Natural swimming hole
Petersen Park Beach
Lake · Illinois
About this swimming hole
Petersen Park Beach is the City of McHenry's designated swimming beach on McCullom Lake, a glacial lake on the city's north side. The sandy, shaded beach is part of Petersen Park, which also rents kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and stand-up paddleboards and offers a floating inflatable water attraction in season. The Illinois Department of Public Health's BeachGuard program lists Petersen Park among its monitored public swimming beaches.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | Summer |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 11:00 AM-5:00 PM in season (per county visitor guide listing; verify current hours with the city) |
| Parking | Petersen Park parking lot at 4300 Petersen Park Road, McHenry. |
| Amenities | boat rentals (kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards), floating inflatable water attraction (seasonal), sandy beach |
| County | McHenry |
| Nearest town | McHenry |
| Safety notes | Swim only in the designated swimming area, and check IDPH BeachGuard for current advisories or closures before visiting. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Petersen Park Beach?
Yes — Petersen Park Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Heads-up: Swim only in the designated swimming area, and check IDPH BeachGuard for current advisories or closures before visiting.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Petersen Park Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Petersen Park Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
When is the best time to visit Petersen Park Beach?
The best season is typically Summer.
Is Petersen Park Beach safe for swimming?
Reported safety notes: Swim only in the designated swimming area, and check IDPH BeachGuard for current advisories or closures before visiting.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — swim at your own risk.