Winter hibernation has ended, so it’s time to enjoy the spring and plan summertime fun in charming McHenry County. Get back outside and take in one of the Chicago area's best destinations. Whether a weekend getaway, or just a fun drive through the country, McHenry County offers the best of each season.


Spring weather is ideal for horseback riding, picnicking or observing abundant wildlife. McHenry County Conservation District maintains 25,021 acres of open land, 115 miles of hiking trails, 35-plus miles of biking trails, 19 fishing sites, six camping sites, four canoe launches, 20 miles of horse trails and 18 sites with picnic shelters.

Fair Diddley® is set for Sunday, May 19th. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the historic and beautiful Woodstock Square. This craft show has great finds, even for non-crafty folks… everything from hand-spun pottery, to fine art and wood carvings. This is a traditional hometown festival that offers food vendors and even balloon art. Hosted by the Mental Health Resource League, admission is free. Attendees will find ample parking around the Square as well as a shuttle bus from the Woodstock Government Center. Visit our events page for a variety of other Spring time events.

Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, located in Crystal Lake, offers gourmet comfort foods, artisan sandwiches and burgers utilizing local and sustainable ingredients. Paired with Duke's extensive beer selection, it’s a unique culinary experience in an eco-conscious gastropub. Guests with food allergies and special affinities will appreciate entrees made from scratch with healthy ingredients. Duke’s takes pride in accommodating dietary restrictions. 


Summertime fun abounds in Crystal Lake where the Three Oaks Recreation Area features an inviting beach for sunning or playing sand volleyball. The Quarry Cable Park offers wakeboard fun and paddleboard rentals are offered by Alpine Accessories at The Board House. Insiders recommend lessons for first-timers. Fishing, canoe and boat rentals and even scuba diving can be enjoyed – all in Crystal Lake. Visit the website at crystallake.org/three-oaks-recreation.
 
Not far from Glacial Park in Spring Grove, enjoy food and refreshments in the Historic District of Richmond at The BratHaus… a family-friendly restaurant serving authentic gourmet bratwursts and burgers as well as a unique beer selection. Try Haus Bier, made exclusively for BratHaus at Scorched Earth Brewing Co. This German ale has a touch of rye to give it the perfect flavor to pair with brats.

Named the #1 farmers market in Illinois by the American Farmland Trust and #1 in McHenry County by the Best of the Fox, the Woodstock Farmer's Market opens in May with vendors on all four sides of Historic Woodstock Square as well as throughout the park in the center of the Square. Everything is grown or produced directly by the vendor you are purchasing from. Also opening in May are Huntley Farmers Market and Stade's Farm and Market. Opening in June are Cary Farmers Market, Crystal Lake Farmers Market and McHenry Farmers Market. Learn more about all of McHenry County's farmers market - visitmchenrycounty.com/FarmersMarkets.