Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Huntley, Illinois

Along the Golden Corridor, Huntley is recognized as one of the fastest growing communities in the northwest Chicago area, exhibiting a five-fold population increase since 2000.

The village dates back to the mid-19th century; thus, despite the abundance of new residential developments, there exists a historic core characterized by a selection of old buildings alongside thriving independent shops and services.

Amidst this rapid development, Huntley preserves ample open countryside, with longstanding farms welcoming the public to explore their country stores and participate in fall festivals.

In late September, Huntley hosts its own Fall Fest, featuring live music, carnival rides, an array of food from local eateries, and numerous family-oriented activities.

1. Illinois Railway Museum

Located merely ten minutes from downtown Huntley, you will discover the largest railway museum in the United States.

Situated in the quaint village of Union, the Illinois Railway Museum offers insight into the vital role railroads have played in the development of the Chicago area and the broader United States.

The museum encompasses an expansive 80-acre site, featuring a 4.6-mile railroad line and a one-mile streetcar loop.

Visitors have the opportunity to ride these lines aboard vintage steam or diesel trains, while the museum provides a dynamic schedule of themed events posted online, facilitating your planning for a visit.

Ensure you allocate sufficient time to explore the yards and barns on the site, which are brimming with nationally significant collections of restored locomotives and cars, many of which are accessible for boarding.

2. Downtown Huntley

Unlike many suburbs, Huntley boasts a well-defined central business district, featuring a blend of historical architecture and a variety of local businesses.

Downtown Huntley underwent a comprehensive revitalization in the 2010s, during which sidewalks were widened, the town square was re-landscaped, and several new buildings were constructed, designed to harmonize with the existing historical structures.

A farmers’ market occupies the town square on Saturday mornings, alongside an inviting array of culinary and beverage offerings, ranging from gelato and pizza to confectionery and BBQ.

3. Deicke Park

Situated just south of downtown, Huntley’s largest park serves as a venue for various community events throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

The highlight of these events is the Fall Fest occurring in September, complemented by outdoor concerts, film screenings, and children’s entertainment.

Covering 25 beautifully landscaped acres, Deicke Park is flanked by the park district’s recreation center and water park, which will be discussed below.

The park also facilitates active recreation, featuring amenities for baseball/softball, basketball, fishing, and sand volleyball, along with a lengthy cycling and walking trail extending down its eastern side.

Two playgrounds cater to children, one of which is gated while the other, located near the pond, features a large, traditional slide.

4. Tom’s Farm Market

Emblematic of rural businesses you would anticipate finding in a location like Huntley, the family-owned Tom’s Farm Market has been operating since 1959.

Open from late March through December, the farm features over 80,000 square feet of greenhouses.

During spring, visitors can explore a substantial selection of annuals, perennials, combination planters, and hanging baskets.

As summer approaches, the farm market offers freshly picked, seasonal fruits and vegetables, complemented by a bakery and café utilizing the farm’s produce.

In fall, Tom’s Farm Market transforms into a comprehensive family experience, featuring activities such as a six-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, duck races, barrel rides, and delicious autumnal treats like apple cider donuts.

5. Stingray Bay Family Aquatic Center

During the summer, families with energetic children can visit this park district pool complex, conveniently located adjacent to Deicke Park.

The aquatic center operates from Memorial Day weekend until mid-August. While residents receive a discount, general admission pricing remains reasonable.

Stingray Bay features a large pool with beach entry and an extensive wading area equipped with play structures.

In the deeper sections, visitors will find a diving pool, an exercise pool with lane markings, and a splash pool accommodating the center’s two resort-quality slides. There is a concession stand, Ray’s Cafe, at the park, yet guests are welcome to bring their own food or order delivery from nearby restaurants.

6. Exner Marsh Conservation Area

On the eastern side of Huntley lies an Illinois State Nature Preserve that safeguards an expansive marsh interspersed with shallow ponds.

Exner Marsh is located on a former shallow glacial lake bed, bordered by elevated land formed through glacial till and thousands of years of sedimentary deposits.

You can explore this 116-acre area via 1.3 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, which feature a picnic shelter and picturesque views.

This marsh serves as a critical staging area for migratory wetland bird species, making spring and fall ideal times for a visit. Notable species include great egrets, blue-winged teals, pied-billed grebes, least bitterns, and Virginia rails.

7. Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center

From mid-April through October, this nearby farm in South Barrington welcomes the public. During spring, visitors can browse the garden center, which offers a variety of annuals, perennials, indoor plants, as well as vegetable and herb plants, trees, and shrubs.

Beginning in late June, Goebbert’s Country Store opens its doors, filled with local honey, salsas, pickles, hot sauces, vegetable dips, salad dressings, preserves, and more.

A bit later on, the Fall Festival transforms the farm into a family-friendly wonderland, featuring attractions and activities such as a petting zoo, a barn housing a real giraffe, pig racing, a haunted barn, camel rides, pony rides, and numerous other engaging experiences.

