Fort McHenry, McHenry, IL

Fort McHenry in McHenry, Illinois, occupies 96 acres along the Fox River with direct access to the 40-mile Fox River Trail. The park features two boat launches, a fishing pier, and a 30-slip transient marina that accommodates boats up to 40 feet. A 1.2-mile paved loop trail circles the property, connecting to the regional trail system for cyclists and pedestrians. Picnic shelters, playground equipment, and an 18-hole disc golf course are available year-round. The park also contains a dog exercise area and open fields used for youth sports leagues. From the riverfront, visitors can see the McHenry Dam and the adjacent Illinois State Park, which adds 1,000 acres of adjacent protected land. Public restrooms, drinking fountains, and parking for 200 vehicles are provided on site. The park lies two miles west of downtown McHenry, where residents have access to grocery stores, restaurants, and the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line station for travel to Chicago.

Playground