Explore the country’s FIRST apple tree maze
Royal Oak Farm Orchard is home to the country’s 1stapple tree maze, Amaze ‘N Apples! Wander through 1 ½ miles of walking trails while picking from nine different varieties of apples. When you find your way out, stop by the bakery for fresh apple cider doughnuts, find beautiful fall décor for your home or get an early start on Christmas shopping at the country gift store.
Pick the perfect apple or pumpkin
All SeasonsOrchard has everything you need for a day of family fun with more than 30 different activities. Pick apples or pumpkins, explore the 10-acre corn maze and play in the barnyard. Say hello to the residents in Bunny Village, fly high on the jumping pillow or challenge your friends to a pedal cart race. When you need a break, enjoy a pig race or a magic show.
October 2 - 3
A weekend of fun for the entire family! Ski jumpers from around the world compete on Norge Ski Club's 70 meter hill. Great food, cold drinks and fun for the whole family will be found in Fox River Grove!
Shop til you drop on an old country road
October 15 – 17
Take a drive in the country and put this address in you GPS: 16105 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock. It’s the best place to start your Autumn Drive adventures as neighbors offer antiques, crafts, food and fun. Local farms in rural McHenry County open their barns to offer you fall produce, honey, jams, soaps and vinegar for the 33rd year.
Take on the “World’s Largest Corn Maze”
Richardson Adventure Farm is home to the “World’s Largest” Corn Maze. Venture into the maze during the day or get daring and try to maneuver it at night. We promise they’ve never lost anyone… yet. This is your farm for BIG adventure. Think old fashioned farm with a hip new twist. Big kids, little kids, wannabe kids – there are activities to keep young and old entertained.
Get a dozen or five apple cider donuts
Stade’s Farm & Market is a farmtastic theme park and a favorite for farm-fresh veggies and has been for more than 40 years. After your farm adventures, satisfy your sweet tooth with some seasonal treats! The cider donuts are a can’t miss, but you’ll want to grab a pumpkin pie to take home with you too!
Visit a farm that will remind you of your childhood
At Von Bergen’s Country Market they believe in offering a wholesome experience for the whole family! This is the place to go for fresh autumn produce for all of your fall get togethers. They also have a pumpkin patch and activities for the kids! Don’t miss a photo on the big red chair before you go!
Explore the autumn foliage
McHenry County Conservation District is home to over 24,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, ponds, creeks and rivers that come to life in the autumn months. Reconnect with nature and explore their 30 public sites where you can hike, bike, boat, fish, cap and enjoy watching wildlife.
Come back next year for great early Autumn events like:
Meet Johnny Appleseed himself
September 25
Bring your family to one of Downtown Crystal Lake’s most popular events, the Johnny Appleseed Festival. Did you know that Johnny Appleseed was a real person? John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was a real-life historical figure whose wilderness adventures became larger-than-life legends. He was known as a kind and gentle man who planted apple trees throughout the Midwest. Shop the craft show, participate in the apple scavenger hunt, vote on your favorite scarecrow throughout downtown, enjoy children’s games, wagon rides, amusement rides and more, and last but certainly not least take part in the great ball race!