Nature Center
The Nature Center is located at 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake. Located in Veteran Acres Park, The Nature Center is an ideal starting point for a hike through the Veteran Acres Woods and Wingate Prairie.
Mission
It is the mission of the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center to improve the quality of life for the community by providing nature recreation in the form of high quality native ecosystems through natural restoration and preservation, and formal and informal nature education.
Since the Nature Center re-opened in 1998, we have upgraded and are constantly striving to improve our facilities, but our goals have remained the same. Open year-round, we provide a unique opportunity for anyone to experience nature through progressive programs, hands-on activities, seasonal exhibits and volunteer opportunities. Located in Veteran Acres Park, the ideal starting point for a hike through the Veteran Acres Woods and Wingate Prairie.
Nature Center Hours of Operation
Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM
Sunday 11 AM-5 PM
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EXHIBITS
Since the Nature Center re-opened in 1998, we have upgraded and are constantly striving to improve our facilities, but our goals have remained the same. Open year-round, we provide a unique opportunity for anyone to experience nature through progressive programs, hands-on activities, seasonal exhibits and volunteer opportunities. In 2017, the Nature Center indoor exhibit areas including aquarium and habitat wall were completely renovated. Many new exhibits were added and existing exhibits were enhanced and updated. The Nature Center is also home to the following special exhibits:
BUTTERFLIES AND BEES
Every summer we have live butterflies fluttering about our Butterfly Habitat. There is no registration or fee required, although a $1 per person donation is appreciated. Our see-through bee hive allows visitors to watch how a live bee hive works in action. The butterflies will begin to arrive and the bees will become most active after Memorial Day through Labor Day
PAUL FRIEND FOSSIL COLLECTION
The Nature Center is a grateful recipient of an amazing collection of fossils donated by Paul Friend, a longtime Crystal Lake resident and amateur fossil collector. The extensive collection would be at home in any natural history museum in the world, but Mr. Friend donated them to the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center because he wanted to be sure that the collection would be on display for people to enjoy.
Most of the fossils are from an area in northern Illinois, south of Joliet, and are considered to be Mazon Creek Fossils. Fossils from this area are world famous because of their quality and diversity. They are unusual in that they preserve soft bodied animals as opposed to the fossilized remains usually found like teeth, bone and shells. The Mazon Creek Fossils are from plants and animals that lived during the Pennsylvanian period of roughly 300 million years ago when much of what is now Illinois was covered by a shallow inland sea. The fossils were first unearthed when the area was mined for coal. The locations where Mr. Friend found most of his collection are referred to as Pit 11 and Pit 14. These two locations are known throughout the world as the source of many of the Mazon Creek Fossils and refer to the mine pits of the Peabody Coal Company.
Among the fossils donated are the following:
- Arthropleura cristata - Segments from a millipede that reached up to 6 feet in length. This fossil is quite rare due to the fact that so few have been found in North America. Both the Field Museum and the Burpee Museum have reproductions of this exact fossil.
- Tullymonstrum gregarium: Also known as the "Tully Monster" this is the state fossil of IL. No one is quite sure what it is because nothing alive today even remotely resembles it. It is also unique in that fossils of the "Tully Monster" have only been found in Illinois and nowhere else in the world.
- Numerous fossilized jellyfish
- A variety of plant fossils
- Fossilized crustaceans resembling modern day shrimp
- Fossilized polychaete worms
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NATURE PROGRAMS
The Nature Center offers nature themed programs year-round. Please see the current brochure for current programs.
GEOCACHING
Geocaching is an outdoor activity that pairs GPS technology with an old-fashioned treasure hunt. Geocaches, or caches are small containers that usually have small trinkets to trade and a log book to sign when it is found. Once a cache is hidden, the longitude and latitude are posted on the internet for all to find. Geocaches are hidden all over the WORLD and quite a few in our PARKS.
