The dog days of summer can be a bittersweet time of year as the bright warmth gives way to the cool days of autumn. But a drop in temperature doesn’t necessarily mean a decline in fun, outdoor activities. The communities around McHenry County are still home to experiences that capture the spirit of fall in Northern Illinois and create memories your family will talk about for years.
Pick a Winner
From crisp, juicy apples to gargantuan pumpkins, agritourism destinations around McHenry County provide numerous opportunities to not only bring home the freshest produce straight from the soil, but to go out and pick it yourself. All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock and Stade’s Farm & Market in McHenry each feature a wide variety of delicious apples from some of the largest orchards in the state of Illinois.
Pumpkin patches at both farms — in addition to Von Bergen’s County Market in Hebron, Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, and Tom’s Farm Market in Huntley — will keep your family in healthy supply of pumpkins of all sizes for carving, baking, or simply adding a splash of orange to your fall décor. Don’t miss the Pumpkin Festival at Von Bergen’s, offering even more chances to get the perfect gourd along with a selection of other pumpkin goodies!
And no one does corn mazes like McHenry County — in fact, the maze at Richardson Adventure Farm has been cited as the largest and most intricate maze in the world, featuring 9-10 miles of trails across 28 acres of live corn! Additionally, the 6-acre maze at Tom’s Farm Market promises a spooky atmosphere under cover of dark with its Moonlight Corn Maze, while the 6-acre maze at All Seasons features two paths — one for kids and another for more experienced corn navigators. Stade’s incorporates a little education in its 2-acre maze with hidden questions throughout, while Von Bergen’s features a maze of its own during the Pumpkin Festival!
A Colorful Hike
The chilly autumn temperatures can be quite refreshing as you stroll through the wilderness — and a vibrant canvas adorning the environs only sweetens the deal! The Northern Illinois outdoors are ablaze in a rich palette of reds, oranges, and yellows during the fall months, so what better time to get out and explore the wide-open natural spaces — or snap some canvas-worthy family photos? Lace up your hiking boots, tune up your bike, or don your finest matching flannels and soak in the majestic scenery at Coral Woods Conservation Area and Marengo Ridge Conservation Area in Marengo, Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove, or Volo Bog in Ingleside.
Grab a Slice
We get it — children can be picky eaters. What sounds tasty to Mom and Dad may not be the flavor de jour for the kiddos. Thankfully, pizza is the great culinary common denominator between generations. McHenry is home to two extraordinary pizzerias serving happiness by the slice along the Fox River. Buddyz boasts a proud reputation of serving up authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pies along with thin-crust tavern-style slices, both sourced from the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Jexal’s Wing-zeria also features those familiar Windy City mainstays — plus crispy and doughy Detroit-style pizzas — served in a variety of mouthwatering specialties, including the Nashville Hot Chicken, the Bacon Smashburger, and the BBQ Pulled Pork!
Riverside Sweets & Treats
Round out your fun-filled family day with some seasonal goodies from Riverside Chocolate Factory! Grab one of their famous caramel apples, including classic Granny Smith apples dunked in caramel (nuts optional), or go for one of their more unique offerings like sprinkles or toffee apples! Or try some of their spooky, Halloween-themed chocolates in delicious yet spine-tingling monster shapes!
There’s more to experience around McHenry County this fall! Check out our seasonal itinerary and plan your trip today!