The Best of Both Worlds
Some establishments around McHenry County have flawlessly married the concepts of outdoor recreation and open-air dining. The Quarry Crystal Lake features an inflatable Aqua Park that’s perfect for a fun-filled summer day, plus an on-site bar and grill featuring starters like cheese curds and sweet potato fries as well as burgers, brats, chicken, and hot dogs. Don’t miss live music and the park’s state-of-the-art cable wakeboarding system that invites guests to ride the waves without a boat.
In the mood to serve up some friendly competition? Head to Sideouts Sports Tavern in Island Lake, which hosts beach volleyball leagues on the restaurant’s sand court. Between spikes and sets, enjoy a menu of wings, burgers, sandwiches, and pizza.
Explorable Spaces
The Great Outdoors are never at a premium in McHenry County; plenty of parks and natural spaces offer room to move around and marvel at the natural wonders surrounding our communities. Begin with the crown jewel of the McHenry County Conservation District: Glacial Park Conservation Area in Ringwood. Characterized by its rolling prairies, delta kames, oak savanna, and the babbling Nippersink Creek, Glacial Park encompasses 3,439 acres with 490 acres of dedicated nature preserve — home to 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species. This wide-open landscape is one of the top destinations to observe migratory wetland birds in the state. Additionally, the park features 8 miles of trails traversable by foot or by horseback, including a 5-mile portion of the Prairie Trail along the park’s eastern boundary.
In addition to having the largest concentration of natural lakes in the state, the 2,793-acre Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove features four trails — ranging from the quarter-mile Pike Marsh North Picnic Area to the park’s 8-mile equestrian trails — plus seven picnic areas and more than 200 campsites. Plus, nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline offer plenty of opportunities for canoers, kayakers, and anglers to enjoy a day on the water. In Woodstock, the 2,080-acre Pleasant Valley Nature Preserve includes 5 miles of hiking and nature trails, plus a 2-acre pond for fishing and picnic shelters that can be reserved for group outings.
Marengo is home to two extraordinary natural areas. Coral Woods, one of just eight oak groves remaining in McHenry County, features the county’s largest sugar maple grove with trees that have stood for 80-100 years. Three trail systems carry hikers across this unique landscape, including the 0.4-mile Sugar Maple Loop Trail, the 1.2-mile Nature Loop Trail, and an additional 1.2-mile hiking and skiing trail. In addition, Marengo Ridge contains 818 acres of oak and hickory woodlands with 7 miles of trails winding through spruce, aspen, ash, and sumac groves.
Dine Al Fresco
What complements a meal better than a beautiful sunset and pleasant temperatures? Numerous restaurants, diners, and eateries around McHenry County offer ample patio space to enjoy the fresh air even more. Enjoy an upscale menu at 1776 Restaurant, featuring a menu of fine dining options made with 100% gluten-free ingredients. Savor your meal in Betsy’s Nosh Garden, a renovated 1967 Airstream-turned-camper — named for American icon Betsy Ross — which offers a cool, more casual 1776 experience with no reservations required and a full wine and bar list.
Broken Oar Marina and Restaurant in Port Barrington offers multi-level seating with delicious dining and exceptional views of the Fox River. Cary Ale House & Brewing Company promises high-quality, chef-created pub food that pairs nicely with its menu of craft beers. Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen offers a tasty menu of gourmet comfort foods, artisan sandwiches, and burgers sourced from local, sustainable ingredients.
In Hebron, Hart’s Saloon serves up happiness by the slice with its famous wood-fired pizza made from scratch and baked in its 600-degree brick oven. A staple of Algonquin for more than 50 years, Port Edward Restaurant serves delicious seafood dishes in a nautical theme, plus the Port Burger, a porterhouse porkchop, and a 24-ounce bone-in ribeye. Housed in the iconic Old Courthouse Center in Downtown Woodstock, Squire on the Square offers a unique dining experience and an eclectic menu that ranges from gyros, steaks, and ribs to Ahi tuna wontons, Asian nachos, and smoked brisket. Located across from the train station in Cary, The Tracks Bar & Grill features an extensive menu of award-winning, gourmet burgers ranging from the Classic Burger to the bombastic Kaboom Burger. Part of the Fox River Valley since 1974, the family-owned and operated Village Squire in McHenry features a casual dining menu with options like gyros, burgers, sandwiches, steak and prime rib, and seafood in a comforting, English pub-style setting.