We look forward to welcoming you to the McHenry Riverwalk. Here is what to expect if you book an activity with us:

General Information:

• Location: We are located on the McHenry Riverwalk, at 1210 Riverside Drive, McHenry. If you are navigating here, we recommend navigating to Windmill Pancake Parlor and following Riverside Drive until you arrive at the parking lots on the right and left prior to the road ending before the river. When you arrive look for a bright teal shipping container kiosk, close to the river. That kiosk is where you check in.

• Parking: Downtown McHenry offers plenty of free street and public lot parking. While it is usually simple to find a parking spot during the week, the weekends can be a little harder. We recommend ensuring you have plenty of time to park before arriving at your reservation 10 minutes prior to departure. All Marine’s Retro Rentals is located in the parking lot south of the Windmill Pancake House, just north of the river.

Paddle Boarding and Kayaking:

• About: Our paddle boards and kayaks are the perfect way to relax on the water while also getting a light workout in. Paddle boards are limited to one person per board. There are two types of kayaks: single person and tandem (which fit two people).

• Reservations: If new to paddle boarding/kayaking or are just looking to get a quick workout in, we recommend a shorter time frame. If you are more advanced or looking to explore the routes at a more leisurely pace, book a longer reservation. Kayaks are available for 2 and 4 hour options. Paddleboards are available for 1, 2, 3 or 4 hour options. 

• Routes: For the 2-hour reservation, our adventurers get to enjoy a mapped route along the river channel heading toward Green Street. Our 4-hour reservations will explore a mapped route on the Fox River that sticks to the No Wake Zone. We will go over these routes with you prior to your reservation, and there will be signage along the way to ensure you stay the course.

• Preparing: Please arrive at the kiosk 10 minutes prior to your activity so we can get you fitted for a life vest, go over routes, and make sure you feel comfortable with the equipment. All equipment will be cleaned and sanitized prior to your arrival. Life jackets are required for this activity. Due to our limited concessions, we are currently allowing boaters to bring their own food and drinks. However, per the waiver, the driver of any boat cannot consume any alcoholic beverages!

Retro Boats:

• About: Our retro rentals offer an incredible opportunity to be transported back in time to the ‘50s and ‘60s, but with all of the conveniences of modern day. These beautiful wooden and fiberglass boats have been completely refurbished bow to stern, including a brand new Mercury 9.9 engine which is perfect for cruising the Fox River No Wake Zone. These rentals fit 4 people comfortably.

• Reservations: Our retro rentals are available for 90 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to enjoy our beautiful scenic river. Routes: Upon your arrival, we will go over possible routes with you to ensure safety and efficiency during your rental. All of these routes stay within the No Wake Zone of the Fox River. We ask that you do not go past the No Wake buoys.

• Preparing: Please arrive at the kiosk 10 minutes prior to your rental so we can give you directions on how to properly operate the boat, the two-way radio (in case you need anything during your reservation), and emergency procedures. Each boat will be cleaned and sanitized prior to your rental.Due to our limited concessions, we are currently allowing boaters to bring their own food and drinks. However, per the waiver, the driver of any boat cannot consume any alcoholic beverages!

Retro Pontoons:

• About: Our retro pontoons, dating from the ‘70s and ‘80s have been completely refurbished and are ready for you to take a bigger crowd for a day out on the water!

• Reservations: Our clients have the option to reserve the pontoons for 4 hours or 8 hours Friday - Sunday. This year, you can also make an 8 hour reservation on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This allows them to explore at a leisurely pace and even stop to enjoy a bite to eat at one of the great restaurants along the river. Routes: These pontoons are equipped with a higher power engine, allowing you to travel outside of the No Wake Zone and explore different branches of the Upper Fox. Upon your arrival, we will go over possible routes with you to ensure that you have enough time to get out and back before your reservation is up.

• Preparations: Please arrive at the kiosk 10 minutes prior to your rental so we can give you directions on how to properly operate the boat, the two-way radio (in case you need anything during your reservation), and emergency procedures. Each boat will be cleaned and sanitized prior to your rental. You may bring your own food or drink with you if you choose. After that, you’re free to go explore!

After Your Experience:

• Docking: Please dock your rental boat at one of our piers on the water near the kiosk. Our deck hands will be there to help you tie up and power down the boat. If you are on a paddle board or kayak, please simply return to the beach and our deck hands will help you safely dismount.

• Hang out! We invite all of our clients to join us for some snacks and refreshments available for purchase at our kiosk and for a chance to relax on our beach front, or elsewhere along the beautiful McHenry Riverwalk.