All you need for this adventure is a GPS unit. If you are interested but don't know if you want to invest in a GPS unit, we have a limited number at the Nature Center that can be checked out, free of charge. We will then give you a quick "how to" session and you're on your way to finding one of the many caches in Veteran Acres.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Our Birthday Party Programs are 2.5 hours and consist of 15 minutes for set-up, a 1 hour instructor lead program, 1 hour of "free time" for gifts and cake (not provided) and 15 minutes for cleanup.
Fee: $140 (includes up to 15 participants). Each additional guest will be charged $6 at the time of the party. We kindly request a two week notice. Please call the Nature Center to schedule your party. For more information please visit our Birthday Party page.
SPECIAL NATURE CENTER PROGRAMSTHE TRAVELING NATURALIST
Are you looking for a different idea for your club or organization's next meeting? You can schedule on of our Traveling Naturalists to visit your meeting! These 1 to 1 1/2 hour programs include hands-on activities and knowledgeable instructors. We have a variety of topics and can tailor a program to meet your needs.
Fee: $70
FIELD TRIPS AND GROUP PROGRAMS
School Districts, preschools, home school, clubs and more have benefited from our field trip programs. A typical program will last from 1-2 hour and will feature a hike and multiple educational station covering most any nature topic.
Program Fee: $6 per child
Resident Discount Fee: $3 per child
$30 minimum per group
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SCOUTS
The Crystal Lake Park District provides comprehensive Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs at the Colonel Palmer House and Nature Center. Classes and Merit Badge Workshops are offered in each seasonal brochure (open to scouts and non-scout)
CUB SCOUTS
- $6 per participant
- Achievement & Elective for Tiger, Bear, Wolf and Webelo
- 1-1.5 hours 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
- Troops can schedule programs on desired date.
- Badge and Journey Activities for Daisies through Seniors
- Cadette LIA opportunities
- Advisors for Bronze, Silver and Gold Award projects
- Fees vary by program
- Contact us for programs tailored to your troop's outdoor interests
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VOLUNTEERS
The natural areas found throughout the Park District offer a variety of opportunities for volunteers to make a difference by helping the environment. Individuals or groups can benefit from the rewarding and education experience of restoring our native ecosystems.
Butternut Nature Preserve
Volunteer Co-Stewards: Judi Stuck & Nicole Petra
Woodland and prairie preserve located on a branch of the Kishwaukee River
Work Days: TBD
Meet in parking lot on Butternut Road
Lippold Park Wetland Complex
Volunteer Co-Stewards: Position Open
This wetland helps clean the water flowing into Crystal Lake
Work Days: If you are interested in becoming the Steward, please contact John Fiorina at jfiorina@crystallakeparks.org
Sterne's Woods Fen
Volunteer Co-Steward: Larry Smith & Brice Alt
One of the highest quality wetlands in the state
Work Days: 4th Sunday of the month, 9-11 AM
Veteran Acres and Wingate Prairie Nature Preserve
Volunteer Co-Steward: Jim Wigman
One of our popular sites, this has been formally dedicated as a sanctuary for native plants and animals
Work Days: 1st and 3rd Saturday of the Month, 9-11 AM, every Tuesday, 2-4 PM
Meet at the Nature Center
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CLIMBING TOWER
