Location
660 E. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake
Phone: 815.477.5873
Hours
Th-Fri, 11 AM - 5 PM
Sat, 10 AM - 4 PM
drop-In Fun at Colonel Palmer House
Drop-In Crafts
summer Programs at Colonel Palmer House
summer 2023 Special events at colonel palmer house
FEE: free, just drop-in
Free, just drop-in
all age family fun
Weaving craft
Garden Scavenger Hunt Soiree
Historical Libations and Clay Oven Demos
Historic Games & Crafts
Live Music
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
For 1.5 hours, the historic Colonel Palmer House staff will host you and your guests as we celebrate your birthday Victorian-era style. Luncheon includes seasonal fruit, three finger sandwiches, and three delectable desserts (cake not provided) and of course, tea! Victorian dining etiquette will be presented and lively parlor games will be played. Party times available on Saturdays and Sundays. Maximum 25 guests.
FAIRY BIRTHDAY: Be swept away into a fantasy world of fairies with our short fairy presentation and fairy-themed crafts. Available for children 4 and older.
VICTORIAN BIRTHDAY: Victorian dining etiquette will be presented and parlor games from the 1800s-era will complete the party.
Fee: $25 per person (resident or non-resident)
To reserve your party, please contact Sarah Taylor, staylor@crystallakeparks.org.
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General Information
Gustavus A. Palmer and his wife Henrietta arrived in McHenry County from Nunda, New York by covered wagon circa 1841. As early pioneers to the area they purchased land from the Federal Government to start their homestead. The Colonel, as he was called by his neighbors, would eventually acquire over 300 acres of property. As a successful farmer he hired Andrew Jackson Simons, a local architect, to build this Greek Revival and Federalist style brick home in 1858. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home and grounds provide the perfect setting for historic presentations.
The building is now open to the public for tours, special events, and research of local history. The home contains the office of the Crystal Lake Historical Society who maintains records of Crystal Lake history and collections of local artifacts.
A Unique PartnershipThe Colonel Palmer House is operated and maintained by the Crystal Lake Park District and leased from the City of Crystal Lake. The Park District and Crystal Lake Historical Society partner to bring our area's history to the community. This partnership won the 2009 Small Institution of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Museums. Our thanks to the many dedicated interpreters, re-enactors, hobbyists and staff who volunteer their time and knowledge to make our programs successful.
Contact InfoSarah Taylor
815.477.5873
staylor@crystallakeparks.org -
activities
The Colonel Palmer House is known for its many programs and special events that bring history to life. Check the Crystal Lake Park District seasonal program guide for the most up to date information. History Happens Here!
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SCOUT PROGRAMS
The Crystal Lake Park District provides comprehensive Boy Scout/Girl Scout programs at the Colonel Palmer House.
CUB SCOUTS
- $6 per participant
- Achievement & Electives for Tiger, Bear, Wolf and Webelo
- 1-1.5 hour of instruction
- All instructors have completed Youth Protection Training
BOY SCOUTS
- Merit Badge Programs
- Fee based on Merit Badge
- Programs available any time including evenings and weekends
- Length of programs vary
- All instructors have completed Youth Protection Training and are registered Merit Badge Counselors
GIRL SCOUTS
- Call to reserve your troop's ideal date
- All day Journey Activities
- 1-2 Badge Programs
- LIA Opportunities
- Fees based on program/activity
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VOLUNTEERs
Volunteer opportunities at the Colonel Palmer House are ongoing, both inside the house and on the grounds. Contact the Manager for upcoming events and details.
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RENTALS
CATERED TEALooking for something new for one of your club's monthly meetings? Join us at the historic Colonel Palmer House and let us do the work! Costumed staff will make all the arrangements including a program on the Palmer family history and tour of the home.
Date: Saturdays or Sundays
Maximum Capacity: 24
Fee: $25 per person
Perfect for:
- Historic Groups and Guilds
- Bridal Showers Baby Showers
- Birthday Parties
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
For 1.5 hours, the historic Colonel Palmer House staff will host you and your guests as we celebrate your birthday Victorian-era style. Luncheon includes seasonal fruit, three finger sandwiches, and three delectable desserts (cake not provided) and of course, tea! Victorian dining etiquette will be presented and lively parlor games will be played. Party times available on Saturdays and Sundays. Maximum 25 guests.
FAIRY BIRTHDAY: Be swept away into a fantasy world of fairies with our short fairy presentation and fairy-themed crafts. Available for children 4 & older.
VICTORIAN BIRTHDAY: Victorian dining etiquette will be presented and parlor games from the 1800s-era will complete the party.
Fee: $25 per person (resident or non-resident)
To reserve your party, please contact the Colonel Palmer House Facility Manager at 815.477.5873 or staylor@crystallakeparks.org.