Explore & Experience Crystal Lake

Welcome to the city of Crystal Lake, Illinois. Officially chartered in 1914, Crystal Lake is the largest city in McHenry County, the 6th most populous county in Illinois.

The town, which was originally called Crystal Ville, was later named Crystal Lake sometime before 1840. This name came from the lake, Crystal Lake, which was so named for its “crystal clear” waters.

Crystal Lake features two train stations on the Metra’s UPNW line and is home to such notable attractions as Veteran Acres Park, the Raue Center For The Arts, and the Lakeside Legacy Foundation, which maintains the Dole Mansion and Lakeside Arts Park and puts on the annual Lakeside Festival.

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Icon Key

Here is a quick key for all of the icons. You can also hover over, or touch and hold on mobile, any icon in the listing cards for a reminder of what that icon signifies.

  • Owner Claimed Listing
  • Locally Owned Business
  • Non-Profit Entity
  • Minority/Woman Owned Business
  • Veteran Owned Business
  • Online/App Capable
  • Award Winning
  • Deals & Special Offers Available
  • Discounts Available
  • Insurance Accepted
  • Certification
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Dining Options
  • Alcohol Availability
  • Entertainment
  • WiFi Available
  • Accessibility Accommodations

Dining & Entertainment

The Other Side

Smash’D

Summer Moon Coffee – Crystal Lake

Health & Beauty

Crystal Lake Dental Arts

Arcadia Counseling

Sage YMCA

Pediatric POST®

Shopping

Colorways Yarn Shoppe

Heisler’s Bootery

Marvin’s Toy Store

Out of the Box

Services & Organizations

Fisher Outreach Group, Inc.

Innovative Home Concepts, Inc

Crystal Lake Plaza


Event Calendar

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Magazine

Hiking teens.
By Brian R. Brown
Turn off the TV and game system, put away the phone! Summer is for fun and adventure, and our Summer Camps Guide for McHenry County is your map for summer memories.
Man on a snowmobile.
By Brian R. Brown
Grab your sled and get ready to hit the trails! No, not that sled...the big one! If you are itching to hit those white trails, be sure to check our guide for snowmobiling trails in McHenry County.
Cross country skier.
By Brian R. Brown
If you are itching to get out and enjoy nature and to experience McHenry County in the winter, then our Cross Country Ski Trails Guide will give you lots of opportunities to explore.
Kids and adults sledding on the hill at Veteran Acres Park.
By Brian R. Brown
If the thought of packed snow and big hills brings out the kid in you, or makes you want to bring your kids outside, then you'll love our Sledding Hills Guide... as much as the thought of how tuckered out those kids will be after a few hours sledding!
Group of people ice skating.
By Brian R. Brown
If you've been itching to lace up those skates and get out on the ice, then you're in luck. Before you head out, be sure to check our guide for local McHenry County ice skating rinks.
Woman handling packaged food in a cardboard box.
By Brian R. Brown
We've compiled a guide for McHenry County food pantries, broken out by city. No one in our community should have to battle hunger. We hope this guide will prove helpful if you yourself or someone you know needs to utilize these services, or if you would like to help out