Upcoming Events

Off Square Music’s Open Mic Night.
March 12, 2010 (7:00 PM)
Awesome 80's Comedy Show
March 12, 2010 (7:30 PM)
Nature Tales
March 13, 2010 (10:30 AM)
American English with Bob Rumba
March 13, 2010 (7:30 PM)
Nature+Fitness=Good Health
March 15, 2010 (10:30 AM)
Brothels, Babes and Booze
March 15, 2010 (7:00 PM)

Check out your best bets this weekend in the McHenry County Weekender!

Friends of Fox River Grove Municipal Library

8th Annual Young Authors Project

16 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids

Beat the winter blues. McHenry County Living has compiled some great ideas for your kids when the weather keeps them indoors.

Amazing Adventure

Richardson Farm, home to the world’s largest corn maze.

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MC Kids

'A Stand-Out' on the Ice

For 11-year-old Skyla Swain, it’s all about spinning, jumping and gliding her way across the ice, and someday, to the Olympics.

By Lee Ann Gill

With an Olympic dream ever-present in her mind, Skyla Swain takes off across the back rink of the Crystal Ice House in Crystal Lake, her second practice that day.

Music to Our Ears

Marching and pep bands of McHenry County help kids reach musical excellence individually and as a group. The result of their hard work is enjoyed by spectators all over.

By Marla Pendergrast

We’ve all heard them and appreciate their skill, yet have your ever wondered about a deeper meaning behind high school marching bands?

Mary Ann Beebe Center: The Great Outdoors

The Mary Ann Beebe Center troop camp facility spans 295 acres near Harvard, and includes a protected wetlands area.

By Erica Burke

Girl Scouts are largely recognized for cookie sales that not only provide a sweet treat to families nationwide, but promote business and leadership skills among the girls, as well as help fund programming. What many may not know, however, is that Girls Scouts do so much more during the year to advance within the organization, and each new adventure and skill paves the way to a lifetime of leadership and service.

Summer Reading Programs and Clubs

McHenry County libraries’ summer reading programs are packed with fun and prizes for all ages.

By Linda Price

Joan Phillips, a Crystal Lake retiree, recently went on a cruise, and like many of us, sought books for leisure during her trip. But there was one problem: they took up too much space in her carry-on. An avid reader, Phillips opted to leave her favorite reads at home and instead loaded her mp3 player with audiobooks. Her fascination with audiobooks doesn’t end there — she is also among many residents who enjoy logging the minutes they “listen to books” for prizes through the Crystal Lake Public Library’s Summer Reading Program (SRP).

Summer Camps

McHenry County Conservation District Summer Day Camps.

By Ashley Mastandrea

The McHenry County Conservation District’s eight different summer day camps are packed with fun opportunities such as canoeing, exploring wetlands, hunting for critters, time travel, cookouts, camping under the stars, arts and crafts, and games. Camps are available for children 6 though 16. Visit www.mccdistrict.org for dates, times and more information. Register online or call Prairieview Education Center at 815-479-5779.

Lakeside Legacy Arts Park

Here at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park you can step back to a simpler time to explore the craftsmanship and unexpected brilliance of a Civil War era architectural masterpiece - the historic Dole Mansion. The Dole guarantees to stop you in your tracks with its intricate wood carvings, dazzling parquet floors and stunningly beautiful grand staircase.

Today, the Arts Park is in its infancy. Officially opened on July 4, 2005, it is owned and operated by a the non-profit Lakeside Legacy Foundation, formed for the purpose of preservation, protection, and enhancement of the property. The vision: become a world-class arts education center.

County Historical Society

McHenry County Historical Society - With a mission of providing the methods and means of presenting McHenry County history to enrich life. The 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, Illinois to learn more about area history!

MC Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District - Over 22,000 acres of open space graced with woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas. Trails and other recreational amenities have been added within 27 conservation areas where the public can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, camping, cross-country skiing, and picnicking. Discover your District today!