McHenry: Riverwalk, Parks, and Seasonal Experiences

If you’re looking for a hotel in McHenry, you can plan your trip around specific opportunities for walks, outdoor art, and activities on the water. The McHenry Riverwalk and the city’s parks offer different points of interest. Seasonal experiences in McHenry County may also play a role in planning your stay.

Getting to know the McHenry Riverwalk

The McHenry Riverwalk runs along Boone Creek from Green Street via Riverside Drive to the Fox River. In summer 2019, a walkway was completed along the Riverwalk, connecting the pedestrian bridge at South Riverside Drive with Miller Point and running along the north bank of Boone Creek. This route includes named locations and waterways that can help you plan your visit.

The Riverwalk connects shopping, dining, recreation, and entertainment with the Fox River. It is both a route and a focal point for a variety of interests in the city. If you plan to visit, check for any notices about temporary construction before you arrive.

Art and outdoor activities

During the ChalkWalk Festival, the Riverwalk becomes an outdoor gallery: artists of all ages create colorful works directly on the walkway. The festival program may vary from year to year. If the ChalkWalk Festival is important to your travel plans, check the dates and program for your visit.

The Ryan Buss Skate Park in Knox Park offers another opportunity to get active. The skate park has a variety of ramps and rails for skateboarders and other riders. Weather- and snow-related closures are possible, so take this restriction into account when planning.

Parks and activities on the water

The McHenry Parks & Recreation Department maintains 39 parks in the city, covering a total of more than 650 acres. These figures provide an overview of the city’s parks and may change. The parks and the Riverwalk offer different forms of recreation, and you need not consider them the same kind of offering.

Miller Riverfront Park and Boat Launch has a clearly defined use: the unsupervised facility is reserved exclusively for people participating in boating and sailing activities. Swimming is prohibited. Since municipal boating regulations may change, check the current rules before your visit.

Seasonal experiences in McHenry County

In McHenry County, Stade’s Farm & Market offers family-friendly attractions for all ages. These include a petting zoo, a corn maze, giant slides, and hayrides. Availability of these attractions depends on the season. If you’d like to include a visit in your stay, plan around the relevant season.

In summer, Stade’s also offers pick-your-own fruit and vegetables, including strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and pumpkins. This offering is also seasonal. The attractions and pick-your-own options are different ways to spend your time in McHenry County; which ones are available for your travel dates depends on the season.

Discover more destinations: Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Johnsburg, Spring Grove, Algonquin, Huntley.

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