Riverwalk and ChalkWalk
Mchenry offers a range of recreational options, including the McHenry Riverwalk, city parks, and sports facilities. The Riverwalk runs along Boone Creek from Green Street via Riverside Drive to the Fox River. At the same time, it connects shopping, dining, recreation, and entertainment with the Fox River. If you are planning your stay around a particular focus, you can distinguish the river path from attractions such as the skate park or seasonal farm experiences elsewhere in the broader travel area.
A specific section of walkway at the McHenry Riverwalk was completed in summer 2019. It runs along the north bank of Boone Creek and connects the pedestrian bridge at South Riverside Drive with Miller Point. So, in addition to the longer Riverwalk route, a specific section and its endpoints are available as points of reference. If you plan to visit this particular section, check for any temporary construction notices before your trip.
During the ChalkWalk Festival, the Riverwalk is transformed into an open-air gallery, where artists of all ages create colorful works directly on the walkway. The festival program may vary from year to year. If the event is important to your travel dates, check the specific dates before planning your trip around it.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
The McHenry Parks & Recreation Department maintains 39 parks in the city, totaling more than 650 acres. These figures describe the municipal park system as a whole, not the area of any one park. As the park system may change, check the latest information if you want to plan your visit around a specific park.
A clear usage restriction applies at Miller Riverfront Park and Boat Launch. The unsupervised facility is intended exclusively for people engaging in boating and sailing activities; swimming is prohibited. So if you are looking for a place to swim, do not plan to use this location for that purpose. As municipal boating rules may change, check the current regulations before your visit.
For skateboarders and other riders, Ryan Buss Skate Park in Knox Park offers a variety of ramps and rails. This specific sports facility differs from the waterfront paths and the city’s parks as a whole. Weather-related and snow closures may apply; check the notices if you are planning your visit specifically around the skate park.
Seasonal Experiences in McHenry County
The wider travel area includes Stade’s Farm & Market in McHenry County. It offers family-friendly attractions for all ages, including a petting zoo, a corn maze, large slides, and hayrides. Attraction availability varies by season. So, if a particular activity is important to your visit, it is worth checking the seasonal offerings in advance.
In summer, Stade’s also offers pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and pumpkins. This offering is seasonal as well. The farm experience provides a different kind of outing from the Riverwalk, skate park, or boating; you can choose based on your interests and the season.
Discover more destinations: Crystal Lake, Spring Grove, Algonquin, Fox River Grove, Huntley, Johnsburg.
Return to the main travel overview: Mchenry.
