Lace up your skates, McHenry County! Our comprehensive guide makes finding the perfect ice skating rink a breeze, whether you’re seeking effortless glides or competitive chills. Want a tranquil open skate? We’ve got you covered. Craving a spirited hockey match? Check out our indoor rink option. From Crystal Lake’s polished ice to charming outdoor ice skating rinks all over McHenry County, the fun is near!
Our guide conveniently organizes ice rinks by city or village. Along with addresses, we’ve included handy links to each ice skating rink or park, and even Rainout Line connections where available. Not every rink has a dedicated status hotline, but many display on-site flags: green for open skating, and red for closed (often due to unsafe conditions). Remember, some locations are unsupervised, so plan accordingly.
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All information is subject to change and we always recommend contacting the specific locations to verify conditions and availability, especially those that are weather-dependent. In addition to RainoutLine service, many also post conditions on their website.
Algonquin
Snapper’s Field
Snapper’s Field is just west of Algonquin Middle and Eastview Elementary Schools.
Address: 599 Longwood Dr, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-658-2700
Information: Rink Details, Rainout Line
Willoughby Farms Park
This neighborhood park is just west of Sleepy Hollow Road and is open from 6 am to dusk.
Address: 2001 Wynnfield Dr, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-658-2700
Information: Rink Details
Cary
Jaycee Park
Jaycee Park ice rink is cleared and managed by the Cary Park District when temps remain below freezing. The rink is lighted to allow for evening skating until 9 pm and also features a warming shelter and restrooms.
Address: Silver Lake Road at Cary Algonquin Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-6100
Information: Rink Details, Rainout Line, Cary Park District
Crystal Lake
Crystal Ice House
Unlike the outdoor winter rinks, the Crystal Ice House provides ice skating year-round. You will need to confirm public skate times, which vary by day.
Address: 320 E Prairie Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-356-8500
Information: Rink Details, Crystal Ice House
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Main Beach
The Main Beach ice rink is maintained by the Crystal Lake Park District. In addition to the Rainout Line, they also fly a flag at the beach entrance indicating status.
Address: 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Rink Details, Rainout Line, Crystal Lake Park District
Fox Lake
Fox Lake Ice Rink
The rink provides different skating times for public skating and hockey (please check their website in the link below), as well as a red/green status flag at the location.
Address: 17 E School Ct, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Phone: 224-225-1404
Information: Rink Details
Fox River Grove
Stanger Park
This neighborhood park is open from 8 am to dusk.
Address: Stanger Park & Algonquin Rd, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Phone: 847-639-3170
Information: Rink Details
Harvard
Lions Park – Galvin Parkway
The rink is maintained by the Harvard Parks & Recreation Department.
Address: E Brown St & Galvin Pkwy, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: 815-943-6468
Information: Rink Details
Island Lake
Converse Park
The rink is maintained by the Village of Island Lake and offers varying times for open skating and hockey (please check their website in the link below). The rink is open 7 days a week.
Address: 628 E State Rd, Island Lake, IL 60042
Phone: 847-416-7866
Information: Park Details
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Johnsburg
Rescue Squad Memorial Park
The park is maintained by the Johnsburg Parks & Rec.
Address: 2406 Johnsburg Rd, Johnsburg, IL 60051
Phone: 815-385-6023
Information: Park Details
Lake in the Hills
Indian Trail Beach at Woods Creek Lake
The ice rink is maintained by the village and is open to LITH residents. The rink is unsupervised and skating is open from dawn to dusk. They also feature a status flag for when the rink is open or closed.
Address: 228 Indian Trail, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Rink Details
Seeking more winter fun? Be sure to check our other winter guides!
Village of Lakewood
West Beach
The West Beach ice rink is maintained by the Crystal Lake Park District. In addition to the Rainout Line, they also fly a flag at the beach entrance indicating status.
Address: 2330 Lake Ave, Village of Lakewood, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0681
Information: Rink Details, Rainout Line, Crystal Lake Park District
McHenry
Riverwalk Ice Rink
This brand-new ice rink is part of the new Miller Park Riverwalk developments. It is an outdoor, refrigerated ice rink, so it isn’t dependent on the weather. Currently, it is planned to be open 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily, from December 6, 2023, through February 29, 2024.
Address: 1202 Riverside Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone:
Information: Rink Details
Spring Grove
Chain O’ Lakes State Park
Located in both McHenry and Lake Counties, the Chain O’ Lakes State Park provides year-round outdoor fun. Contact the park for status and locations. Open daily in the winter months from 8:00 am to sunset.
Address: 8916 Wilmot Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Phone: 847-587-5512
Information: Park Details
Woodstock
Emricson Park
This large park is maintained by the Woodstock Recreation Department.
Address: 900 West South St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-4363
Information: Park Details
Tips for Ice Skating
- Get the right gear: Wear warm, layered clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Avoid baggy clothes that can get caught on your skates. Mittens or gloves are essential to keep your hands warm and protect them from falls. And most importantly, rent or buy skates that fit snugly. Loose skates will make it difficult to balance and control your movements.
- Warm-up: Do some light stretches and cardio to get your muscles loose before stepping onto the ice. Cold muscles are more prone to injury.
- Start slow and steady: Don’t try to go too fast right away. Focus on getting comfortable with the feel of the ice and balancing on your skates. If the rink is walled, start along the wall and use it for support if needed.
- Bend your knees: This will help you lower your center of gravity and make you more stable. Imagine you’re in a squatting position.
- Keep your head up and look where you want to go: Don’t look down at your feet. This will help you maintain your balance and avoid obstacles.
- Glide, don’t walk: Think of ice skating as gliding rather than walking. Push off with one foot and glide on the other, then repeat.
- Learn to stop: There are a few different ways to stop on ice, but the snowplow stop is a good one for beginners. To do a snowplow stop, wedge your feet into a V-shape with your heels pointing out and press down on the inside edges of your blades.
- Bring a friend: Skate with a friend or family member. It’s more fun to skate with others, and they can help you stay motivated.
- Pay attention: Be aware of your surroundings and other skaters and avoid collisions.
- Have fun! Ice skating is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and make new friends.
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.
