Boat Show Near McHenry, Illinois
McHenry boaters live at the junction of two great waterways — the Fox River running north from McHenry toward the Chain, and the Chain O'Lakes spreading east. The Lake County Fall Boat Show brings the region's boat dealers together at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, about a half-hour south, on September 26–27, 2026. Admission is free and parking is free.
McHenry County has some of the highest boat ownership rates in Illinois, and the show is where those households do their fall shopping: comparing models, taking trade-in evaluations, and locking in closeout pricing before winter.
Getting to the Show from McHenry
From downtown McHenry, take IL 120 east through Volo toward Grayslake, or take Richmond Road / US 12 to IL 120. The Lake County Fairgrounds at 1060 E Peterson Rd is roughly 18 miles away — typically 25–30 minutes — with free parking at the fairgrounds.
Boating Around McHenry
Boating in McHenry revolves around the Fox River and the western Chain: putting in at McHenry's municipal launches and running downstream to Pistakee, or heading upriver toward the island channels on summer evenings. Fishing culture runs deep here, from spring crappie to fall walleye, and pontoon and tritoon families dominate the weekends.
That mix is well represented on the show floor: Crestliner fishing boats for the river and the Chain, performance tritoons for crossing Pistakee on a breezy afternoon, and family pontoons sized for Fox River cruising.
What McHenry Boat Shoppers Will Find
McHenry shoppers will find fishing boats from Crestliner, pontoons and tritoons from Bennington and Bentley, Chaparral and Malibu fiberglass, docks, lifts and accessories, onsite financing, free winter storage offers, and trade-in evaluations for your current boat — with free admission and free parking.
Not sure which type of boat fits your water? Browse pontoon boats, tritoon boats, wake boats, fishing boats, bowrider boats at the show — or start with the full event information page for hours, parking and the exhibitor list.
Boaters From Nearby Areas
Boaters From McHenry Get In Free
The Lake County Fall Boat Show takes place at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois — September 26–27, 2026, with free admission, free parking, closeout deals and onsite trade-in evaluations.