McHenry County - 22 Attractions You Must Visit

Types of Attractions in McHenry County

Outdoors - Other (7)

Iconic Buildings (5)

Lake/ River/ Ponds (4)

Old Ruins (2)

Parks (2)

1 Day Treks (1)

Art Centres (1)

Beaches (1)

Popular Activities And Trips in McHenry County

List of Attractions in McHenry County

3rd Sunday Market

Street Markets

The 3rd Sunday Market is a great place for a variety of activities and fun. Every month, dozens of vendors come to the market to showcase their homemade goods and wares that shoppers can take home. There are also food vendors offering delicious treats such as farm-fresh items, homemade jams and jellies, specialty coffees, soups and other lunchtime offerings. The market is open on the third Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm and features live music.

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875 N Michigan Ave

Iconic Buildings

Man-made Structures - Other

875 North Michigan Avenue is a stunning piece of architecture located in the heart of a bustling city. This building was designed by award-winning architects and boasts an impressive aesthetic with its towering height and sleek glass exterior. The lobby has modern furnishings and finishes, creating a sophisticated first impression. It is home to numerous tenants as well as amenities such as office space, terraces for outdoor gatherings, fitness centers, and gourmet dining establishments.

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Bettendorf Castle

Iconic Buildings

Bettendorf Castle is an impressive four-tower medieval stone castle situated on 11 scenic acres. Constructed over the course of 40 years by German immigrant Nicholas J. Bettendorf, the castle was built entirely with his own two hands and no machine assistance or outside labor. The 24-room structure includes several original fireplaces and woodwork, a unique walled courtyard, 20th century bathrooms and electric kitchen appliances.

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Chain-O-Lakes State Park

Outdoors - Other

Chain O'Lakes State Park located on more than 6,600 acres of land, Chain O'Lakes State Park offers some of the most impressive scenery in the state. From wetlands to dense forests and even an island surrounded by shallow lakes, visitors have plenty to explore. The park also includes a restaurant and campground for those looking to stay overnight or longer. Boating is available on several of the lakes, with fishing being particularly popular due to the wide variety of species found within them.

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Col. Gustavus A. Palmer House

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

The Col. Gustavus A. Palmer House, is a valuable piece of American history and architecture. Built in 1854, the two-story Greek Revival design was at one point considered to be "one of the most magnificent homes" in the entire area, due to its location and high level of craftsmanship. Today, it serves as an important reminder of our nation's past and remains open for tours, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful home and learn more about both local and national history.

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Crystal Lake Main Beach

Beaches

Crystal Lake Main Beach is a great place to visit during the summer. It features a 250 feet sand beach with several areas for swimming making it perfect for both sunbathers and swimmers alike. Visitors can also take advantage of the various amenities on-site such as concessions, playground areas, restroom facilities and picnic tables. In addition, there are plenty of activities available to participate in, from volleyball to paddleboarding.

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Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

Outdoors - Other

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is an incredible natural area filled with diverse species of plants and animals. It features over 4,000-acres of wetlands, prairie habitats, woods, and river shorelines along the Kishwaukee River Valley. The refuge serves as a haven for a variety of birds, from woodpeckers to great blue herons and many in between. These avian species use the refuge’s varied habitats as they migrate throughout Illinois and beyond.

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Illinois Railway Museum

Museums

The Illinois Railway Museum located about an hour northwest of Chicago, the museum houses over 425 pieces of railway equipment from the past 150 years. The grounds boast many different vintage locomotives, passenger cars and freight trains spanning from its beginnings in 1868 to the mid-20th century. Visitors can take guided tours with knowledgeable docents that explain the incredible history behind each of the various rolling stock featured within its vast collection.

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Lake Atwood

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Lake Atwood is a captivating place to visit. Spilling out of over 600 acres, the lake offers breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor recreational activities. Whether you’re on the lake for fishing or taking long walks along its shore, it’s impossible to have a dull moment at this stunning freshwater lake. Boating is also common among visitors and locals alike - with canoeing, kayaking and sailing being popular weekend pastimes. Lake Atwood is a delightful destination any time of the year!

