Hiking teens.
By Brian R. Brown
Turn off the TV and game system, put away the phone! Summer is for fun and adventure, and our Summer Camps Guide for McHenry County is your map for summer memories.
Man on a snowmobile.
By Brian R. Brown
Grab your sled and get ready to hit the trails! No, not that sled...the big one! If you are itching to hit those white trails, be sure to check our guide for snowmobiling trails in McHenry County.
Cross country skier.
By Brian R. Brown
If you are itching to get out and enjoy nature and to experience McHenry County in the winter, then our Cross Country Ski Trails Guide will give you lots of opportunities to explore.
Girl sitting in back of car with netted tree for Christmas.
By Brian R. Brown
Whether you've ever had a real Christmas tree or not, our guide is here to help you navigate the challenges of having real trees. Be sure to check out our list of local Christmas tree farms.
View of walking bridge on the other side of the pond at Veteran Acres Park.
By Brian R. Brown
While it's cold and wet outside, venture with us back to October when we took a walk around Veteran Acres Park to enjoy, what was then, the transitioning season.
Meadowdale Raceway Silo.
By Brian R. Brown
If you close your eyes, you can almost hear the roar of the engines as the cars worked their way around Meadowdale Raceway. Today though, you'll mostly hear some traffic from Hwy 31, the occasional sounds of mountain bikers, and nature. But you can still explore the old track.
Brilliant orange and yellow leaves against green and blue.
By Brian R. Brown
While I hope you make it out to enjoy the colors and sights of the changing season, here are some photos from around our neighborhood to serve as encouragement or at least consolation.
Wide trail through Sterne's Woods.
By Brian R. Brown
An amazing and immersive nature experience awaits you, and it may be closer than you think. Crystal Lake has a wonderful array of parks for recreation, but it's also home to Sterne's Woods & Fen, which is wonderful preservation area as well.
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge tent.
By Brian R. Brown
Crystal Lake Main Beach provided the backdrop to this year's Monarchs and Music, a fun and unique collaborative educational monarch butterfly fair and community concert.
The zig and the zag of the Zig-Zag Bridge.
By Brian R. Brown
In need of a quick escape? Need to getaway from the stress, turmoil, and general chaos of everyday life? Come along as we jump the border and experience the Anderson Japanese Gardens.
Yellow daffodils and a view of the walking bridge over Crystal Creek and the gazebo and playground in Cornish Park.
By Brian R. Brown
Cornish Park in Algonquin stands out with its clocktower, view of the dam on the Fox River, and wonderful greenspace and playground for the kids. That alone would be great, but it also benefits from being in the heart of old Algonquin within walking distance of two other parks and
Benches and lampposts line the riverwalk.
By Brian R. Brown
Riverfront Park in Algonquin provides great views of the Fox River, as well as a well-landscaped green space for relaxing. While the trees were still a little bare in early spring, the flowers were happy to show their colors to make up for it.
Water churning over rocks under the bridge.
By Brian R. Brown
Come along as we check out this historic park right off the downtown Algonquin area, just blocks from the Fox River.
Luminarias leading past the last campfire.
By Brian R. Brown
The Crystal Lake Park District's Luminaria Walk is truly a wonderful way to experience Veteran Acres Park. It's also a great way to transition into the holiday season.
Clouds reflected in the pond at Rush Creek Conservation Area.
By Brian R. Brown
Autumn seemed to rush by this year. While many leaves had turned and even started falling by early November, I was fortunate enough to capture some while I visited the Rush Creek Conservation Area. Come along for the ride!
Array of flowers outside the Crystal Lake Park District administration building.
By Brian R. Brown
Whatever you think you know about the Crystal Lake Park District, there is most likely so much more that you are missing. Come along and let's see if we can uncover a few new things.
Vintage McCormick-Deering tractor at 5 Lazy K Ranch.
By Brian R. Brown
If you missed this year's Annual Autumn Drive, come along and enjoy a photo tour of just a little bit of what you missed.
A single cattail at Lake Atwood at The Hollows.
By Brian R. Brown
From a dairy farm to a gravel pit, The Hollows now lives on as a conservation area and recreation site. This amazing little gem may just be the quick getaway that you've been looking for.
Hiking trail at the Pleasant Valley Conservation Area.
By Brian R. Brown
Pleasant Valley Conservation Area is a truly amazing environmental experience. Over 2,000 acres of natural habitat, including rare plant and endangered animal species. Enjoy a true hidden getaway with hiking trails, various landscapes, cross country skiing, and more.
Cross Lake during sunrise.
By Brian R. Brown
We all, from time to time, need a little getaway to unplug and recharge, not just the batteries, but the soul. Ironically, these kinds of trips are often closer than we think.
Wooden bridge over marsh at ponds edge at Veteran Acres Park.
By Brian R. Brown
Nothing could have prepared me for this trip to Veteran Acres Park and my journey around the pond. What was meant to be our first photolog ended up with about an equal amount of text as I share information on the tree removal around the pond at Veteran Acres Park.
Fishing at the McHenry Dam
By Jill Kocher Brown
McHenry Dam, nestled in the southwest corner of Moraine Hills State Park, is a large and peaceful destination in itself. With the quiet roar of the dam in the background and stand of large, dense trees, the dam offers a lovely place to relax for fishermen and picnickers alike. Moraine