Neighborhood Highlights
Three Oaks Recreation Area
On the south side of Crystal Lake you’ll find a series of old gravel quarries that have been transformed into a remarkable space for outdoor recreation. There are many activities to partake in at the Three Oaks Recreation Area, includes boating, open water swimming, scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding and wakeboarding. When daily activities get you hungry, you can hit the Lakeside Bar & Grille for burgers, tacos, and more.
Raue Center for the Arts
Situated in Crystal Lake's downtown area, the Raue Center for the Arts has operated since 1929, boasting a gorgeous 750-seat theater meant for films and vaudeville shows. Formerly known as "El Tovar," the Raue Center for the Arts is also famous for its terracotta tiles and adobe-style walls. Today, the theater serves as the epicenter of arts in Crystal Lake and the entire McHenry County. Don't forget to list Raue Center for the Arts on your Crystal Lake itinerary.
Mellie's Chocolate & Co
Your sweet tooth will be in command at Mellie’s. Indulge in one of our famously fresh chocolate-covered strawberries, delight your taste buds with decadent dark chocolate salted caramels, or lose yourself in an old-fashioned malted milkshake. Mellie’s Chocolate & Co is on a mission to make the Crystal Lake community just a little sweeter.
A History of Crystal Lake
The City of Crystal Lake can trace its origin story back to two separate communities, established in the 1800's, called “Nunda” and “Crystal Lake”. In 1835, Ziba S. Beardsley commented that the lake water looked “clear as crystal,” giving the body of water its name.
In 1836, the first settlers, Beman and Polly Crandall as well as their six children, traveled from New York State to Crystal Lake in a covered wagon. Crandall's original cabin was built in the vicinity of today’s intersection between Virginia Street and Van Buren Street.
