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Crystal Lake is a city of about 40,000 people in McHenry County, Illinois, about 45 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It takes its name from the clear, spring-fed glacial lake on its south side, which settlers in the 1830s described as being as clear as crystal.
The town grew around the lake and along the railroad, and in the late 1800s Chicagoans came by train to vacation at lakeside resorts and ice was harvested on the lake each winter. Today the historic downtown around Williams Street and Grant Street has restaurants, shops and the Raue Center for the Arts in a restored 1929 theater, and the Colonel Palmer House recalls the town's pioneer days.
Outdoors, the lake's Main Beach and the quarry lakes of Three Oaks Recreation Area draw swimmers, paddlers and families in summer, while Veteran Acres Park and Sterne's Woods offer prairie and woodland trails. The Prairie Trail runs through town, and the Fox River and Lake Geneva are within easy reach.
The Crystal Lake Park District's main swimming beach on the lake, with lifeguards in summer, a sandy beach, concessions and paddle craft rentals. Daily passes are sold for non-residents. Come on a weekday morning to avoid crowds, and stay for sunset over the clear water.
A city park built on two former gravel quarries, now clear lakes with a sandy swimming beach, boat and kayak rentals, fishing, a playground and paved paths around the water. It is very popular in summer. Non-residents pay higher fees, so check prices and come early on hot weekends.
A performing arts center downtown in a restored 1929 theater, hosting concerts, comedy, plays, musicals and touring artists in an ornate auditorium. Seats are close to the stage. Check the calendar, book popular shows early and have dinner at one of the nearby downtown restaurants.
An Italianate mansion from the 1860s on the shore of Crystal Lake, built by Chicago grain merchant Charles Dole and now the centerpiece of Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, hosting art exhibits, events and tours. Check the calendar for open days, and walk the lakeside grounds.
An 1850s home built for Colonel Gustavus Palmer, an early Crystal Lake settler, now run by the Crystal Lake Historical Society with period rooms and local history exhibits. It opens on select days and for events. Check the society's schedule before visiting, and see the grounds.
A large park district site with rolling hills, a pond, woods and a playground, connected to the neighboring Sterne's Woods and a nature preserve with prairie and oak savanna. Trails range from easy loops to steeper hills. Visit in late summer for prairie flowers and in autumn for color.
A long multi-use trail running north and south through McHenry County, passing through Crystal Lake on an old railroad bed with paved and crushed stone sections. It is great for cycling, running and walking. Ride north toward Ringwood or south toward Algonquin; bring water as services are spread out.
A historic downtown around Williams Street and Grant Street near the Metra station, with restored brick buildings housing restaurants, cafes, bakeries and shops. Summer brings farmers markets, festivals and outdoor dining. Arrive by train from Chicago or park in the free downtown lots.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: RyanGerbil10 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Cosmo1976 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Cosmo1976, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture Preston Keres/Office of Communications-Photograph, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Cosmo1976, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Cosmo1976 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
