Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake includes a 500-acre park and two lakes offering recreation for all ages and interests including swimming, a playground/spray park, concessions, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, picnicking, fishing, hiking and more. The marina is open from the second weekend of April through the end of October and trails are open year-round. For more information, visit www.crystallake.org. 

Volo Auto Museum is home to an incredible collection of military vehicles, antique autos and legendary cars from American movies and television shows, plus more than 300 classic cars for sale. A new children's museum is currently underway. On the same property, browse 30 acres of antiques at the Volo Antique & Gift Mall. For more information, visit http://volocars.com.   

Illinois Railway Museum in Union is the largest operating demonstration railroad showcase in North America. Here, find more than 400 pieces of prototype equipment, as well as numerous displays. Visitors may ride on some of the museum’s electric, steam and diesel powered trains from April through October. For more information, visit www.irm.org. 

McHenry County Historical Society is a destination for family-oriented entertainment and education. Its comprehensive collection includes several preserved buildings, an 1847 log cabin, an 1885 town hall, an 1895 one-room schoolhouse, and a 20th century modern tourist cabin. Visit the museum in Union to learn more about area history. For more information, including special 50th anniversary events, visit www.mchsonline.org. 

McHenry County Conservation District owns or manages more than 24,000 acres of open land diverse with woodlands, prairies, wetlands, ponds, creeks and rivers. Enjoy one or more of nearly 30 public sites, including trails, picnic shelters, campsites, fishing sites rare plant and animal examples, and educational facilities. For maps and more information about special events and programs, visit www.mccdistrict.org. 

The Lakeside Legacy Foundation is dedicated to the restoration of Dole Mansion, and creation of Lakeside Legacy Arts Park arts education center and park for use by the community. Visitors are invited to step back to a simpler time to explore the craftsmanship and unexpected brilliance of a Civil War-era architectural masterpiece – the historic Dole Mansion overlooking Crystal Lake. The 12-acre park is an inspirational location to stimulate the senses. Learn to paint,take a culinary class, play an instrument, sculpt, draw, take a vocal lesson, row, hold a meeting or host an event. For information about First Friday arts events, Lakeside Fest in July and more, visit www.lakesidelegacy.org. 

Situated on the Historc Woodstock Square, the Woodstock Opera House is still making living history as it has done since its inception in 1890 as host to top national and international acts. It remains a home for local performers and a training ground for many new talents. Programming and events include concerts, theatrical plays, dance, visual arts, educational programming, lectures, meetings, receptions and more. Highlights include the annual Woodstock Mozart Festival in July and August, Creative Living Series and winter Tribute Series. The neighboring Stage Left Café serves as a concession and reception area during performances, plus hosts small-stage performances. For more, visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com. 

Raue Center For The Arts is dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts at its historic downtown Crystal Lake location. For 12 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor – Lucile Raue – Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theater is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For more, visit www.rauecenter.org. 

Click here to view the McHenry County Living Wedding Planner

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