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.
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.
Trick or treater running to the next stop.
By Brian R. Brown
Another successful Truck or Treat with the Crystal Lake Park District on a glorious, if not chilly, fall day at Main Beach.
View of walking bridge on the other side of the pond at Veteran Acres Park.
By Brian R. Brown
While it's cold and wet outside, venture with us back to October when we took a walk around Veteran Acres Park to enjoy, what was then, the transitioning season.
Logrolling competition.
By Brian R. Brown
Crystal Lake Park District brought the Northwoods of Wisconsin to Main Beach for a day with lumberjacks, family fun, food trucks and a beer garden. Thanks to the unseasonably warm, weather, flannel shorts may have been preferred over flannel shirts. Needless to say, from the countless photos taken, no one
Wide trail through Sterne's Woods.
By Brian R. Brown
An amazing and immersive nature experience awaits you, and it may be closer than you think. Crystal Lake has a wonderful array of parks for recreation, but it's also home to Sterne's Woods & Fen, which is wonderful preservation area as well.
Luminarias leading past the last campfire.
By Brian R. Brown
The Crystal Lake Park District's Luminaria Walk is truly a wonderful way to experience Veteran Acres Park. It's also a great way to transition into the holiday season.
Array of flowers outside the Crystal Lake Park District administration building.
By Brian R. Brown
Whatever you think you know about the Crystal Lake Park District, there is most likely so much more that you are missing. Come along and let's see if we can uncover a few new things.
ComEd skeleton crew.
By Brian R. Brown
Main Beach park was a buzz with all sorts of goblins, ghouls, and superheroes at this year's Crystal Lake Park District's Truck or Treat.
Wooden bridge over marsh at ponds edge at Veteran Acres Park.
By Brian R. Brown
Nothing could have prepared me for this trip to Veteran Acres Park and my journey around the pond. What was meant to be our first photolog ended up with about an equal amount of text as I share information on the tree removal around the pond at Veteran Acres Park.