The Crystal Lake Park District has a 24 foot tower ready to climb! With three skill levels to explore, the climbing tower allows small groups to enjoy a few rounds of climbing. All required climbing gear is included. Participants need to wear rubber sole shoes suitable for climbing. Weight capacity for climbers is 250 lbs and wind conditions may not exceed 20 miles per hour when tower is vertical. Climbers must have a parent/guardian sign a waiver prior to participation.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Ages 6 & Up
One Hour of Climb Time / 2.5 Hours Total for Party
Max. 12 persons = $250
SCHOOLS & GROUPS
One hour of climb time = $125
Two hours of climb time = $200
* extra charge for off-site program
SCOUTS
30 Minutes of Instruction
One hour of climb time
Per participant = $20 (Min. 6/Max. 12 people)
WE ARE PORTABLE! CALL 815.455.1763 FOR DETAILS
Latest News
- Feb 15 Limited Team Spots Still Available for Forts on the Courts
- Feb 15 Register by March 1 for Mom/Son Rock of 80's Date Night
- Feb 11 Active Adult Line Country Line Dance Party Friday, Feb 22
- Feb 10 ‘Weddings on the Lake’ Bridal Fair Main Beach Registration Open
- Feb 10 NEW Master Dance Classes at the Crystal Lake Park District Dance Academy
- Feb 04 Registration Open for Crystal Lake Park District Barlina House Preschool 2019-2020 School Year
- Feb 04 CANCELLED-2019 Crystal Lake Park District Ice Fishing Derby on February 10-CANCELLED
- Feb 04 2019 Crystal Lake Park District Chili Open Golf Classic Cancelled Due to Poor Ice Conditions
- Feb 03 Limited Spots Still Available for the Sweetheart Tea at Colonel Palmer House
- Jan 25 CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER-Sterne's Volunteer Work Day
- Jan 15 Volunteers Needed for CL Park District Ice Fishing Derby on February 10
- Jan 14 Salsa is the Featured Dance for Saturday Night Dance on Jan 26
- Jan 13 Registration Deadline is January 16 for Boys After School Basketball
- Jan 09 Country Line Dance Party This Saturday, January 12
- Jan 07 5 NEW Art & Craft Classes for Adults offered at Crystal Lake Park District
- Jan 02 NEW Art Classes for Kids are featured in Crystal Lake Park District Winter/Spring Brochure
- Jan 02 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Skills Programs and Youth Entrepreneurism Classes at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Jan 01 Indoor Walking Option at The Racket Club -Monday thru Friday
- Jan 01 Winter/Spring Session of Dance Classes begin January 5
- Jan 01 Register now for Winter-Spring Dance Classes for Adults
- Jan 01 Winter/Spring Fitness and Yoga Classes Run January-March
- Jan 01 Ice Fishing Derby Returns to Crystal Lake
- Dec 27 Now Hiring After School Basketball Coaches-$10/Hour
- Dec 11 Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day on Dec 16
- Dec 04 Register for Christmas Bedtime Stories-Dec 11, Dec 14 & Dec 18
- Dec 03 Crystal Lake Park District Challenges Residents to ‘Light Up’ Crystal Lake in Holiday Decorating Contest
- Dec 02 2018 Property Tax Ordinance on Agenda for December 13 Board Meeting
- Nov 20 Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day on November 25
- Nov 07 Register by November 28 for Santa's Holiday Express
- Nov 07 Register by December 1 for Senior Holiday Brunch
- Nov 06 Experience Qi Gong and Yoga Nidra through 1-Day Classes at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Nov 01 2nd Session of Fall Fitness and Yoga Classes begins October 30
- Oct 19 Proposed Pier Ordinance is topic of Community Input Meeting October 25
- Oct 19 FREE Pop Up Fitness Classes Offered October 23 & 24
- Oct 16 Register Now for Crystal Lake Park District Cooking and Food Classes
- Oct 15 Drop in and Planned Activities for Seniors at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Oct 04 Register for Adult Volleyball Leagues by October 5
- Oct 03 Register by October 17 for Junior High Wagon Ride & Bonfire
- Oct 03 Day Trips for Adults with the Crystal Lake Park District
- Oct 03 Who Has the Best Halloween Display in Crystal Lake?
