On a winter day last January, we visited McHenry Dam State Park on a hunch that we could possibly see a bald eagle and soak up some fresh air. The hunch that day ended up being fruitful and we did see a bald eagle fishing at the dam! We also saw quite a few other birds, so I knew that we would have to return. This week, we returned to check out this spot again.
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| McHenry Dam manages the flow of the Fox River. |
McHenry Dam State Park is located at the McHenry Dam right on the Fox River in northern Illinois. Every time we have visited, the spot has been a flurry of activity whether it be humans enjoying fishing, hiking, and boating in the summer or birds any time of year. There also is a concession stand that is open in the warmer months serving as a spot to purchase bait and tackle, rent boats, and pick up a snack. Additionally, the preserve features a lovely picnic area underneath white pines as well as a 2-mile loop trail.'
Land acquisition for McHenry Dam State Park began in 1939. The original dam at the site was constructed in 1907. The 1907 dam was accompanied by hand-operated locks. A concrete dam was constructed in 1934 with the locks being added in the 1960s. Next to McHenry Dam State Park is sister state park Moraine Hills State Park which features a moraine left by receding glaciers as well as a glacially formed lake.
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| White pines at McHenry Dam State Park rise to create a lovely canopy even in winter. |
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| The winter sun blazes in gold above the dark trees reaching to the sky. The river ripples adding serenity to the scene. |
Many viewpoints along the Fox River yield opportunities for viewing birds. On this visit, we saw ducks and geese. There actually was a ton of activity even though the bald eagles and swans we saw last winter remained elusive. From the parking lot, you can trace the river enjoying many spots to scout for birds including a viewing deck with binoculars.
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| McHenry Dam provides a fantastic spot for bird watching in all seasons. During our winter visits, we often see geese gathered. |
Hiking at McHenry Dam State Park
Hiking the trail, we did see a number of dark-eyed juncos. Dark-eyed juncos happen to be one of my favorite birds, so I was thrilled! A little nuthatch danced on one of the pines as well. Winter is a great time to see woodpeckers and there were definitely quite a few at this preserve. The trail is a fairly easy trail. We stopped in spots to enjoy grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. We could see the Fox River poking through the trees during a stretch.
Whether on the trail or tracing the river, I always seem to get some unique pictures here. So, if you visit be prepared to take some of your own. We love this spot for all of the nature observations we are able to make.
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| Wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands meet on the trail at McHenry Dam State Park. |
We will most likely head back to this trail this winter because it is not too long and is easy to manage. Plus, we will have the opportunity to scout for birds on the river including bald eagles. I will keep you posted on the eagles! I do know they have been spotted here this week -- just not be me!
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