Beaches
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Quick Links
2024 Main and West Beach Hours of Operation
2024 Daily Beach Admission Fees
Main Beach Picnic Reservations and General Info
2024 Hours of Operation Main & West Beaches
Main Beach Swim Area
300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
815-477-54042024 MAIN BEACH PRE-SEASON Sat, May 25-Mon, May 27 9 am-Dusk Tu, May 28-Fri, May 31 Noon-Dusk 2024 MAIN BEACH REGULAR SEASON (7 days/week) Jun 1-Aug 8*
*closed for event rental for Ice Cream Fest, Fri, Aug 99 am-Dusk 2024 MAIN BEACH POST SEASON (weekends only) Sat, Aug 10-Sun, Aug 11 9 am-5 pm Sat, Aug 17-Sun, Aug 18 9 am-5 pm Sat, Aug 24-Sun, Aug 25 9 am-5 pm Sat, Aug 31-Mon, Sep 2 9 am-5 pm West Beach Swim Area
2330 Lake Ave, Crystal Lake
815-477-50092024 WEST BEACH REGULAR SEASON Sat, Jun 1-Fri, Aug 9 (7 days/week) 11 am-7 pm 2024 DAILY BEACH FEES
Please note: A valid photo ID with a Crystal Lake Park District address or current utility bill is required to receive Resident Daily Admission rates for Crystal Lake Park District Residents.Daily Admission
Resident Fee
Non-Resident Fee
CHILDREN (AGES 3 & UNDER)
FREE
FREE YOUTH (AGES 4-15 YRS)$1
$9 ADULT (AGES 16-59)$1
$12 SENIORS (AGES 60 & OVER) FREE $9 RESIDENT GUESTS $4 NA TWILIGHT RATE (BEGINS AT 5 PM)
FREE
1/2 PRICE ADMISSION PARKING FREE FREE Beach Passes are available at Main Beach or the Administration Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake during summer operating hours. Beach Passes are for beach use only and do not include the boat launch, boat rental, program or special event privileges. Beach Passes do not include entrance of guests.
Please note: A valid photo ID with a Crystal Lake Park District address or current utility bill is required to receive Resident Beach Pass rates for Crystal Lake Park District Residents. Seniors (60 yrs & older) and Children (3 yrs & under) are free and do not require a pass
2024 Season Beach Pass
Resident
Fee
Non-Res
Fee
Adult (Ages 16-59)
$10 $85
Youth (Ages 4-15)$10 $70
Seniors (Ages 60+)FREE $70
Children (Ages 3 & Under)FREE FREE Season Beach Pass replacement
$5 $5
-Air Temperature is below 68
-Lightning or heavy rain
-Low in-water attendance
-Safety considerations, including high bacteria number (determined by McHenry County Health Department)
What's happening with the lake
You may also notice that after heavy rainfall, the beaches may be put on "Swim Advisory." The water is OK to swim in, but swimmers should be aware bacterial quality levels could be elevated. We are in constant communication with the McHenry County Health Department to ensure we are communicating with swimmers.
When the water is deemed unsuitable for swimming, the beach will be closed. The water will then be re-tested everyday by the Health Department until we can reopen.
Stay up-to-date on beach closures by subscribing to our Rainout Line.BEACH CLOSING UPDATES
View and/or register for Main & West Beach weather and water condition related closures on Rainoutline.
View beach updates from McHenry County Department of Health.
WEST BEACH is listed as WEST PARK BEACH
MAIN BEACH is listed as LAKE PARK BEACH
Main Beach Grounds
Bike Compound
A lock-up area for bikes is provided at Main and West Beaches. Bikes are not allowed inside the parks/beaches.
Dogs and Other Animals at Beaches
Animals are prohibited at Main Beach Park and West Beach Park (qualified service animals are exempt.)
Handicapped Beach Wheelchair
A handicapped beach wheelchair is available at Main Beach. Please contact the Main Beach Office (815.477.5404) for further information.
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Reservations and Group Outings
For questions regarding Beach Group Reservations, please contact Delaney Landt at dlandt@crystallakeparks.org
group reservations at Main or west beach
please note: there is no minimum reservation number for Residents. The reservation minimum below is for Non-Residents.
Main Beach: Min guarantee: 25 people Max: 400 people
West Beach: Min guarantee: 25 people Max: 50 people
Please note: A valid photo ID with a Crystal Lake Park District address or current utility bill is required to receive Resident rates for Crystal Lake Park District Residents.
Resident Admission: $1/person. Each non-resident guest is $4 (children under 3 years and adults over 60 years are free)
Non-Resident Admission or Corporate Group Admission: $8/person. Each resident guest is $1 (children under 3 years and adults over 60 years are free). Proof of residency is required.
