Arrival & access
Self check-in any time after 4 PM.
Getting in
- Find the keypad on the front door.
- Enter your code, then tap unlock.
- Tap lock on your way out.
Parking Up to 5 cars
- Use the garage as much as possible.
- Make sure cars are fully in the driveway.
- Extra cars can park on Howard Ave, around the corner in front of the gray condos.
The home
WiFi, heating, fireplaces, and more. Tap to expand.
WiFi & TVsEvereste Experiences · no password
Heating & coolingTwo zones · Honeywell thermostats
Fireplaces2 wood-burning · gas starter
- Make sure the flue is open. The black metal loop just below the vent at the top opens and closes it. If you can't see the loop, it's open.
- Put logs on the grate.
- Turn the gas key just slightly to the left to start the gas. Only a smidge!
- Use the lighter on or near the mantle to light just in front of the logs.
- To turn off the gas, turn the key to the right.
- When you're done, make sure the fire is completely out and close the flue.
GrillPropane · checked before you arrive
House rules
A few things that help keep Howard House peaceful for everyone, including our full-time neighbors.
Quiet hours 10 PM – 7 AM
Full-time residents live nearby, so please keep it down after 10.
14 guests max, no parties
Guests not on the reservation need our approval first. No parties of any kind, including bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Keep screen doors closed
We're right by the lake, so screen doors stay shut to keep the bugs out.
Smoke-free home
No smoking or vaping of any kind.
Pets welcome
Please keep pets off the furniture, and never leave them alone in the house unless they're crated.
On the lake
You're on the Fox Chain O' Lakes: 15 connected lakes anchored by the Fox River.
Our dock
- Fits one boat or a pair of jet skis.
- Please dock on the far side of the boat lift. The lift is not for guest use.
- Water shoes are a good idea along the shoreline.
Dock & walk
Downtown McHenry and Fox Lake both have spots to tie up and walk into town.
Fishing
Walleye, musky, crappie, panfish, and bass. Ask us for a guide recommendation.
Fox Lake Lakefront Park
Live music in the amphitheater every Friday night, plus pickleball, a playground, splash pad, beach, and boardwalk.
Volo Auto Museum
Classic cars, famous TV and movie cars, and rows of antique shops under one roof. Easy to spend an afternoon here.
volocars.com →Stade's Farm & Market
A family farm with pick-your-own produce in season, a fall festival with pumpkins and a corn maze, and a market full of local treats.
stadesfarmandmarket.com →Volo Bog
A floating boardwalk through a rare quaking bog, plus quiet wooded trails. Peaceful in any season.
Ice fishing
Pistakee Bay via Oak Park Lounge, Petite Lake via Cypress Resort, or Mineola Bay via Fam's down the street. Ask us for a guide.
Local spots
Where we like to eat and shop around the Chain.
Bimbo's Italian Kitchen
Map →Sunset Grill
Antioch · Map →Famous Freddie's
Map →Carlos's Mexican Grill
Map →Tammy's Pizza
Map →Fam's on the Chain
Map →Moretti's
Map →Dockers
Map →Culver's
Map →Captain's Quarters
Map →Lakeland Deli
Map →Check-out
By 10 AM. Tap each one off as you go.
Thank you for staying at Howard House · We hope to see you again soon!