The warm weather has officially arrived, signaling the time to venture to enchanting places and breathe in fresh air. Summer destinations should feel like an escape—places where you can wander through a national park, take a dip in the lake, or explore a charming local town.
Fortunately, McHenry County is the perfect place to add to your list when considering a day trip from Chicago; it’s a destination that checks all the boxes.
McHenry County is home to numerous towns, each with its own rich history and small-town charm. Among them are Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Spring Grove, Cary, Fox River Grove, Richmond, Johnsburg, and Woodstock. You’ll find a wealth of outdoor activities as well as magnetic main streets to explore.
Notable places to visit in McHenry County:
Woodstock Square
Woodstock Square is a historic downtown oasis brimming with local charm. It offers a dynamic mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, and delightful summer festivals.
Wonder Lake
One look at the picturesque body of water that Wonder Lake is named after, and it’s easy to see why people flock here to take in the breathtaking sights.
Along with the stunning setting, Wonder Lake offers unparalleled fun with cable wakeboarding, beach lounging, sand volleyball, and a world-class water ski team every summer.
Chain O’Lakes State Park
Located at Illinois’ most significant concentration of natural lakes, Chain O’ Lakes State Park is a quintessential recreation area for hiking, boating, fishing, and waterskiing in McHenry County.
The park features seven picnic areas and four trail systems. Notable trails include the Nature’s Way, which starts at Oak Grove Picnic Area and spans 2.25 miles. The Pike Marsh North Picnic Area features a quarter-mile accessible trail. Additionally, the park has 6 miles of biking and hiking trails.