Things To Do
in McHenry

Scenic river views, flowing water over the dam and reflections make this a great spot for sunrise, golden hour and long-exposure shots.

Lakeshores, wetlands and rolling glacial terrain provide varied landscape photography opportunities, especially in autumn foliage or early morning mist.

Quaint storefronts, bridges and pedestrian-friendly stretches offer classic small-town portraits and street photography.

Unique wetlands, bog ecosystems and prairie remnants provide wildlife and botanical photography, particularly during migration and wildflower seasons.

A seasonal farmers market (typically spring through fall) featuring local produce, baked goods, prepared foods and artisan vendors — excellent for picnic supplies and tasting regional flavors.

During festivals and weekends downtown you may find food trucks and pop-up stalls offering barbecue, tacos, sandwiches and dessert items — a casual way to sample a variety of tastes.

In the U.S., tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants for good service, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for hotel staff and $5–10 for taxi or ride-share drivers depending on distance. Round up for quick service counters if you received helpful assistance.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for farmers markets, small vendors or tips; ATMs are available in town.

Spring brings warming temperatures, muddy trails early in the season, and flowering trees. Expect variable weather—pack layers and waterproof shoes—and enjoy migrating birds and emerging wildflowers.

Summer is warm and humid, ideal for boating, fishing and outdoor events; bring sun protection and insect repellent for lakeside activities. Peak tourist activity occurs around holidays and weekends.

Fall offers cool, crisp days and excellent foliage photography at the parks and river. This is a popular time for hikes and scenic drives—book lodging early for weekend visits.

Winters are cold with snow and ice—outdoor activities shift to ice fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing where conditions permit. Dress warmly and be cautious on icy roads and trails.

Extensive trails through glacial ridges, prairies and shoreline with good birdwatching and varied terrain for hikers of all levels.

Large conservation area with trails, wetlands and prairie restoration projects—excellent for wildlife viewing and longer hikes.

Lakeside paths and informal trails around the Chain O'Lakes suitable for scenic walks, photography and short hikes.

Unique bog ecosystem with boardwalk and short interpretive trails—an interesting spot for nature study and seasonal wildflowers.

Major international airport with extensive flight options; typically a 50–80 minute drive depending on traffic. Ground transportation includes rental cars, rideshares and shuttle services.

Secondary Chicago airport with domestic flights; useful for some routes and generally a similar drive time to parts of the Chicago metro, though slightly farther than O'Hare from McHenry by distance.

Smaller regional airport offering limited commercial flights and cargo services; often a 45–70 minute drive depending on route and traffic.

Located north in Milwaukee; viable option for some travelers, typically a longer drive but sometimes useful depending on routes and fares.

McHenry has many family households and suburban neighborhoods with schools, parks and family-oriented community activities.

A portion of residents commute to jobs elsewhere in McHenry County or into the Chicago metro area for work.

People drawn to lakes, parks and conservation areas—boaters, anglers and hikers form an active outdoor community.

The area includes a mix of long-term residents and growing diverse populations, including Hispanic/Latino communities and new arrivals seeking suburban/rural living.

Water-based recreation is very popular on the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes—boating, tubing and fishing are seasonal mainstays.

Community support for high school athletics is strong, with football and baseball being local favorites and common weekend activities.

In winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing attract outdoor enthusiasts when conditions allow.

Many residents follow Chicago pro teams (Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks), and regional sports culture is influenced by Chicago.

Vegetarian options are available at cafes and many restaurants (salads, vegetable mains, pasta); call ahead if you need dedicated vegetarian dishes and ask about substitutions.

Strict vegan options are more limited but increasingly available at progressive cafes and some healthier eateries; consider packing snacks if you have specific needs.

Many places can accommodate gluten-free requests (gluten-free pizza crusts, salads, grilled proteins); always inform staff about cross-contact if you have celiac disease.

Most restaurants will try to accommodate common allergies — communicate clearly, and when in doubt choose simple grilled proteins and vegetable sides.