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Fall is here, and that means time to do all sorts of fun outdoor activities with the family. Kids and Adults alike enjoy corn mazes, freshly picked apples, and even fresh hot donuts! Miss Sarah and I had a chance to play in McHenry County of Illinois, and had a total blast. Being just a short drive from Madison, Milwaukee, and even Chicago means you have tons of great treasures to discover. Just check out our 10 Fall Fun Activities in McHenry County, Illinois.
10 Fall Fun Activities in McHenry Coounty Illinois
Are you looking for some fun things to do with the littles this fall – then a jaunt to McHenry County Illinois should be in your future! Make a weekend out of it and soak up all the great things that fall has to offer.
Save money now with the Chicago CityPASS, Adult, ages 12+Cherry Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast
You might want to book a room in this historic home where Bill Murray “stayed” in the movie Groundhog Day. This is the scene where Phil turns the alarm clock off in the morning, which replays over and over the same day for Phil instead of continuing into another day. The owners are beyond friendly and so helpful with trivia and tours!
Richardson Adventure Farm
Are corn mazes your thing? Richardson Adventure Farm is an adventure like no other, leaving memories you won’t make anywhere else. Nowhere else offers a 700-foot zip-line, live pig races, or the world’s largest corn maze, well, nowhere other than Richardson Adventure Farm!
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
You might want to try an Apple Maze instead of a corn maze. Royal Oak Farm Orchard is a 120-acre setting located in Northern Illinois near the Wisconsin state line. Royal Oak is a you-pick orchard from the months of mid-August to mid-November, bearing 17,000 Apple trees with over 30 varieties of apples to choose from. The family-owned farm orchard’s mission is to glorify God by growing family traditions and to serve the community while producing quality fruits.
The Amaze N Apple maze has over 2,500 Apple trees with 9 different varieties along trellis wiring like the ancient Roman espalier tradition. Amaze N Apple maze has over 1.5 miles of beautifully pruned apple trees along its trail. As you make your way across the 5 acres of the Apple Trail maze, you can learn about the history of Princess Snowsweet and other varied activities throughout the maze. You are able to pick 2 apples from any tree to enjoy later or on the way around.
Honestly, there is nothing like a freshly picked apple – that you can nibble on right away and not have to worry about washing it! Make sure you grab a chicken pot pie in their cafe!
Stade’s Farm Market
For some people, it is all about the pumpkin patch. Stade’s Farm Market is the place you want to hit. Stade’s has been hosting the Shares of Autumn Fall Festival since 1997, that is 20 years of great times with unforgettable memories. Vern Stade started his journey with humble beginnings in 1977, which started out with growing feed crops.
Now Stade’s Farm and Market invites everyone from all around to stop by the market to pick fresh fruits like strawberries, cantaloupe, and raspberries, and vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, and broccoli, then stick around for one of the many events being held every year. Miss Sarah loved riding on the vintage carousel!
All Season’s Apple Orchard
Like Corn Mazes, Apples, AND Pumpkin Patches? All Season’s Apple Orchard should be a must-stop for y’all. The Wilkins family moved to Woodstock then started growing soybeans and corn in 1957. This was a successful venture for 34 years, until 1989, when James and Sue Hong purchased the Wilkins land.
The first apple trees were soon planted, and James decided to attend Kellogg Apple School at Michigan State University to learn the knowledge needed. In 1993, the Hongs decided to plant 3,000 new apple trees with 4,000 more following the next year. Over 15,000 apple trees are flourishing in the orchard.
Tom’s Farm Market
Looking for great donuts to wrap your lips around? Tom’s Farm Market is a family-owned business that has been established since 1959 in Huntley, Illinois. Tom’s specializes in growing high-quality bedding plants in their 80,000 square foot greenhouses that are on-site at the farm.
Non-GMO sweet corn, strawberries, peppers, and tomatoes are just a few of the gorgeous vegetables grown here that are available in the Market. Add in the incredible gift shop, fun family activities, and you have a place you can’t miss when in McHenry County!
Epic Deli
Now let’s talk about local food. For a quick bite, you might want to try Epic Deli. Yep, you heard us right! This place is EPIC! The menu is just about as huge as their sandwiches. Generous portions, fair prices. Pulled pork is the bomb! Anything that has it is sure to be a fast favorite. Casual, trendy, epic desserts. Cheesecakes that change often, and deep-fried candy with a tempura batter. Oh. My. Stars. Just thinking about the Epic Deli menu has me drooling…
Pub 47
Easy to find, being just under the water tower, Pub 47 offers an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming while you enjoy excellent service, a fully stocked bar, and a large variety of traditional fares. All dishes are made from the freshest ingredients and made to order. Make sure you try the Beer Nuggets.
They are flash frozen then fried pizza dough that puffs up into almost hollow pillows. It is quickly seasoned with garlic, Parmesan, and other secrets to be served along a bowl of their homemade sauce for dipping it into…one plate easily serves 4-6 people!
Lou Malnati’s
Pizza is a great way to end the day! Lou Malnati’s is a Chicago-area chain of Deep Dish Pizza places, but this location looks like a converted barn and is family-owned. They have plenty of non-deep dish options and incredible salads. Gluten-free option too – with a sausage crust and it seems like a heart attack on a plate to me, LOL!
Morkes Fine Chocolates
If chocolate is the fifth food group, and you need three servings or more a day? Morkes (More-Kes) history of making high-quality chocolate with diverse tastes and affordable prices since the 1920s, giving anyone who comes in for a visit that “kid in the candy store” feel. Morkes takes the time to make their confections from scratch using all-natural chocolate, fresh roasted nuts, pure butter, and a lot of fun goes into each batch. They do offer candy classes, but have a ton of great gems to simply choose from on the shelves.
Honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg in McHenry County, Illinois! There are thrift shops, other great restaurants, a weekend-long Fall Festival, and so much more! You really should make a point to check it out for yourself this fall.
Places To Stay Nearby
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