- Oct 02 Crystal Lake Park District Drop-In Tot Open Gym Begins October 4
- Oct 02 Music Entertainment on the Schedule at Park Place on October 13
- Sep 24 Fox Trot is Featured Dance for September 29 Saturday Night Dance
- Sep 24 Pop Up Classes features Fleece Scarf & Headband Project
- Sep 21 Crystal Lake Park District Welcomes New Staff
- Sep 20 Crystal Lake Park District Nature Offers STEM Programming
- Sep 17 Crystal Lake Park District Park Board of Commissioner Election Petition Packets Available
- Sep 05 Drop in Programs and Day Trips for Active Adults at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Sep 05 Businesses and Organizations Needed To Participate in Crystal Lake Park District Truck or Treat
- Sep 04 Crystal Lake Park District Expands Nature Center Programs
- Sep 03 FREE Family Fun at the Crystal Lake Park District Kite Fest
- Sep 03 Crystal Lake Park District Offers Dance Programs for Adults in Fall Season
- Sep 02 Register Now for Crystal Lake Park District Cooking Classes
- Sep 01 Fall Art Classes for Kids-Adults Begin Soon
- Aug 23 End of Summer Session of Belly Dancing Added
- Aug 23 Crystal Lake Park District Partners with Three District 47 Schools to Offer Beyond the Bell
- Aug 23 Enrolling now for Crystal Lake Park District Dance Academy Programs
- Aug 22 Weed Harvesting in West Bay of Crystal Lake Scheduled for August 30
- Aug 22 Enroll Now for Fall Fitness and Yoga Classes with the Crystal Lake Park District
- Aug 17 Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day on August 26
- Aug 14 Limited Spots Available for Crystal Lake Park District Barlina House Preschool 2018-2019 School Year
- Aug 14 Register by September 7 Crystal Lake Park District Girls After School Basketball League
- Aug 14 Part-Time and Volunteer Coaching Opportunities
- Aug 14 Active Adult Line Country Line Dance Party This Friday, August 17
- Aug 14 Cha Cha is the Featured Dance for Upcoming Saturday Night Dance for Adults
- Aug 14 Ol’ Time Wagon Rides a Fall Tradition at Sterne’s Woods
- Aug 09 Crystal Lake Park District Concerts in the Park Extended Through August 21
- Aug 01 Public Input Meetings Scheduled in August for Crystal Lake Park District Projects
- Jul 23 Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners Appoints Cathy Cagle to Four Year Term
- Jul 23 Free Summer Sundays at Colonel Palmer House August 12
- Jul 16 Join Us for a Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day on July 22
- Jul 16 Register Now for Crystal Lake Park District Cooking Classes-ages 9 & up
- Jul 16 Limited Registration Spots Still Available for Crystal Lake Park District Dance Camps
- Jul 16 Crystal Lake Park District to Host Kids’ Party in the Park
- Jul 16 Crystal Lake Park District Fall Program Brochure to Be Mailed to Residents beginning July 31
- Jul 11 Active Adult Country Line Dance Party This Friday, July 13
- Jul 11 July 23-27 is Lifeguard and Beach Staff Appreciation Week
- Jul 05 Aquatic Herbicide Treatments of Unwanted Plants at Veteran Acres Pond Scheduled for July 6
- Jun 29 Register by July 12 for Family Game Night at Main Beach!
- Jun 29 Free Summer Sundays at Colonel Palmer House On July 15
- Jun 26 Concerts in the Park Continue Through August 21
- Jun 18 Crystal Lake Park District ‘Hanging with Our Heron’ Photo Contest Kicks Off June 23
- Jun 18 Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day on June 24
- Jun 18 Still Time to Register for Crystal Lake Park District Summer Art Classes
- Jun 18 June 23 Beach Bash Schedule Announced
- Jun 12 Register Now for Summer Cooking Classes
- Jun 12 Crystal Lake Park District Main Beach Phase 2 Survey Now Open
- Jun 04 Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners Seeking Candidate
- Jun 04 Aquatic Herbicide Treatments of Non-Native Species Scheduled on June 6 on Crystal Lake
- May 17 Family Campout Slated for June 15-16 at Main Beach
- May 17 Teens! Get the Right Skills to Land a Job Crystal Lake Park District Lifeguard Training Classes
- May 17 Group and Private Sailing Lessons with the Crystal Lake Park District
