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

NEW!

Hickory Hall

NEW!

Crystal Lake Raiders

The MAC Sports Complex

Crystal Ice House

Health & Beauty

Sage YMCA

Pediatric POST®

You Just Get Stronger In-Home Personal Training

Lee’s Martial Arts Academy

Shopping

On Angels’ Wings Resale Store

Double Take Consignment

Savers – Crystal Lake

Services & Organizations

Unsung Voices Books


Event Calendar

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Magazine

Person holding pickleball paddle and ball.
By Brian R. Brown
Ready to get pickled?! Calling all picklers and pickleball curious. Looking for a pickleball court near you? We've got you covered in our newest guide.
Plastic Easter eggs on lawn.
By Brian R. Brown
Grab your Easter baskets and get ready to hunt Easter eggs, snap a photo with the Easter Bunny, or even have breakfast with the Bunny! And we're here to help you find those eggs with our Easter Egg Hunt Guide for McHenry County!
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!