Head to McHenry County Illinois

Crystal-clear water, spacious sandy beaches and islands are only  a few of the special features at Three Oaks Recreation Area.

Go Jump in the Lakes!

of McHenry County, Illinois

McHenry County, Ill. -- Looking for easy and inexpensive ways to have fun with your family this summer? Go jump in a lake!

Nothing does the trick like a day at the beach and luckily, you'll find some of Chicagoland's best sand beaches just a short drive northwest in McHenry County. Check out these ideas! Click on attraction names for more info and driving directions.

Three Oaks Recreation Area, Crystal Lake: This reclaimed quarry has pristine water and a beautiful soft sand beach with certified lifeguards, splash pad with spray jets and buckets of water poured from overhead, playground with memory foam decking, scuba diving, hiking and biking trails, pavilion rentals and picnic area with grills.

The 4,400 sq. ft. Lake House has changing rooms with coin-operated lockers, showers, toilets, first-aid center, free wi-fi, and an overhead pergola where parents can relax and view kids playing on the beach. The Lake House also has a on-site Culver's restaurant providing concessions, but you're welcome to bring in your own food, too.

While personal watercraft are not allowed on the lake, the marina rents row boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, paddle pontoons and sailboats. The marina also sells fishing licenses, night-crawlers and fishing tackle. Open Daily 10 a.m. to sunset though Labor Day. www.crystallake.org/residents/three-oaks-recreation-area

A wakeboarder enjoys a spin around the Quarry Cable Park.

The Quarry Cable Park, Crystal Lake: Quarry Cable Park is a perfect complement to Crystal Lake's Three Oaks Recreation Area, which began life as a gravel pit more than 60 years ago. Now you can enjoy wakeboarding at

this next-generation cable wake park. Cable wakeboarding is similar to wakeboarding behind a boat, but without a boat, riders are pulled along a cable system suspended in the air by a series of towers around the sparkling clear lake dotted with jumps and other features.

After boarding, there's a fire pit, live music, sand volleyball, bean bag toss and open-air yoga to enjoy. New this year is Duke's On the Water. Downtown Crystal Lake's Duke's Alehouse  is proud to announce its partnership with The Quarry Cable Park, serving burgers, sandwiches, salads and comfort foods with indoor and outdoor seating. Open daily 10 a.m. to sunset through Oct. 5. www.thequarrycablepark.com

Crystal Lake Park District Beaches, Crystal Lake: There are two public beaches on crystal-clear Crystal Lake: Main Beach and West Beach. Both have large swimming areas, certified lifeguards, concessions (full service
available at Main Beach), picnic areas, showers, lockers, changing rooms, bike lockups and wheelchairs. Main Beach is open Daily 9 a.m. to sunset through Aug. 11, then weekends 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. though Labor Day. West Beach is open daily 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Aug.11, then weekends 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. www.crystallakeparks.org/beaches 

Petersen Park Beach, McHenry: Sit back in beach chairs and loungers on this sandy beach on the shores of McCullum Lake. Certified lifeguards secure the swimming area. Beach amenities include two inflatable WiBit tracks on the lake (Wiggle Bridge & Hurdle), sand volleyball courts, sand toys, plus rowboat, paddleboat, canoe, kayak and barracuda bike rentals. Open Daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 13. www.ci.mchenry.il.us/petersen_park

Butch Hagele Beach & Indian Trail Beach: 

These two sand beaches on Woods Creek Lake have restrooms, showers, changing rooms, picnic tables, volleyball and grilling in parking lots. Indian Trail Beach has a picnic shelter for rental, too. Open daily sunrise to sunset through Labor Day. www.lith.org/parksrec/page/indian-trail-butch-hagele-beaches

GET AWAY TO McHENRY COUNTY

McHenry County is just a 60-minute 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, lodging and dining options throughout McHenry County, go to VisitMcHenryCounty.com, e-mail info@VisitMcHenryCounty.com, or phone 815-893-6280. Follow on Instagram and Facebook @visitmchenrycounty. For a free digital McHenry County 2017/2018 Insiders Guide, click here:  VisitMcHenryCounty.com/Request-Information.

Fabulous Fall in McHenry County Illinois

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.  

www.ShadesOfAutumn.net

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.

10^th 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.

www.AutumnDrive.net.

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 

to www.VisitMcHenryCounty.com or phone 

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.