Reserved Picnic Tables: $10 each; random picnic tables are on a first-come, first-served basis
Area 6 Reservation: $60 includes 4 permanent picnic tables and covered area adjacent to playground
Additional Amenities: Notice required at least one week in advance
Tents brought into beach: 10x10 or smaller pop up tents - no charge
Field Trips-Weekdays at Main or west beach
Res Rate: $1 per person (minimum 12 people)
Non-Res Rate: $6 per person (minimum 12 people)
Field Trip Reservation Form required.
Please note: picnic table reservations not accepted Tuesday evenings, holidays and special events.
MAIN BEACH PAVILION & BAND SHELL
Guests may rent the Main Beach Pavilion or Band Shell for their special occasions. The Pavilion features 72" round tables, air temperature control, wood floors and LED light display. The band shell, nestled among the big oak shade trees on the north end of the park, provides the perfect backdrop for your event.
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swim area Rules
1. No one may enter the water without a lifeguard in the stand. Swimmers must follow the lifeguard's instructions.
2. Swimmers must stay within the roped off area. Red Buoys indicate water over 3 feet deep. Blue Buoys indicate water over 5 feet deep.
3. Main Beach - No floats allowed beyond 3 foot buoy line. West Beach - No floats allowed beyond 3 foot buoy line for anyone under 21. Adults 21 & over, no floats allowed beyond the 5 foot buoy line. Floatation devices must be inspected by staff to ensure proper type and U.S. Coast Guard approved. Personal floatation devices are on hand for swimmers to use.
4. Patrons are to conduct themselves on the beach and in the water in such a manner as to not jeopardize the safety of him/herself or others.
5. No diving allowed.
6. No food or drink in the water.
7. No smoking or vaping in the park or on the beach.
8. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a person 16 years of age or older.
9. The lake water is not suitable for drinking. It is recommended swimmers shower and towel dry after leaving the water.
10. All infants must wear rubber or plastic pants. All swimmers must wear proper swimwear. No street clothes allowed.
11. Persons under the influence of alcohol or exhibiting erratic behavior will not be permitted in the park.
12. Admission to the beach may be refused to all persons suspected to have contagious diseases or infectious conditions.
13. Staff has the authority to implement and enforce rules that are stringent or that supplement those listed here.
14. No pets allowed. Licensed service animals are exempt.
15. Do not feed the geese or other wildlife.
16. Obey lightning detection system rules for shelter.
17. Grill equipment and supplies must be brought in through the front gate only. Only charcoal grills will be permitted.
18. Drop-off catering supplies must be brought in through the front gate only.
19. Tents should be no larger than an EZ-Up size, 10ft by 10ft.
20. Beer and wine permitted in picnic areas only.
21. Glass containers are not permitted on the beach or playground.
22. Use receptacles provided for trash, charcoal, and recycling.
23. Crystal Lake Park District special events may restrict coolers/alcohol in the park.
24. No riding of bicycles, skateboards, or roller skates allowed in the park Memorial Day-Labor Day.
25. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
26. Swim break rest periods are scheduled twice daily for everyone's safety. Additional rest periods may be run every hour on the hour depending on attendance and temperature.
27. All watercraft must go through the boat launch area with a purchased boat gate access key fob.
28. Flagpoles located at Main and West Beaches carry color-coded weather flags. To help ensure your safety, please learn the meaning of the following flag colors and make it a habit to look for them while on the lake or at the beach.
RED: Beach Closed. KEEP OFF THE LAKE
GREEN: Fair weather, light air, and wind 1-10 mph
Latest News
- Oct 07 Firewood Sale Nov 2-Make Your Reservation Today!
- Oct 06 Fall Session 2 Hot Shots Sports Begins Oct 28
- Oct 03 Crystal Lake Park District Park Board of Commissioner Election Petition Packets Available-Filing Period Nov 12-18
- Sep 26 Lippold Park Family Golf Center Closes for the Season on Sun, Sep 29
- Sep 25 Name Announced for NEW Crystal Lake Park District Park
- Sep 23 Practice Begins Oct 8 for Girls Basketball Leagues-Register Today!
