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Equestrian

Welcome to Horse Country

One thing is obvious when driving the rurual roads of McHenry County: this is horse country. Around every curve there are horses and horse barns. In fact, there are more of these magnificent creatures in this county than just about anywhere else in Illinois. Horse owners can take advantage of more than 40 miles of horseback riding trails. For those who do not own a horse, there are options. Want to get your horse fix? Saddle Up!

Boone Creek

916 Cold Springs Rd
Bull Valley, IL 60098
815-338-6223

This picturesque site offers a 2 mile hiking trail and 1.3 mile local horseback trail link, as well as opportunities for picnicking on the observation deck and wildlife watching through viewing scopes...

Brookdale Conservation Area

18410 US Hwy 14
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338.6223

Located in the northwestern quadrant of the county, Brookdale offers a serene getaway from daily life. Visitors can enjoy a 1 mile mowed grass trail loop that transverses one side of the 11 acre pond,...

Glacial Park

Route 31 & Harts Road
Ringwood, IL 60072
815-338-6223

Glacial Park is McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space holding, characterized by its rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and the tranquil presence of the meanderi...

Hickory Grove Highlands/ Lyons Prairie & Marsh

500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane
Cary, IL 60013
815-338-6223

This site is so large that it is actually broken down into 3 parks (Hickory Grove Highlands, Hickory Grove Riverfront and Lyons Prairie & Marsh) that are all interconnected. Within these sites you...

Main Stay Therapeutic Farm

6919 Keystone Rd
Richmond, IL 60071
815-653-9374

Main Stay’s mission is to encourage, enrich and empower individuals through the therapeutic benefits of horses, animals and nature in an uplifting and nurturing setting. Main Stay is a place where bod...

McHenry County Conservation District

18410 US Highway 14
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-6223

If you love to reconnect with nature, where better than at McHenry County Conservation District's 30 public sites? Hike, bike, boat, fish, amp or just enjoy watching the wildlife on more than 24,0...

North Branch Conservation Area

11500 North Keystone Road
Richmond, IL 60071
815-338-6223

Tucked away in the in the extreme northeastern part of McHenry County lies 521 acres of preserved open space known as North Branch Conservation Area. Due to its biologically rich ecosystems, like the ...

Pleasant Valley Conservation Area

12215 Pleasant Valley Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-6223

Pleasant Valley expands 2,080 acres and is a mosaic of natural areas. Within its borders exist a high-quality oak savanna, a grade ‘A’ stream, a never before plowed wetland and an impressi...