Walk to downtown McHenry. Heart of the Fox River

Entire rental unit in McHenry, Illinois

  1. 5 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 2 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Bettye
  1. Superhost
  2. 3 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 1% of homes

This home is one of the highest ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Self check-in

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Extra spacious

Guests love this home’s spaciousness for a comfortable stay.
NO PETS
Entire 2nd. floor. < 2 blocks away from downtown, Fox River Riverwalk. Pokémon Gym across the street.
Full stocked kitchen, books, games, toys & extra amenities to make your stay beyond relaxing.
4:20 allowed in backyard & not in view of under the age of 21. Private smoking area in front.
Minutes from 2 State Parks, 1 with free boat/kayak launch. Several marinas, boat rentals, golf courses & other varieties of entertainment. Look at Bettye's Guidebook for more information.

The space
✨ A Vintage Gem with 5-Star Soul ✨
Experience the perfect blend of mid-century character and world-class hospitality. Nestled in a charming 1905 building, this spacious entire second-floor apartment (added in 1957) offers a serene, open-concept escape that feels less like a rental and more like a retreat.
🏆 Stay with the Best
Why settle for ordinary? Through a relentless commitment to excellence, I am proud to be ranked in the Top 1% of Airbnb hosts internationally.
• The "WOW" Factor: My goal isn't just to meet expectations—it’s to exceed them from the moment you turn the key.
• Curated Amenities: From a fully stocked kitchen to thoughtful extras, I provide everything you need for a seamless, relaxing stay.
🏠 Mid-Century Comfort
If you prefer "peaceful and cozy" over "cold and glossy," you’ve found your match.
• Spacious Living: An open floor plan that breathes, perfect for unwinding after a day of touring.
• Homey Vibes: Enjoy the gentle warmth of baseboard heat and the crisp cool of window A/C units—classic comforts that make it easy to settle in.
• A Proven Track Record: This home has a history of happy guests who love its quiet, serene energy.
🛶 Explore the Magic of McHenry
You couldn’t ask for a better home base. Whether you're here for adventure or to visit loved ones, you’re in the center of it all:
• Nature & Trails: Just across the park, you’ll find the entrance to the stunning Riverwalk.
• Water & Woods: Minutes from beautiful hiking, state parks, and easy water access.
• Unique Local Flavor: Discover everything from glass-blowing workshops and art studios to boat rentals, antiquing, and the local gun range.
📖 Local Insider: Be sure to browse Bettye’s Guidebook upon arrival—it’s your "secret map" to the hidden gems, reptile shops, and best boutiques McHenry has to offer!
I love living here, and I’ve poured that heart into this space. Come see why so many guests choose to return to my home time and time again.
(Reminder: This is a smoke-free interior and a strictly no-pets property. 4:20 friendly in designated outdoor areas only.)

Guest access
Complete private access to the entire second floor apartment.
PLEASE NOTE: There is an outside camera on the entrance side, and the other 3 sides of the apartment for everyone’s security.

I strive to have on hand those little things one might forget too. Coffee, tea, creamers, cabinet full of snacks, breakfast foods such as oatmeal, granola bars & quick made foods like soup or noodles if your hungry after just arriving or a long day of touring. Toiletries, games, books, toys & up-to date magazines & 2 TVs to keep you either relaxed or entertained.

Veterans Park across the street with a gazebo, playground, picnic shelter, clean restrooms & a Pokemon Gym!
Fox River Walk, less than 2 blocks away & just on the other side of the park from us!

Minutes drive (walkable to 1) of the nearby Illinois State Parks to hike/bike through. McHenry Damn is a sight to see, busiest lock in the USA. Great fishing there too.

We allow full shared access to fully fenced back yard with propane fire-pit, grill with all accessories, outdoor door games, large outdoor dining.
We have our dog Bella who is a very loving, child friendly dog.
Give me a heads up if you use the backyard (smoking exception) so your privacy is ensured & undisturbed.

Your guests are always welcomed to visit while staying here. No need for permission.

Other things to note
No laundry on site but do provide a drying rack that fits nicely in the tub. Whales Wash Laundromat is a 3 minute walk east past Park St on Riverside Dr. After the Fox a restaurant/bar is next door that is a town favorite. One can have fun doing both.

Seasonal activities all year long such as Globe Lighting, music & fireworks every Saturday evening during summer, 10 micro boutique stores presented by The McHenry Chamber of Commerce guiding new entrepreneurs on a yearly basis. Starts in May & closes just before Christmas.
For activities around town FB McHenry Riverwalk Foundation, McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, & McHenry, IL for information on what is going on during your stay.
Veterans Park across the street & every Summer Thursday evening offers a Farmers Market, food trucks & vendors offering local craftsmanship, produce & musical outdoor entertainment.(weather permitting). I have camping chairs for your use or set up a picnic (basket provided) on the grass. Miller Point, part of the Riverwalk has Summer Music Sundays till 4:00pm.

7 minute drive to Moraine State park

15 minutes to Chain o’Lakes State park

30 minutes to Lake Geneva

40 mins. to Woodfield Mall

1 hour to Chicago ( plus easy access train to get there)
Metra train to downtown Chicago, 1/2 mi to McHenry station (free parking) or minutes to Pingree Station, Crystal Lake for better service hours.

1 hour to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Great museums & festivals

1 hour drive to Rockford, IL. Beautiful riverfront walking, Japanese & botanical garden plus what I think is the BEST Children’s museum around.

There are so many seasonal activities throughout the year in town. I keep a calendar on the fridge & Bettye's Guidebook plus other helpful aides for information about different happenings around town. Easy walk to just about everything.

And just reach out and ask and I will try my best to give you he best answer or go into the right direction.

Where you’ll sleep

1 of 2 pages

What this place offers

Park view
River view
Lake access
Kitchen
Fast wifi – 459 Mbps

Accessibility features

This info was provided by the Host and reviewed by Airbnb.

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 175 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 1% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 100% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 0% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

McHenry, Illinois, United States

Neighborhood highlights

Friendly pedestrian safe city with beautiful neighborhoods, blocks away from downtown restaurants, bars, unique boutique & antique shops and the the just completed 8/2023 Riverwalk stores.
Want to learn & experience something new?? We have glass blowing, extensive art studio, gun gallery, bowling alley & a park district offering so much to learn.

Veterans Park across the street with a playground, gazebo, picnic shelter, bathrooms.

Every Thursday throughout summer is a Farmers Market, unique vendors, food trucks & live concerts. Globe Lighting, music & fireworks every Saturday evening through late fall.
There are events & happenings somewhere just about every day of the year in McHenry.

Over 20 churches of a variety of faiths.

Too many to count though we have numerous shops & restaurants minutes away by foot. McHenry calendar on Fridge & local guides to help you navigate & to keep you informed.

Meet your host

Superhost
175 reviews
5.0 out of 5 average rating
3 years of hosting
Born in the 50s
My work: Living the life!
Born in Chicago, raised in St. Louis, Mo. back to Chicago @ 16 & lived in McHenry for the past 40 yrs. Previous owner of a pub & RN. 2 sons & 1 daughter all structural ironworkers. I love my free time with family, friends, dogs & horses. I volunteer when I can find the time. Love meeting people, gardening, traveling, bicycling, hiking, reading, riding horses, loving dogs, ALL water & snow sports & most of all listening to music & podcasts.

Bettye is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 4:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
5 guests maximum
Safety & property
Exterior security cameras on property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm