The park is home to the Petersen Park Beach, which is one of the few designated public swimming areas on McCullom Lake.
The property contains a significant amount of native shoreline vegetation, which helps with natural water filtration for the lake.
The baseball facilities are frequently used for youth league playoffs and regional travel team tournaments.
McCullom Lake is a glacial lake, providing a distinct ecosystem compared to the surrounding man-made reservoirs.
Petersen Park is a 78-acre lakeside recreational area situated on the shores of McCullom Lake in McHenry, Illinois. The facility is managed by the McHenry Parks and Recreation Department and serves as a hub for local outdoor sports and community gatherings. Visitors have access to multiple baseball and softball diamonds, as well as sand volleyball courts. A dedicated fishing pier extends into the lake, providing direct access for anglers. The park features a sandy beach area monitored during the summer season. Paved walking paths connect the various recreational zones throughout the grounds. It also houses several picnic shelters available for communal use. The landscape includes open green spaces used for various field activities and regional sports tournaments.
The end of the fishing pier looking back toward the shoreline at sunset.
Bring insect repellent, as the lakefront location can lead to high mosquito activity during humid summer evenings.
Check the local municipal website for the beach status updates before planning a swim, as it is monitored for water quality.
Carry your own equipment if you plan to use the volleyball courts, as they are not always provided on-site.
Do not attempt to swim or fish from the boat launch ramp area, as it is reserved for watercraft entry only.
Beach access is seasonal and typically restricted to the summer months; park grounds remain open year-round.
Carry out all trash to keep the lakefront clean; swimming is only permitted in the designated beach area.
