Where is McHenry, Illinois

McHenry is a city in northeastern Illinois and part of McHenry County. Located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, it sits along the Fox River and near the Chain O'Lakes region. McHenry is known for its riverfront, Moraine Hills State Park, historic downtown, nearby lakes, and its mix of suburban neighborhoods and natural areas.

Location Map of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of McHenry in McHenry County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

McHenry Map, Illinois

Where is McHenry Located?

McHenry is a city located in McHenry County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in northeastern Illinois along the Fox River, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago and roughly 20 miles west of Lake Michigan. McHenry is located at approximately 42.333° North latitude and 88.266° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 27,135 residents, and the city covers about 15.07 square miles (39.03 sq km). McHenry was settled in the 1830s and incorporated in 1872. The community developed along the Fox River, which supported early transportation, milling, agriculture, and commercial activity. The arrival of railroads later strengthened McHenry's connection with Chicago and other communities in northeastern Illinois. Today, the city has established residential neighborhoods, shopping areas, schools, parks, and a historic downtown near the river. The Fox River remains a defining geographic feature and provides opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and scenic recreation. Moraine Hills State Park is located just south of McHenry and protects wetlands, lakes, forests, and rolling glacial landscapes. The nearby Chain O'Lakes region is another major outdoor recreation destination, with interconnected lakes and waterways popular for boating and fishing. A unique feature of McHenry is its location at the meeting point of suburban Chicago, the Fox River corridor, and the lake-rich landscapes of northern Illinois. The city is also close to Volo Bog State Natural Area and McHenry County Conservation District preserves. Illinois Route 31 and U.S. Route 14 provide major transportation connections to Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Algonquin, and the greater Chicago area.

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McHenry City Facts

Distance from McHenry, IL to Nearby Cities

• Johnsburg, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Ringwood, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Crystal Lake, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Woodstock, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Algonquin, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Fox Lake, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Lake Zurich, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Elgin, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Barrington, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Wauconda, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Gurnee, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Round Lake Beach, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Rockford, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
• Chicago, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Milwaukee, WI – 75 miles (121 km)

Top Attractions in McHenry

• McHenry Riverwalk – A scenic riverfront area along the Fox River with walking paths, local businesses, restaurants, and waterfront views.
• Moraine Hills State Park – A large state park south of McHenry featuring lakes, wetlands, forests, hiking trails, fishing, and glacial landscapes.
• Fox River – The river flows through McHenry and provides opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
• Volo Bog State Natural Area – A unique natural area preserving Illinois' only true quaking bog, with trails and diverse wetland habitats.
• Chain O'Lakes State Park – A nearby recreation area centered on interconnected lakes and waterways popular for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.
• McHenry County Conservation District Preserves – A network of protected natural areas surrounding McHenry with trails, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands.
• Historic McHenry Downtown – The city's historic commercial center includes older buildings, local shops, restaurants, and community landmarks.
• Three Oaks Recreation Area – A large nearby recreation facility with a lake, beaches, trails, fishing, boating, and outdoor activities.

Airports Near McHenry

• Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) – 45 miles
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 45 miles
• DuPage Airport (DPA) – 45 miles
• Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – 35 miles
• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) – 65 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official McHenry city website and local government records.

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