The area and getting here

Lakes, parks, classic cars and coasters nearby, plus directions from wherever you're starting.

About the area

Life on the Chain O'Lakes

McHenry sits on the Fox River at the edge of the Chain O'Lakes, one of the busiest boating areas in the Midwest. Summer means pontoon days, sandbars and fireworks over the water. In the off-season it's nature trails, small-town diners and the antique shops along the river.

Photo: Skyler Smith / Unsplash

3 min walk

Pistakee Lake

Part of the Chain O'Lakes. Rent a boat or jet ski nearby and explore 15 connected lakes.

Photo: Howard Walsh / Unsplash

7 min drive

Volo Bog State Natural Area

A rare quaking bog with a floating boardwalk trail. Great for an easy family walk.

Photo: Jean-Luc Picard / Unsplash

8 min drive

Volo Museum

Hundreds of classic and movie cars, plus antique malls. A good rainy-day pick.

Photo: Zikang Zhou / Unsplash

10 min drive

Petersen Park Beach

McHenry's city beach and park on McCullom Lake, with a swimming beach and playgrounds.

Photo: Marquise de Photographie / Unsplash

8 min drive

Riverside Chocolate Factory

Sweet shop on the river in downtown McHenry, close to restaurants and bars.

Interior of a shopping mall with escalators

Photo: Andy Wang / Unsplash

25 min drive

Gurnee Mills

One of the Midwest's largest outlet malls, with dining and entertainment.

Photo: Somruthai Keawjan / Unsplash

27 min drive

Six Flags Great America

Roller coasters and the Hurricane Harbor water park for the thrill-seekers.

Photo: Vincent Y / Unsplash

31 min drive

Lake Geneva, WI

Lakeshore path, mansion boat tours and a lively downtown just over the state line.

How to get there

Getting to the lake

Chicago O'Hare (ORD)About 50 miles · around 1 hour via I-90 W and IL-31 N, or I-94 and IL-120 W.Directions ↗
Downtown ChicagoAbout 60 miles · 1 hr 15 min via I-90/94 and I-94 N to IL-120 W.Directions ↗
Milwaukee, WIAbout 60 miles · 1 hr 10 min via I-94 S and WI-50 / US-12.Directions ↗
By trainMetra's Milwaukee District North line runs from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake, about 7 minutes from the house by car.From the station ↗

Directions from my location

The map shows the neighborhood. The exact street address and arrival instructions are sent after booking.