- May 17 Summer Tennis Lessons for Ages 5-Adult With the Crystal Lake Park District
- May 16 Still Time to Register for Summer Sessions of Yoga with the Crystal Lake Park District
- May 16 Enroll Now for Summer Fitness Classes with the Crystal Lake Park District
- May 14 Swim Lessons at Main Beach with the Crystal Lake Park District Swim School
- May 14 Register now for Open Water Swim Race Slated at Crystal Lake on June 9-CANCELLED
- May 14 2018 Public Beach Spring Herbicide Treatments Scheduled
- May 14 Free Summer Sundays at Colonel Palmer House begins on June 3
- May 14 Mark Your Calendar for May 26-Main and West Beach Opening Day
- May 14 Crystal Lake Park District Announces NEW Special Event at Main Beach Beach Bash on June 23
- May 14 Drop in and Planned Activities for seniors at the Crystal Lake Park District
- May 11 Mark Your Calendar for May 20 Sterne's Volunteer Work Day
- May 10 May 19 is Opening Day for the NEW Crystal Lake Park District Main Beach Playground
- May 09 Enroll Now for Summer Session of Dance Classes with the Crystal Lake Park District
- Apr 20 Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office Begins Saturday Hours for Summer Season
- Apr 20 Meet up the First Wednesday of the Month for Walking Club
- Apr 17 Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day Scheduled for April 22
- Apr 17 Watch for the Summer Brochure in the Mail! Registration Opens May 1
- Apr 17 Lippold Park Family Golf Center Opens for Season on April 21
- Apr 17 Dates Announced for Drop-In Program for Crafters
- Apr 12 American Tango is the Featured Dance for April 28 Event
- Apr 02 First Saturday at Colonel Palmer House on April 7 features Scouting Around
- Apr 02 Nominate Crystal Lake to Receive a $20K Grant during Earth Month
- Apr 02 Crystal Lake Park District Day Camp Open House Scheduled for May 5
- Mar 30 Crystal Lake Park District Staff Receives Award at NISRA Recognition Banquet
- Mar 19 Crystal Lake Park District Honored with Certificate of Achievement For Excellence in Financial Reporting
- Mar 14 Join us on March 18 for Volunteer Work Day at Sterne's Woods
- Mar 14 Register by April 2 for Family Game NIght
- Mar 14 Adult Line Country Line Dance Party on March 17 includes Lesson
- Mar 14 Rumba is the Featured Dance for Upcoming Saturday Night Dance for Adults
- Mar 12 Register by March 14 for Doggy Egg Hunt
- Mar 01 Crystal Lake Park District’s Sam Thompson Receives National Service Award from the American Camp Association
- Feb 22 Still Time to Register for Spring Session of Crystal Lake Park District Cooking and Baking Classes
- Feb 22 Registration Deadline: March 2 for Mom Son Wild West Fest
- Feb 22 Community Garden Plots Available at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Feb 22 Register for Spring Session of Beyond the Bell at Husmann and West Elementary
- Feb 22 Limited Team Spots Still Available for Forts on the Courts
- Feb 16 Join us February 25 for Bonfire! Food at the Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day and Cookout
- Jan 31 Colonel Palmer House to Host Two Valentine’s Inspired Events
- Jan 25 Applications Due by March 31 for Walk Herrick, Sr. Memorial Foundation Junior Tennis Scholarship
- Jan 24 Crystal Lake Park District Partners with Two District 47 Schools to Offer Beyond the Bell
- Jan 24 February 23 Live Music Entertainment at Park Place features Ivy Ford
- Jan 24 Drop-In Pickleball Offered at The Racket Club
- Jan 24 Reister by March 12 for 2nd Annual Forts on the Courts Family/Team Event
- Jan 24 January 27 at Grand Oaks-Adult Country Line Dance Party
- Jan 16 Register by February 2 for Daddy Daughter Luau
- Jan 16 Don’t PASS up the Opportunity to be a Part of the Crystal Lake Park District Cake Decorating Class on Jan 20
- Jan 16 Register by March 2 for Mom Son Wild West Fest
- Jan 15 Join us on January 21 for a Bonfire! Food! Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day and Cookout
- Jan 15 Chili Open Golf Classic is a Crystal Lake Tradition-Get Your Tee Time Today!
