Welcome to Cary, Illinois – a hidden gem nestled in the heart of McHenry County. This charming town offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and natural beauty offering an array of activities from breweries to nature. Find your next adventure here with a list of 10 things to do in this far northwest suburb.
- Get a scoop (or 2 or 3!) of ice cream at the Cary Dairy! This local ice cream shop also offers soft serve and slushies. The Cary Dairy focuses on being allergy-friendly offering options that are gluten-free, kosher, and vegan as well.
- Play Frisbie Golf at Hoffman Park on the 18-hole Walnut Hollow Disc Golf Course. Or take your four-legged friend to the dog park. There are also walking paths that take you through woodland, savanna, and remnant prairie areas along with farmland. The park connects to surrounding neighborhoods.
- Try a sweet beer flight at Spirit Water T&J. No really, their beer is sweet and most of the flavors taste more like soda pop than hoppy beer. A few of their flavors include Root Beer, Vanilla Cream Beer, and Strawberry Rhubarb. With endless options to even mix and match. The Root Beer Float combination was a fun take on a classic. I also enjoyed their cream liquor which you can get a flight of. I recommend the Cookies & Cream Liquor.
- Go meander through the woods of The Hollows. This McHenry County Conservation area also offers a great place to fish, canoe, or kayak. Just be sure to pack some bug spray! In the winter, with enough snow and ice, you can also go cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
- Grab a bite at The Tracks. A family-friendly pub, this place offers delicious burgers, sandwiches and more. It is also conveniently located next to the Cary train station, as their name might suggest. This pub offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Check out more on one of my adventures to this pub here.
- Timber Town, now called Kaper Park may not be the park I remember, but nowadays it’s a splash! This park now has a splash pad with treasure. And has a plastic jungle gym that can still host a great game of tag.
- Chow down on a gyro from Kojacks. Not only does this local joint offer an extensive menu with 3 types of gyro, but it also has an ice cream bar with 24 flavors.
- Cary Ale House & Brewing Company is a great place to try a local brew made in-house. They also offer a food menu including items like burgers, salads, sandwiches, poutine, and more.
- Adventure through Hickory Grove Highlands by canoe. This McHenry County Conservation offers a canoe launch and is also a great spot to go fishing or take a hike.
- When the snow flies, Lyons Park has you covered with a large clear hill perfect for sledding. Lyons Park also has a playground and hosts several community events.
Great write up of our sweet hometown Cary!
Nice write up on our sweet hometown!
Thanks! It was fun to write a piece on where I grew up.