Scare Yourself at 'Terror on the Railroad' in Union
On
Friday and Saturday nights throughout October, the Illinois Railway
Museum presents "Terror on the Railroad", a darkly haunted train
experience for those over 13 whose hearts can stand the ride. Bigger and
better each year, three haunts await in 2015.
First,
ride the Screamliner, a vintage passenger train that's been overrun
with insane scientists determined to keep their train moving by sucking
the life out of the passengers. Next, step aboard the Train of Chills,
an abandoned set of decrepit train cars where asylum escapees have taken
up residence. Face your fears in their new home; they're dying to see
you. Finally, visit Cirque de Decay, where a circus train unloaded its
twisted freaks. Details and tickets at www.IRM.org.
FALL FESTIVALS
21st Annual Shades of Autumn Near McHenry: Families
love this eight-weekend fall extravaganza on Stade's (pronounced
STAH-dee's) Farm, near the town of McHenry. Ride a wagon into a giant
pumpkin patch and enjoy hayrides, petting zoo, corn maze, crafts,
outdoor concerts, zip-lines, climbing bins, jumping pillow, corn box,
barrel train and pedal cars. See Stade's celebrated pumpkin cannon blast
giant orange missiles into a distant cornfield, and ride on Frank, the
big purple combine. Enjoy farm-cooked food and more. Open Saturdays and
Sundays starting Sept. 12, then Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Oct. 2
through Nov. 1, plus Columbus Day on Oct.12.
Second Annual Main Street Fest in Cary:
This outdoor fest, Sept. 19 & 20, features restaurants, businesses,
outdoor marketplace, live entertainment and children's area. Craft
beers and select wines complement the menus at participating eateries; a
fine arts component showcases local artists with live art creation and
interactive displays; the main stage has live entertainment; the family
stage highlights theater, dance and interactive programs. www.CaryGroveChamber.com.
Cody's Farm Annual Pumpkin Festival Near Marengo:
Take a hayride into Cody's giant pumpkin patch to pick out your
favorite. Explore the four-acre corn maze, corn tunnel. pumpkin
launchers, corn box, barrel rides and tractor track. Enjoy fresh cider,
brats, apple cider donuts, burgers, caramel apples, fresh fruit pies and
more. Open every weekend in October.
10th Annual Fall Fest in Huntley:
Soar high in the sky with tethered hot air balloon rides, Friday,
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 25, 26 & 27. Enjoy carnival midway
rides, car show, beer garden, food vendors, hay rides, craft show,
business expo, model train display, ice cream eating contest, puppet
show, live music, magic show and fireworks. Kids will love the kids'
stage, petting zoo, pony rides, straw maze, pumpkin bowling and
scarecrow building. www.HuntleyFallFest.com.
Johnny Appleseed Festival in Crystal Lake:
Johnny Appleseed is the guest of honor at Crystal Lake's largest
one-day festival, held Saturday, Sept. 26 throughout downtown. Meet and
greet Johnny himself, see cider-making, apple pie-baking and pie-eating
contests, craft fair, music, dance demonstrations, children's games,
pony rides, pumpkin bowling, petting zoo, face painting, carnival rides,
scarecrow contest, balloon art, heritage demonstrations, storytelling,
food, cider donuts, apple treats and more. www.downtowncl.org/15.html
28th Annual Autumn Drive, Woodstock to Marengo: This
progressive fall festival on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 16, 17
& 18, moves at whatever pace you choose. Spend a leisurely day
driving Garden Valley Road between Woodstock and Marengo, when McHenry
County farms open their barnyards and farmhouses to the public. Pick up
fall produce, honey, jams, soaps and vinegars along the way. Ride a
tractor, visit petting zoos, twist through corn mazes, pick apples and
pumpkins, take a hayride. Many stops include crafters selling pottery,
jewelry, lawn ornaments and more. Antique dealers sell furniture,
trunks, cookbooks, tools, collectibles and jewelry. Garage sales and
barn sales are scattered throughout the drive, as are produce, and baked
goods. Garden Valley Road is a 30-minute-drive north of I-90.
PUMPKINS & FALL PRODUCE
Pumpkins
are the star attractions at many of the orchards and festivals listed
above, but you can pick your own or choose from pre-picked ones at many
other locations throughout McHenry County, along with squash, gourds and
autumn decorations.
- Patyk's Farm Market & Greenhouse, Richmond
- Twin Garden Farms, Harvard
- Von Bergen's Country Market, Hebron
- Tom's Farm Market, Huntley
- Grace Farm Studios, Woodstock
- Dave's Pumpkins, Huntley
- Red Barn Market, Woodstock
Plan an Overnight in McHenry County
McHenry
County is just an hour's drive northwest of Chicago, bordered on the
north by Wisconsin, and on the south by I-90. The Fox River winds down
from the Chain of Lakes through the towns on the eastern side of the
county, while country roads meander the western side.
For visitor info, including lodging and dining
options throughout McHenry County, log on
Visit McHenry County toll-free at 888-363-6177.
Follow on Twitter and Facebook. For a digital
McHenry County 2015/16 Visitor's Guide,
click on the image to the left.
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