- Jan 15 Register by January 30 for the 2018 Snowbird Softball Tournament
- Jan 15 Crystal Lake Park District Now Hiring for Summer Seasonal Jobs
- Jan 15 Crystal Lake Park District Offers Ice Rink and Sledding Locations for Winter Fun
- Jan 12 Register by March 20 for Breakfast with the Bunny
- Jan 02 Indoor Walking Option at The Racket Club through the Winter
- Dec 28 FREE Music and Dancing at Park Place Banquet in January and February
- Dec 28 Enroll Now for 1st Session of Winter Fitness Classes with the Crystal Lake Park District
- Dec 28 Registration Deadline January 15, 4th-6th Grade Boys After School Basketball League
- Dec 28 Register by February 2 for Daddy Daughter Luau
- Dec 11 Volunteer Work Day Scheduled for December 17 at Sterne’s Woods & Fen
- Dec 11 Kids are Welcome in the Kitchen at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Dec 11 Crystal Lake Park District Offers Dance Programs for Adults in Winter/Spring Season
- Nov 21 Register Now for Crystal Lake Park District Holiday Dance Mix Party on December 3
- Nov 21 Watch for the Winter/Spring brochure in the mail after December 1
- Nov 13 Still time to Register-Enjoy a Holiday Brunch with Friends on December 7 at Grand Oaks Active Senior Center
- Nov 13 Crystal Lake Park District Challenges Park District Residents to ‘Light Up’ Crystal Lake In Holiday Decorating Contest
- Nov 13 Classic Christmas Bedtime Stories for Kids Ages 3-10
- Nov 13 Register by November 29 for Santa's Workshop
- Nov 13 Letters to Santa Program is a Crystal Lake Park District Tradition
- Nov 13 Register by December 22 for Family Noon Years Eve
- Nov 13 Senior Day Trips with Crystal Lake Park District
- Oct 17 -FREE Family Halloween Fun at Main Beach on October 28- Crystal Lake Park District Truck or Treat
- Oct 17 Volunteer Work Day Scheduled for October 22 at Sterne’s Woods & Fen
- Oct 17 Still Time to Register for Institute Day Fun for Ages 5-13
- Oct 17 Crystal Lake Park District Offers Ballroom and Social Dancing Program for Adults
- Oct 17 FREE Big Band Entertainment on the Schedule at Park Place on October 20
- Oct 17 Register Now for Crystal Lake Park District Holiday Cooking Demonstration with Chef Dave Esau
- Oct 17 Still Time to Register for Yoga with the Crystal Lake Park District
- Oct 17 Senior Day Trips with Crystal Lake Park District
- Oct 17 Competition is Heating Up 17 Teams Registered for Puzzle Palooza!
- Oct 02 Park District Invites Residents to Attend State of the Lake Meeting on October 30
- Oct 02 Drop-In Tot Open Gym Returns for Fall 2017 Program Season at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Oct 02 October 14: Adult Line Dance Party -Learn the basics with an introductory lesson-
- Sep 23 Fetzner Park Riparian Restoration Project Meeting Scheduled for October 5
- Sep 18 Volunteer Work Day Scheduled for September 24 at Sterne’s Woods & Fen
- Sep 11 Kids are Welcome in the Kitchen at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Sep 11 FREE Family Fun at Black Diamond Kite Fest
- Sep 11 East Coast Swing is the Featured Dance for Upcoming Saturday Night Dance for Adults - Program includes complimentary dance le
- Sep 11 Crystal Lake Park District Challenges Park District Residents to Participate in the Haunted Home Decorating Contest
- Sep 11 Are you a Puzzle Pro? Put a Team Together and Test Your Jigsaw Skills Against the Best at Puzzle Palooza!
- Sep 11 Music Entertainment on the Schedule at Park Place in October
- Sep 08 Businesses and Organizations Needed To Participate in Crystal Lake Park District Truck or Treat
- Sep 08 Crystal Lake Park District Begins Fetzner Park Riparian Restoration Project
- Sep 06 Main Beach Bricks Available for Pick Up NOW
- Aug 30 Home School Expo at Park Place Cancelled
- Aug 30 Crystal Lake Park District Hosts 21st Annual Crystal Lake Half Marathon -Volunteer Help Needed-
- Aug 30 Wanna Get a Little Nutty? Collect acorns on behalf of the Crystal Lake Park District Environmental Committee!
