of Lake in the Hills and contains a sporting complex with facilities for just about any outdoor sport. There are seven baseball fields, nine soccer fields, three football fields, two outdoor basketball courts, two tennis courts and even a cricket pitch. The park is dotted by natural wetland areas, trees and a pond. Other spots for recreation include a skate park, Splash Pad water playground, a regular playground and several sheltered picnic areas. Sharing these premises are the town’s public works building and community garden plots. Ample parking is available in the east and west parking lots.

Norge Ski Club

Sports: Ski jump

The Norge Ski Club of Fox River Grove is open year round as a training facility and offers space for competitive ski jumping. In addition to training new recruits, experienced skiers are welcome to train at the facility. The club has hosted the K70 Junior Olympic Qualifiers and National Ski Jumping Championships. The tower and clubhouse can be rented for all types of events.

How to get to McHenry

Located about 60 miles to the northwest of Chicago, McHenry County is right near a major population center, making it quite easy to access.

By Car: Several major roadways go through McHenry County including I-90, Illinois 23, US 14, US 12 and US 120.

By Air: McHenry County is about 50 miles away from O’Hare and Midway airports in Chicago and 67 miles from Milwaukee’s George Mitchell International Airport.