The Great Outdoors of McHenry County

Enjoy all the outdoor recreation things you can do around McHenry County. (Northwest Herald file photo)

Winter doesn't have to be a time to stay inside. Instead explore the great outdoor recreation activities in McHenry County.

Put on your layers and explore the activities that await you in the McHenry County Conservation District areas.

One of everyone's favorite family winter activities - sledding - can be done at Glacial Park. So make sure to grab your sleds!

And anglers can enjoy some ice fishing at Stickney Run, Rush Creek, Pleasant Valley, Hollows, Hickory Grove/Lyons Prairie Marsh, and Fel Pro RRR. Ice skater also visit all these locations for some great winter fun!

Snowmobilers also can have a blast at Rush Creek, Prairie Trail North, Nippersink North Branch, Hebron Trail, and Glacial Park.

Those looking to go snow shoeing will have numerous places to make their tracks this winter. Check out Stickney Run, Silver Creek, Rush Creek, the Prairieview Education Center, Prairie Trail South Link, Prairie Trail North, Pleasant Valley, Nippersink North Branch, Hickory Grove/Lyons Prairie Marsh, Hebron Trail, Harrison Benwell, Glacial Park, Fox Bluff, Fel Pro RRR, Exner Marsh, Coral Woods and Brookdale.

And if you want to go cross country skiing, you have even more options to choose from! Make sure to visit Stickney Run, Silver Creek, Rush Creek, the Prairieview Education Center, Prairie Trail South Link, Prairie Trail North, Pleasant Valley, Marengo Ridge, Hollows, Hickory Grove/Lyons Prairie Marsh, Harrison Benwell, Glacial Park, Fox Bluff, Fel Pro RRR, Exner Marsh, Coral Woods and Brookdale for all your cross country skiing fun!

Winter hikes are available at all Conservation District locations. Those locations are Stickney Run, Silver Creek, Rush Creek, the Prairieview Education Center, Prairie Trail South Link, Prairie Trail North, Pleasant Valley, Nippersink North Branch, Marengo Ridge, Hollows, Hickory Grove/Lyons Prairie Marsh, Hebron Trail, Harrison Benwell, Glacial Park, Fox Bluff, Fel Pro RRR, Exner Marsh, Coral Woods and Brookdale.

And if you are brave enough to bear the cold overnight, the Conservation District offers Winter Camping at Marengo Ridge. Winter tent campers can enjoy camping and exploring over 5-miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails that wind through the oak and evergreen woodlands at Marengo Ridge. Both large and small groups are welcome; the campground can accommodate up to 160 people with parking for 20 vehicles. Call 815-338-6223 for available winter camping dates.

For information on other winter programs or more information on winter outdoor recreation, visit www.mccdistrict.org or call 815-338-6223.