- Aug 18 Businesses and Organizations Needed To Participate in Crystal Lake Park District Truck or Treat
- Aug 17 Volunteer Work Day Scheduled for August 27 at Sterne’s Woods & Fen
- Aug 17 Lunch and Learn Series Returns to Colonel Palmer House for Fall Program Season
- Aug 17 Ol’ Time Wagon Rides a Fall Tradition at Sterne’s Woods
- Aug 17 Main Beach Renovation Project Update for Playground Brick Owners
- Aug 16 Girls After School Basketball League (Ages 9-11) A Crystal Lake Park District Fall Program Highlight
- Aug 16 Crystal Lake Park District Seeks Vendors for Home School Expo at Park Place
- Aug 16 Working Parents Have Childcare Options with Crystal Lake Park District Extended Time Programs for 2017-2018 School Year
- Aug 04 Crystal Lake Park District Fall Program Brochure to Be Mailed To Residents
- Aug 01 Crystal Lake Park District Offers Chance to Try a Fitness Class for Free in August
- Jul 31 Crystal Lake Open to Motorized Watercraft
- Jul 28 Crystal Lake Park District Announces Facility Closings Due to Flooding
- Jul 28 Crystal Lake Park District Announces Appointment of Park Board Commissioner, Julie Martens
- Jul 26 Crystal Lake Closed to Motorized Watercraft
- Jul 24 Crystal Lake Park District 2017-2022 Strategic Plan Approved by Board of Commissioners
- Jul 20 Open Water Swim Race CANCELLED
- Jul 17 Aquatic Herbicide Treatments of Non-Native Species on Crystal Lake on July 18
- Jul 17 Volunteer Work Day Scheduled for July 23 at Sterne’s Woods & Fen
- Jul 11 Free Summer Sundays at Colonel Palmer House continues on July 16 With ‘CPH Country Fair’
- Jul 11 Food Vendors Named for Blast on the Beach
- Jul 11 Still Time to Register for Crystal Lake Park District Lifeguard Training Class
- Jul 10 West Bay Herbicide Treatment Scheduled for July 11
- Jul 10 July 12 is ‘Everyday Hero Day’ at Crystal Lake Park District Summer Camp
- Jun 21 Special Event Dates Affecting Main Beach Boat Launch Key Card Holders
- Jun 21 Craft Fair Vendors Needed at Crystal Lake Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram/Crystal Lake Park District Blast on the Beach
- Jun 17 Crystal Lake Park District Partners with Black Diamond to Host Kids’ Party in the Park
- May 25 Swim Lessons at Main Beach with the Crystal Lake Park District Swim School
- May 24 Lippold Park Family Golf Center Offers Boomers Golf Drop-In Special
- May 24 Crystal Castle and Acorn Alley Splash Pad Hours of Operation
- May 23 Main and West Beaches Open on May 27
- May 23 Exciting New Additions to Concerts in the Park Series
- May 23 Free Summer Sundays at Colonel Palmer House begins on June 4
- May 23 Enroll Now for Summer Fitness and Yoga Classes at Crystal Lake Park District
- Apr 26 Crystal Lake Main Beach Passes on Sale May 8
- Apr 25 Garden Plots at Hill Farm Acres
- Apr 25 Summer Camp registration now open at Crystal Lake Park District
- Apr 15 Crystal Lake Park District 2017-2022 Strategic Plan Available for Public Review
Upcoming Events
- Feb 16 Confetti Gourmet-Valentine's Day Confetti Gourmet Academy
- Feb 20 The Producers at the Paramount transporation from Veteran Acres Rotary Building
- Feb 22 Active Adult Country Line Dance Party Grand Oaks, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake
- Feb 22 Yoga Nidra West Beach, 2330 Lake Ave
- Feb 23 Make & Take-Family Fun Grand Oaks, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake
- Feb 23 Fairies! The Nature Center, 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake
- Feb 26 Magic Class Rotary Building
- Feb 27 Crunching with Caterpillars Oakwoods Lodge
- Feb 28 Crunching with Caterpillars
- Mar 01 Lunch & Learn-Beekeeping Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake
Interested in signing up?
Look at our Program Guide