The Great Outdoors
Kayaking/Canoe Trail – 5.67 miles to creek fork at McHenry County Conservation Nippersink Canoe Trail
McConnell Park – North Branch Nippersink Creek Kayak Launch
PDF Map (Coming Soon!)
AllTrails Map (Coming Soon!)
Richmond’s very own local kayak launch that ties into the larger Nippersink Canoe Trail. Located in McConnell Park (5200 Nippersink Drive, Richmond IL 60071).
Please check local water levels, conditions before venturing out. Blockages may occur along the creek and cannot be removed by the Village. Paddling this river system is entirely at your own risk. Only you can decide whether your skills as a paddler are appropriate for the river conditions on any given day.
Biking/Hiking/Snowmobiling/Horse Trails/Cross-Country Skiing – 25.5 Mile Trail
The Prairie Trail
McHenry County Conservation District
“The Prairie Trail travels from the Kane County border on the south to just short of the Wisconsin State Line to the north, connecting eight McHenry County communities along the way allowing a safe and convenient means of travel sunrise to sunset. Because of its length, travels along the multi-use Prairie Trail come in close proximity to numerous shops and businesses, allowing cyclists to bike to work, run errands, or just go out to eat or for an ice cream treat. The trail takes cyclists through prairie, woodlands, alongside residential areas and passes through many scenic areas including Glacial Park, Larsen Prairie, Sterne’s Woods, the Diverse City Prairie and over the Fox River.
In addition, the Prairie Trail provides access to nearly 100 miles of trails; Hebron Trail links on the north end for a 6.3 mile stretch westward through North Branch Conservation Area; Ridgefield Trace links in Crystal Lake by Veteran Acres Park and extends west to Woodstock; and Kane County’s Fox River Trail links to the south. The Prairie Trail exists on the former Chicago and Northwestern railroad line.”
Biking/Hiking/Snowmobiling/Horse Trails/Cross-Country Skiing/Fishing/Kayaking/Picnic Areas – 3,400+ acres | 5 miles of trails | 4.78 miles of horse trail
Glacial Park
McHenry County Conversation District
“Glacial Park is McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space holding, characterized by its rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and the tranquil presence of the meandering Nippersink Creek.
Encompassing 3,400+ acres, Glacial Park contains over 490 acres of dedicated nature preserve; harbors 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species; is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region.
Glacial Park is the Conservation District’s most popular site, visited annually by more than 64,000 guests who hike or horseback along eight miles of trails; fish the shoreline of Nippersink Creek at Keystone Landing or Pioneer Road Landing…or bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail that skirts the eastern boundary of the park. In a place where wildlife viewing is plentiful, many spend time birding, picnicking or paddling the glistening waters of Nippersink Creek., a high-quality stream teeming with aquatic life — a place where numerous wetland waders and local wildlife also visit the water’s edge.”
Biking/Hiking/Horse Trails – 521 acres
North Branch Conservation Area
McHenry County Conversation District
“Tucked away in the in the extreme northeastern part of McHenry County lies 521 acres of preserved open space known as North Branch Conservation Area. Due to its biologically rich ecosystems, like the 125-acre wetland complex, 282-acre Genoa City Wetlands and Barrens, a Bur oak dominated savanna, and a 1.5 mile section of the North Branch of Nippersink Creek, the site is teeming with wildlife and an excellent place to view grassland birds.”
