Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a wonderful destination for family trips and outdoor adventures. It’s located near Milwaukee and Chicago and features a lake and many historical landmarks. If you are a foodie, you will enjoy the local farmers’ market, which sells everything from bread to freshly baked pastries. The area is also home to a variety of restaurants.
During winter, you can try your luck at the Norge Ski Club, the oldest open ski club in the country. This is a great way to spend a day skiing or snowboarding and it’s only 16 minutes from Crystal Lake. You can also go on a cruise to Ellis Island. Alternatively, you can try your hand at ax throwing, archery or goat yoga at the Crystal Springs Resort.
The Prairie Trail is a high-profile tourist attraction in Crystal Lake. This stretch of road connects eight communities across the county. While you are here, you can take a ride on the Starlight Fleet, which offers sunset dinner cruises on the cape.
Another notable thing to do in Crystal Lake is to check out the Raue Center for the Arts. The building is impressive with adobe style walls and an elegant courtyard. Aside from being a museum, it’s also an art center. Previously called the El Tovar, it underwent a major renovation in the late 20th century.
There are a number of museums in Crystal Lake to explore. Some of the more famous ones include the Volo Auto Museum, which boasts a vast collection of Hollywood vehicles and dinosaur sculptures. Others include the Colonel Palmer House, which is a Federalist-style structure that features several permanent exhibits as well as some great temporary ones.
Other noteworthy attractions include the 750-seat El Tovar theater, which offers an auditorium that boasts a view of the night sky and a sweeping panorama of downtown Crystal Lake. Also on the list is the SoJo Spa Club, which is a Korean-inspired spa offering treatments that include an ocean-view pool and city-view spa baths.
For something more hands on, visit the Crystal Lake Park District’s Nature Center. With over thirty exhibits, this is a great way to learn about the natural world around you. They have a fossil collection and a beehive. And if you’re looking to eat, there’s the Rat’s Restaurant, which serves up great food.
The Crystal Lake Farmer’s Market is a fun way to sample local produce. Visit the Crystal Lake Farmer’s Market in the summer or fall, and you can pick up a variety of tasty items, from fresh fish to pies. Click here
For something a bit more romantic, you can embark on a dolphin-watching cruise. These heartwarming excursions are a must-do for families, and are a lot of fun for couples as well. In the summer, the main beach in Crystal Lake has a bathhouse, a boat launch, picnic areas and a band stage.
The best thing to do in Crystal Lake is to plan your trip with a little creativity. The area is easily navigable, and is a great place for a weekend getaway or an outing with the family. More info
