Within the museum there are a complete dentist's office, a general store and a recreated blacksmith shop using wood and square nails from a century old house. Other exhibits include gold mining paraphernalia, original fire fighting equipment, along with a collection of cattle brands from Stanislaus County.

In the Western Gallery there is an exhibit of oil paintings done by Virgil W. “Bill” West. The paintings typify the activities that one would have encountered on cattle ranches of the old west.

Traveling exhibits from the museum are used in conjunction with talks to school children, convalescent facility residents and senior citizens groups.

Every other month a new exhibit is displayed in the Changing Exhibit area. These exhibits have included a series on pioneer families within the county, ethnic and religious groups, as well as exhibits of quilts, local businesses, silver, fans and dolls.

One of the McHenry Museum's chief projects has been to provide a suitable archive for the history of the area. As such it has assembled a first class collection of early photos and documents.

Frequently a new exhibit is displayed in the museum along with slide shows, movies and musical events that are held in the auditorium.

Thanks to countless hours donated by the trained docents, many tours of the museum are held each year.