The Harvest Market operates throughout this period, offering pumpkins, vine-ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, as well as an array of baked goods, from fruit pies to apple cider donuts.

8. Huntley Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday morning from May through October, this vibrant outdoor market enhances the lively atmosphere of downtown Huntley.

Taking place in the square and extending onto Coral Street and Church Street, the market features over 20 local vendors.

Visitors can anticipate finding producers and artisans offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, spices, granola, kettle corn, eggs, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, loose leaf tea, perogies, handmade soaps, alpaca yarn, and freshly roasted coffee.

From November to May, an indoor market operates at Legion, 11712 Coral St., on the second Saturday of each month.

9. Randall Oaks Zoo

Operated by the Dundee Township Park District, this zoo is conveniently located just a short drive southeast of downtown Huntley.

Perched on a hilltop, the Randall Oaks Zoo is a family-friendly site that encourages visitor interaction wherever possible.

For example, it features a petting zoo where children can interact with goats and alpacas. The zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, including emus, miniature horses, deer, cows, pigs, peacocks, sheep, and red-tailed hawks.

The surrounding park spans more than 140 acres, featuring picnic areas, a ten-hole disc golf course, and group hayrides during the fall season.

10. Pinecrest Golf Club

Among the two highly regarded public golf courses in Huntley, Pinecrest Golf Club opened its doors in 1972 and has been under the management of the Huntley Park District since 2003.

Spanning 130 acres, this 18-hole championship course has undergone numerous changes over the last five decades and is acclaimed for providing some of the finest greens in Illinois.

To keep the challenge alive, the course features five lakes, 63 bunkers, and fairways framed by mature trees.

Practicing facilities include a driving range with grass tees, as well as a putting green and a chipping area. After your round, you can enjoy an enticing menu at the clubhouse’s restaurant, featuring pizza, burgers, wings, and sandwiches.

11. Freeman Kame Meagher Forest Preserve

Located between Huntley and Gilberts, this forest preserve showcases some of Kane County’s most picturesque topographical features.

This area lies on the northern edge of a moraine complex, featuring sheltered woodlands in lower reaches and a series of hills and drumlins that add visual interest to the landscape.

Visitors to Freeman Kame Meagher Forest Preserve will gain insight into the historical ecology of the region, showcasing numerous native plants.

The primary loop offers an invigorating, hilly walk with stunning views, and there are designated areas for horseback riding and model aircraft activities.

12. Whisper Creek Golf Course

Another highly-rated public golf course in Huntley, Whisper Creek was designed by renowned architect Greg Nash in collaboration with U.S. Open and Masters champion, Billy Casper.

This 7,103-yard par-72 course is recognized as a certified Audubon partner sanctuary, seamlessly incorporating wetland habitats and native prairies while employing dense bluegrass for its roughs.

The course boasts striking landscaping, including rock formations and captivating waterfalls throughout.

Additionally, the facility includes a fully-stocked golf shop, a driving range with 24 hitting bays, and a café with patio seating offering views of the first and tenth tees.

13. Donley’s Wild West Town

Also located in Union, this Wild West-themed amusement park and museum has been captivating visitors since 1974.

In addition to entertaining rides suitable for children, Donley’s Wild West Town features a 19th-century street scene complete with a saloon, jail, print shop, and blacksmith’s workshop.

Children and adults alike can pan for gold, ride a narrow-gauge train, explore authentic artifacts from the Old West, and enjoy a thrilling stunt show featuring gunslingers. Opportunities to test your skills with a bow and arrow, slingshot, tomahawk, or air pistol are also available.

14. Visit McHenry County

Huntley is situated across two counties; nevertheless, the village’s downtown area is primarily located within McHenry County, which spans a significant territory up to the Illinois-Wisconsin border and into the rural northern regions of Illinois.

In McHenry County, visitors can escape the urban sprawl of the Chicago area and discover charming small towns nestled within gently rolling landscapes.

One notable destination within a short drive of Huntley is Woodstock, the county seat, renowned for its delightful townscape, which served as a filming location for the classic movie, Groundhog Day (1993).

Downtown Huntley houses a tourist information center for the county, providing visitors with maps, practical information, and ample inspiration for their next venture in McHenry County.

15. Huntley Fall Fest

Deicke Park serves as the venue for a four-day festival held at the end of September, celebrating the harvest season.

Organized by a non-profit entity, Huntley Fall Fest features carnival rides, midway games, and a diverse selection of carnival food. In addition, there is an engaging lineup of live music on the main stage, alongside a dedicated kids’ stage for family-friendly entertainment.

Among the numerous events and activities taking place over these four days are a 5k run, car and tractor shows, a book sale, hayrides, a model train exhibition, and a scarecrow contest. A wide array of food vendors, all sourced from Huntley or nearby areas, further enrich the experience.