Moraine Hills State Park

Located in northeast Illinois, 3 miles south of McHenry on the Fox River and McHenry Dam, Moraine Hills State Park offers a recreational bounty. From angling to hiking to viewing rare plants and migratory waterfowl, this park is sure to excite you!

More than ten miles of trails, some surfaced with crushed limestone, wind their way through the park. Enjoy the 2-mile Fox River Trail, the 3.2-mile Leatherleaf Bog Trail, or the 3.7-mile Lake Defiance Trail. A great post ahead.

Hiking

Located three miles south of McHenry in northeast Illinois, Moraine Hills State Park is known as a recreational paradise. With about half of the park’s 2,200 acres composed of wetlands and lakes, there are diverse natural habitats to explore along ten miles of trails.

Hikers will appreciate the tapestry of mosaic marshes, lakes, prairies, bogs, wooded hills, and streams. It is a favorite destination for hikers, skiers, and cyclists.

Camping

Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry IL is home to an abundance of wildlife and wetlands. It is a perfect place to take your dog for a long walk or simply relax on one of the many hiking trails.

Camping is available in several areas of the park, including a trailer area and youth group campground. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Fishing

Located in McHenry County, Moraine Hills State Park is home to wetlands of abundant wildlife and bird species and Lake Defiance, one of the few glacial lakes in Illinois.

Fishing opportunities are available at both Lake Defiance and along the Fox River. To help preserve the natural condition of the lake, bank fishing is prohibited except at designated piers along the boardwalk.

The park’s 10-day use areas offer picnic shelters and drinking water. Concession stands at the McHenry Dam and on Lake Defiance provide refreshments, bait, and tackle. This article is worth reading.

Picnicking

Moraine Hills State Park McHenry IL offers many picnicking opportunities throughout its 2,200 acres of natural wonders. It is also home to a humongous 48-acre lake and a variety of hiking trails.

One of the main attractions of this park is its unique geological formations. Hikers can explore the remnants of a moraine that formed the park and around Lake Defiance.

The area is popular for bird watching and eagle sightings. Thanks to a grant from the McHenry County Community Foundation, the park recently installed two more osprey nesting platforms at McHenry Dam.

Boating

Whether you’re looking to fish or just enjoy the quiet roar of McHenry Dam, you’ll find plenty of boating opportunities at Moraine Hills State Park. The lake, located three miles south of McHenry, offers a variety of fishing options including shad and crappie.

In addition to the lake, there are more than ten miles of trails that are surfaced with crushed limestone and offer exceptional scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities. You can also explore Pike Marsh and Leatherleaf Bog, both of which are dedicated nature preserves.

Other Activities

If you’re looking for something a bit more leisurely, Moraine Hills State Park has plenty of other activities to keep you occupied. More than ten miles of trails are popular for hikers, skiers, and cyclists.

The park’s wetlands and lakes provide a habitat for numerous birds and other wildlife species. Fishing is available on both Lake Defiance and the Fox River.

Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the natural surroundings. Day-use areas at Pike Marsh, Pine Hills, Whitetail Prairie, and the Northern Woods offer picnic tables. Up next is Lords Park.

 

Driving directions from Dynico Roofing to Moraine Hills State Park

Driving directions from Moraine Hills State Park to Lords Park