Spring to bloom with events in McHenry County

Spring is just around the corner, and family outings in McHenry County, Illinois, just northwest of Chicago, are a terrific way to shake off winter blues, emerge from hibernation and stretch your legs. Here's a spring bouquet of events and entertainments to help you plan your escape. All are an easy driving distance from Chicago, Milwaukee and Rockford. Many can be reached via Metra trains from Chicago. For routes and timetables, log on to www.metrarail.com. Be sure to consult websites or phone ahead for additional information, days open, hours and driving directions before heading out.

 CONSERVATION DISTRICT RECREATION & EVENTS

 The McHenry County Conservation District manages more than 22,600 acres of open spaces with woods, prairies, wetlands and savannas laced with trails and supported with amenities within 27 conservation areas...free of charge!  The District also offers a season-long schedule of events and educational programs for all ages that range from welcoming migratory birds to nesting grounds to geocaching. Other activities and events include nature hikes, habitat restoration, canoeing, camping, fishing, conservation day camps and more. For more on the following, visit www.mccdistrict.org

Festival of the Sugar Maples, Coral Woods Conservation Area, March 4 & 5, 11 & 12: Discover how maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. One-hour tours leave every 15 minutes and feature the cultural history of the maple grove and collection techniques. Tours finish with a taste of fresh Coral Woods maple syrup!

Powers-Walker Open House, Glacial Park, Ringwood, April 9: Visit a Greek Revival 1854 restored house and learn more about the resident families that called this area home. This open house, with volunteers in historical attire, centers around the Powers family and their contribution to the Civil War.

Earth Day Celebration, Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake, April 22: Co-hosted by the District and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, the event is held both indoors and out. Live musical performances, guided nature hikes, games and crafts, puppet shows, environmental exhibits and food vendors.

A Celebration of Wildflowers & Art, Picnic Grove, Coral Woods, Marengo, May 6: Enjoy an afternoon of outdoor exploration and artistic activities centered around spring wildflowers. Hike the woodland and witness local plein air artists (a French expression referring to painting "in the open air") along the way. Guided hikes, food, live music, children's activities and more.

Paddle in the Park, Lake Atwood Shelter, The Hollows, Cary, May 13: Take a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board paddling clinic. Test-paddle canoes, kayaks or SUP's from local retailers to find the one that is right for you. See demonstrations of paddling and rescue techniques. See a Dragon Boat demonstration and help paddle one. Paddle a voyageur canoe. Learn about local canoe and kayak clubs, paddling opportunities, outfitters, and adventures available here in the Midwest.

Paddle the Nippersink Creek Canoe Trail: When it comes to canoeing and kayaking, McHenry County has one of the best waterways in Illinois. Nippersink Creek is a 23-mile long, Class-A scenic prairie stream that winds through protected prairie and woodlands and past private lands. A slow-to-moderate current plus some short sections of easy-to-ride rapids make the Nippersink a great adventure for beginners and experienced paddlers. You'll observe magnificent landscapes, encounter a variety of native wildlife and rest at landings equipped with comfort stations, drinking water and picnic shelters.

Camp in Thomas Woods in Marengo Ridge Conservation Area beginning in May. The District maintains 46 tent and 17 RV sites with ample parking, restrooms, drinking water and firewood. See website for reservation and cancellation policies, fees and site map.

Cast a line at 23 District Fishing Sites for Bluegill, bullhead, channel cat, crappie, northern pike, sunfish, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth and white bass and even rainbow trout.  A valid Illinois fishing permit is required for anglers 16 and older.

MORE OUTDOOR FUN

 Peddle the Prairie Trail: The 26-mile Prairie Trail begins just south of Algonquin and runs north through eight McHenry County villages to the Wisconsin state line. You'll ride past farm fields, prairies, forests, parks, alongside the Fox River and through the McHenry County Conservation District's geologically significant 3,300-acre Glacial Park. On weekends, take your bike on Metra and hop off in Crystal Lake or McHenry. Depots in both towns are close to trail access points. Find train schedules at www.metrarail.com.

 Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove: Chain O'Lakes is a water-oriented recreation area with outstanding opportunities for boaters, anglers and skiers. The park borders three natural lakes - Grass, Marie and Nippersink - and the Fox River that connects another seven that make up the chain. In addition, the park contains a 44-acre lake within its boundaries. With nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline, Chain O'Lakes State Park is the heart of a water wonderland.  To learn more, go to http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/r2/chaino.htm

 Moraine Hills State Park near McHenry: From angling to more than 10 miles of hiking trails, from viewing rare plants to observing migratory waterfowl, Moraine Hills offers a recreational bounty. The Fox River is on the park's western border and 48-acre Lake Defiance is in the center of the park. Roughly half of the park's 2,200 acres is composed of wetlands and lakes. Find more information at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/MoraineHills.aspx

 Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake is a former quarry that's been re-purposed into two crystal clear lakes with a picnic area, playground, hiking trails, marina with rowboat, canoe, kayak, sailboat and paddleboat rentals, and overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the lakes and islands. Opens in April. www.crystallake.org/residents/three-oaks-recreation-area

 Forage for fresh spring produce, plants and more beginning in May at fabulous farmers markets in Cary, Crystal Lake, Huntley, McHenry and Woodstock, and at farm produce stands throughout the county. For days and hours of operation, go to www.VisitMcHenryCounty.com.

 INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

 Legally Blonde - The Musical, Woodstock Opera House, March 3 - 19: The hit movie about Elle Woods, who takes Harvard Law by storm in her pursuit of love, comes to life in this dazzling, energetic musical presented by TownSquare Players. www.woodstockoperahouse.com

 Salsa 101, Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Campus, Woodstock, March 4: Learn how to make 12 authentic Mexican Salsas and condiments to go along with tacos. This class will demonstrate the proper use of chilies for taste and not just heat, seasoning of meats and vegetables, and flour vs. corn tortillas. Lots of sampling and cerveza, too!

http://www.luc.edu/retreatcampus/cookingclassesevents/culinaryclassesandevents

 Any Other Name, Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, March 17 - April 2: Chicago Premier by the Williams Street Repertory.The New York Times' glowing review of this dark comedy (or light tragedy) about poetry, madness, and identity theft in Victorian England calls it "O. Henry noir," saying it rings with relevance, is highly charged and nearly flawless.Edward and his American wife, Margaret, are starving for his art. Surely there must be a better way to becoming England's most famous and beloved poet! www.rauecenter.org

 9 to 5 - The Musical, Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, March 31 - April 15: Based on the 1980 hit movie, this is an hilarious story of three female co-workers pushed to the breaking point by their sexist, egotistical, lying and hypocritical boss. In a hilarious turn of events, they live out their wildest fantasy and give him the boot. Presented by Woodstock Musical Theatre Company. www.woodstockoperahouse.com

 Guys & Dolls, Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, April 21 - May 14: You'll love this toe-tapping, romantic musical comedy about a couple of high-rolling gamblers and the strong-willed gals who love them. Presented by the Williams Street Repertory. www.rauecenter.org

 Plan a Getaway to McHenry County

McHenry County is just an hour's drive northwest of Chicago, bordered on the north by Wisconsin, and on the south by I-90. The Fox River winds down from the Chain of Lakes through the towns on the eastern side of the county, while country roads meander the western side. For visitor information, including links to the above events, plus lodging and dining options throughout McHenry County, go to www.VisitMcHenryCounty.com or phone 815-893-6280. Follow on Twitter and Facebook.