Spring has arrived in McHenry County, and with it comes the official kickoff to agritourism season. From breathtaking tulip fields and greenhouse shopping to fresh produce and early u-pick experiences, spring farm fun is in full bloom across the county.
Richardson Farm's Tulip Festival | Spring Grove, IL
Opening April 22, 2026, Richardson Farm's Tulip Festival returns as one of the most anticipated spring events in McHenry County. This year, 350,000 new tulip bulbs have been planted across 30 different varieties, joining returning blooms from the previous years. With 500,000 bulbs already established in the ground and 100,000 daffodil bulbs planted over past seasons, visitors can expect more than one million blooms in total.
Set along a beautiful, private lakefront, the festival offers scenic walking trails, free lawn games including giant checkers, Jenga, and cornhole, plus plentiful free parking. On weekends, guests can enjoy live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, along with food trucks, beer, wine, and lakeside picnic seating. Richardson Farm also warmly welcomes friendly dogs on a leash, making it a standout dog-friendly spring destination in McHenry County.
Tom's Farm Market | Huntley, IL
Now open for the season, Tom's Farm Market has been a beloved family-run destination since 1959. Located in Huntley, Tom's features 80,000 square feet of onsite greenhouses filled with high-quality bedding plants, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and hanging baskets.
Every plant is grown right on the family farm, with careful attention from seed to sale. In addition to the greenhouse and garden center, visitors can enjoy the full-service bakery, charming gift shop, coffee bar, and lunch cafe - making it an ideal stop for both gardening inspiration and a relaxing spring outing.
Von Bergen's Country Market | Hebron, IL
Opening April 24, 2026, Von Bergen's Country Market welcomes spring with rows of vibrant flowers, herbs, vegetable starts, perennials, succulents, porch planters, and hanging baskets all grown rgh ton the farm.
Know for its fresh produce and local farm goods, the Hebron market offers visitors a true taste of McHenry County agriculture while providing everything needed to refresh gardens, patios, and front porches for the season.
Stade's Farm & Market | McHenry, IL
Opening May 23, 2026, Stade's Farm & Market begins its spring season with the market opening first, followed by u-pick strawberries in June. Located in the scenic countryside of McHenry County, Stade's is a working farm and family destination known for fresh fruits, vegetables, and seasonal experiences.
As the season continues, guests can look forward to pick-your-own produce, including strawberries, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and more.
Spears to You Asparagus Farm | Harvard, IL
Expected to open in late April or early May, Spears To You Asparagus Farm is a seasonal favorite for fresh spring produce. Visitors can shop Jersey Supreme an Millennial asparagus in one-pound bundles or larger wholesale boxes, with u-pick asparagus also available.
The farm is open weekends from 9AM - 4PM and weekdays from 10AM to 2PM, with a convenient self-serve fridge open daily during the week.
Spring is blooming across McHenry County, offering the perfect excuse to plan a scenic day trip just beyond Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does spring agritourism season begin in McHenry County, Illinois?
A: Spring agritourism season officially begins in March, with Tom's Farm Market Greenhouse opening in late March, followed by other farm markets and greenhouses opening throughout the county.
Q: Which farms in McHenry County are dog-friendly?
A: Richardson Farm's Tulip Festival welcomes friendly dogs on a leash, making it a perfect spring outing for pet owners.
Q: Where can visitors shop for flowers and plants in McHenry County this spring?
A: Visitors can explore Tom's Farm Market in Huntley and Von Bergen's Country Market in Hebron for flowers, hanging baskets, herbs, vegetables, and garden-ready plants.
Q: When does strawberry picking begin in McHenry County?
A: U-pick strawberries are expected to begin in early June at Tom's Farm Market, Stade's Farm & Market and Von Bergens' Country Market.
Q: Where can visitors find fresh asparagus in McHenry County?
A: Spears to You Asparagus Farm in Harvard, IL offers fresh bundles and u-pick asparagus beginning in late April or early May.