10 Best Things To Do in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Dive into fun at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park for nonstop thrills and excitement. Step onto the colorful Flash Pads and groove to the beat or hop aboard the Twist Tower for an exhilarating ride with twists and a thrilling plunge. Test your driving skills on the Spin Zone Bumper Cars or race into first place on a Go-Kart. 

Share a round of mini-golf with friends at the neon-lit jungle-themed mini-golf course. For a vertical challenge, the Climbing Walls are accessible to climbers of all skill levels. The ropes course also offers a variety of challenging obstacles. With so many fun activities to choose from, this park is also a hotspot for birthday parties and team-building events. 

Escape to the shores of Crystal Lake Main Beach for outdoor adventures. Reinvigorate with a refreshing dip in the lake or enjoy the picturesque scenery from your beach blanket. For family fun, head to the marina to rent a canoe, kayak, or whimsical dragon-shaped paddle boat. 

If you prefer to catch the breeze on a sailboat, group and private lessons are available. After a memorable day of boating in this oasis of natural beauty, enjoy a family picnic at one of the park’s shaded picnic tables. Crystal Lake is also a favorite spot for anglers who enjoy casting a line for bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. 

Embark on a hike through Exner Marsh Conservation Area, a 116-acre (47 hectares) ecosystem that features a scenic wetland for nature viewing. Spot birds such as bluewing teal, least bittern and yellow-headed blackbirds. Both trails in this natural sanctuary are ideal for families. For a leisurely hike, take the Exner Marsh Loop Trail. For a longer hike, take the Exner Marsh Lot-to-Lot Trail. 

As you explore, immerse yourself in nature’s palette of colors that reveal the marsh’s beauty in daylight and paint the sky with hues of purple, pink and lavender at sunset. Breathe in the fresh air as you admire the hidden beauty of this ecosystem in Crystal Lake.   

Delve into fascinating history at the Dole Mansion, a Victorian-era masterpiece and a treasured historic structure in Crystal Lake. Built in 1865 in the Romantic Italianate manor architectural style, the mansion was home to Charles Sidney Dole, a grain baron and ice harvester. In the 1920s, the mansion became a private social club called the Crystal Lake Country Club. 

Visitors can enjoy a tour or participate in events on the grounds, including a farmer’s market where you can shop for fresh produce and handcrafted items or indulge in ice cream. Take home unique treasures like watercolor artwork and alpaca-wool blankets, hats, and scarves. On summer evenings, you can enjoy a jazz concert on the lawn beneath the stars.

The Raue Center for the Arts offers a diverse range of entertainment, catering to various audiences. Immerse yourself in the historical charm and elegance of this venue. Whether you enjoy musicals, dramatic theatre or musical comedy, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  

Opened in 1929 as a movie and vaudeville theatre, the Raue Center was rebuilt and reopened as the Raue Center for the Arts in 2001. Today this local landmark remains a hub for entertainment, welcoming world-class performers to its stage while welcoming locals and visitors alike to enjoy an intimate theater experience. 

Retrace the history of Crystal Lake at Colonel Palmer House. This brick home, built in 1858, was the home of Colonel Gustavus A. Palmer and his wife, Henrietta. Today, it houses the museum of the Crystal Lake Historical Society. Take a tour to learn about the lives of these early Crystal Lake pioneers, from farming over 300 acres (120 hectares) to their lasting impact as members of the Crystal Lake community. 

The Palmers’ legacy continues today with family-friendly events that bring history to life. Participate in free monthly historical crafts, a garden scavenger hunt, and Henrietta’s Harvest in autumn. Kids can learn how to make a message in a bottle, terracotta pottery, Victorian carvings, and more. 

Mellie’s Chocolate & Co. is one of the best things to do in Crystal Lake and a must-visit destination for the whole family. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of rich, delicious chocolate wafting through the air. This charming chocolatier offers an array of gourmet chocolate treats. 

Indulge in gooey caramel-filled chocolate turtles, berry-flavored chocolate creams, truffles, and decadent fudge. Mellie’s also offers homemade ice cream and thick milkshakes. Whether you choose to relax indoors or order your treats to go, Mellie’s is a sweet escape not to miss during your downtown discoveries. If you’re looking for a gift or a souvenir, choose from a variety of items, including boxed chocolates, stuffed animals, and holiday-themed home decor items. 

Take a break from your Crystal Lake adventures to recharge at Georgio’s Pizzeria & Pub, where a culinary experience awaits. Georgio’s is renowned for its authentic handmade Chicago-style pizza, featuring a tangy tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness, perfectly seasoned with oregano, basil, and garlic, and topped with fresh mozzarella. 

Opt for the classic combination of sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, and black olives or a specialty pizza like Spinach and Cheese or other local favorites, which include a variety of hearty sandwiches like Italian Beef, Blackened Chicken, or a Meatball Sub. Alternatively, indulge in a piping hot cheesy calzone or keep it light with savory appetizers such as a fresh salad, buffalo wings, or calamari.   

Crystal Lake Farmer’s Market is one of the best things to do for locals and visitors alike. The market is a great place to get a glimpse of daily life in Crystal Lake and shop for locally grown produce and handcrafted art, jewelry and other goods.

Join the market’s festive atmosphere and shop at dozens of vendor tents where you can find fresh produce, grass-fed meats, and unique, handcrafted products. Soak up the sun, listen to live music and chat with the friendly locals, farmers, and chefs who visit the weekly market to source ingredients for their restaurants. For those with a green thumb, shop for a variety of colorful fresh-cut flowers, potted plants, and garden herbs. 

Immerse yourself in the heart of Crystal Lake by taking a stroll downtown on N. Williams Street. Explore the hometown hospitality and laid-back vibes of this historical downtown street. You’ll find a variety of locally owned gift shops, clothing boutiques, hair salons, and restaurants that offer a blend of essential services, unique finds, and delicious fare. 

Treat yourself to a cup of coffee and a croissant at a local cafe or enjoy a hearty meal for dinner that showcases the flavors of traditional Midwestern cuisine with ingredients sourced from the nearby Crystal Lake Farmer’s Market. Enhance your dining experience with a glass of wine from nearby regions including the southern Wisconsin and the Fox River Valley area in Illinois.