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Lake Defiance

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Lake Defiance, is an oasis of calm and peace. A stunning lake surrounded by cooler air, the lake was built by damming a stream. It's catfish-rich waters are home to many small and large fish species, while the nearby woods offer plentiful nature walks or a spot of bird watching. With zoned areas for both fishing and swimming, people can make the most of their day here in any way they please - including topping it off with a picturesque sunset picnic on its banks.

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Lippold Park

Outdoors - Other

Parks

Lippold Park offers beautiful views and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. There are trails for hiking and biking as well as playgrounds, picnic areas and plenty of wildlife. For the more adventurous types, Lippold Park has a canoe launch area where visitors can rent canoes and kayaks for a relaxing afternoon or evening on the Fox River. The park also includes boat slips along the waterfront for those looking to take advantage of some fishing or water skiing.

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Moraine Hills State Park

Outdoors - Other

Moraine Hills State Park covering nearly 2200 acres with rolling hills, nature trails and many unique natural attractions, the park offers something for everyone. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities throughout the year including bird watching, camping, fishing, biking and swimming. Boating and kayaking on Lake Defiance are also popular activities here. Whether you're looking for tranquility or a more energetic outdoor experience, Moraine Hills State Park will not disappoint.

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Norge Ski Club

Skiing Spots

The Norge Ski Club founded in 1903, it is the oldest ski club in U S. The club includes a jump hill, a chalet-style clubhouse, and several miles of trails and slopes for skiing, snowboarding. The members are enthusiastic outdoor enthusiasts who come together to enjoy winter sports and just have a good time. They also socialize together, learning from each other's successes on the slopes, enjoying camaraderie with friends in included pub nights, breakfasts and hot cocoa evenings at their lodge.

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Pistakee Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Pistakee Lake is a popular spot for fishing and recreational activities such as swimming, boating and hiking. Named after a Native American tribe, the lake has an average depth of only 6 feet—making it ideal for shallow-water activities. With its relatively small size, Pistakee Lake boasts consistent walleye and panfish catches year round. Local tour guides say that the fishing "doesn't get any better" than what can be found here.

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Prairie Trail

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Prairie Trail is an ideal destination for those seeking a fun, outdoor activity. Located on the Fox River with miles of trails and greenways, it is perfect for all types of recreational activities such as biking, walking, running, and rollerblading. There are plenty of places to stop and relax along the way as well. Whether looking to have a picnic lunch or taking some time out to throw a line into the river and catch some fish, the area has something for everyone.

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The Dole

Iconic Buildings

The Dole Mansion is an iconic piece of local history. Founded by railroad magnate Lyman Dole and his family in the 19th century, it is a reminder of the area’s past wealth and grandeur. The mansion served as their home for several generations before being sold off to a number of different owners during the 20th century. After undergoing various levels of restoration over the years, the former mansion now houses a bed and breakfast where many come to remember and appreciate its past.

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Three Oaks Recreation Area

Outdoors - Other

Three Oaks Recreation Area is a beautiful escape to the outdoors. The recreation area has a Lake Michigan beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or fishing. There are also 11 miles of trails across the 500-acre park perfect for biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Picnicking is always an option with 19 picnic sites filled with wooden tables and fire pits for grilling. For a truly relaxing getaway, visitors can stay overnight in simple cabins filled with bunks and mattresses.

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Veteran Acres Park

Outdoors - Other

Parks

Veteran Acres Park is a truly remarkable place. Set on the shores of Crystal Lake and sprawling across 34 acres of lush land, it is an unforgettable destination for anyone who visits. Boasting a wide array of amenities including multiple picnic sites, baseball fields, a playground, and hiking trails spanning 3 miles, there's something for everyone here. Fishing is also very popular in the 120-acre pond located within the park grounds.

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