- Sep 13 Flannel Fest Pre-Sale Tickets Available Until Fri, Sep 20
- Sep 06 Splash Pads to Remain Open Thru Sep 16
- Sep 04 Fall Session 1 of Baby Rock, Tot Rock and Kids Rock Begins Sept 10
- Sep 04 Weekend Only Hours Through Sept 29 at Lippold Family Golf Center
- Sep 01 Fall Fitness and Yoga Classes Begin Sep 4
- Sep 01 Fall Yoga Classes Begin Soon
- Sep 01 Hot Shot Sports Classes Begin Sep 10
- Aug 30 Fall Dance Programs Begin Sept 5
- Aug 29 Labor Day Weekend Hours-Facilities & Admin Office
- Aug 20 FREE, Family Fun with Palmer's Pickings on Aug 24
- Aug 12 Rosie and the Rivets Rebooked for Aug 13 after Concert in the Park Rainout
- Aug 12 Limited Spots Available for Sunset Wine & Cheese Social on Aug 21
- Aug 09 Vote for Your Favorite Park Name-Aug 8-Aug 16
- Aug 07 End of Season Main Beach Swim Area Operations Update
- Jul 31 Flannel Fest Tickets On Sale Now
- Jul 30 Still Time to Complete the July & August Agents of Discovery Missions
- Jul 24 Last Chance to Register for Group Golf Lessons for Juniors, Men and Women
- Jul 09 'Name Your Park' Contest Entries Due by July 15
- Jul 08 NEW Event-Luau Line Dance Night for Adults on July 12 at Main Beach
- Jul 07 Enroll Now for Summer Tennis Lessons
- Jul 01 Crystal Lake Park District Facility Hours of Operation July 4-July 7
- Jun 28 Sterne's Woods and Fen Restoration Efforts Featured in National Recreation and Parks Magazine
- Jun 27 Summer Sing-a-Long with the Crystal Lake Strikers on Sat, Jun 29 moved to Crystal Lake South High School Auditorium
- Jun 24 Home of the Brave Heritage Fest on June 29 at Colonel Palmer House
- Jun 20 We Need 3 Additional Teams for Baggo League at Main Beach
- Jun 04 Concerts in the Park at Main Beach Begins May 28
- Jun 03 Enroll Now for Summer Session of Dance Classes
- Jun 02 Tot Programs Begin Soon
- Jun 01 Nature Center Grand Re-Opening on June 1
- Jun 01 Tickets on Sale for Into the Woods Jr
- May 24 Splash Pads Open for Season on May 25
- May 24 Swim Lessons at Main Beach with the Crystal Lake Park District Swim School
- May 24 Sailing Lesson Sessions Available June-July
- May 23 Enrolling Now Summer Martial Arts Classes
- May 20 Main & West Beach Operations-Main Beach Opens for Season on May 25
- May 18 NEW Opportunity Just for 6-8th Graders-Aloha Summer Teen Luau
- May 15 Seeking Performers for Teen Talent Show at Main Beach on June 21
- May 08 Social Dance Night- Tango & West Coast Swing on May 17
- May 03 Summer Registration Now Open
- Apr 29 The Cottage Donates Towards Summer Day Camp Scholarships
- Apr 25 The Racket Club Outdoor Courts Grand Opening Celebration on Sat, Apr 27
- Apr 24 Crystal Lake Park District Summer Day Camp Recognized as One of America's Best
- Apr 03 FREE, Drop In Solar Eclipse Special Event at Nature Center on April 8
- Apr 03 Spring Adult Softball League Play Begins April 22
- Apr 02 Dance, Sing & Play in Crystal Lake Park District Final Spring Session of Tot Programs
- Apr 02 Proposed Budget FY 2024-2025 on Display
- Apr 02 Batting Cages at Lippold Park Now Open for Season
- Mar 28 Important Information for Crystal Lake Boaters-Decals, Boat Launch Key Fobs, Dry Storage Spots Available for Purchase Apr 1
- Mar 14 Project Update: New Park on Haligus Rd in Lakewood
- Mar 12 Pickleball and Tennis Courts Open Early for the Season!
- Mar 10 Community Garden Plots Available at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Mar 07 Spoerl Park Playground Closed for Playground Surface Installation
- Mar 07 Last Chance to Register for Women's Self Defense Worksshop on Mar 23
- Mar 06 Limited Spots Still Available for Springtime Tea at Colonel Palmer House
- Mar 04 Spring Firewood Sale on March 16-Reserve Today!
- Mar 01 Crystal Lake Park District Receives OSLAD Grant for Della St Park Renovation
- Mar 01 Crystal Lake Park District Receives Illinois Parks and Recreation GameTime/PlayCore Grant for Haligus Park Playground
- Feb 08 Crystal Lake Park District Digital Camp Guide is Live
- Feb 07 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Veteran Acres
- Feb 06 2nd Annual Galentine’s Day Brunch on Feb 11
- Feb 05 Social Dance Nights and Dance Lessons for Adults at the Crystal Lake Park District
- Feb 05 Registration Now Open for Barlina House Preschool 2024-2025 School Year
- Jan 28 Family Winter Mini Golf Event at Lippold Family Golf Center-CANCELLED
- Jan 18 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Winding Creek Park and Bike Path
- Jan 12 Monday Memory-The 1935-1950 Tobaggan Slide at Lake Park (now Main Beach)
- Jan 08 Reg by Jan 19 for the Snowbird Softball Tournament
- Jan 08 Limited Spots Still available for Hearts & Artists, A Valentine’s Tea at Colonel Palmer House
- Jan 07 Natural Resource Management Project at Sterne's Woods and Fen
- Jan 04 Tot-Teen Dance Classes Featuring a Spring Recital Begin Jan 8
- Jan 04 New sessions of Crystal Lake Park District Group Fitness and Yoga classes begin in Jan 8
- Jan 04 Enrolling Now Winter Spring Martial Arts Classes including Pre-Karate, Shotokan Karate and Hapkido
- Jan 02 Crystal Lake Park District Offers Free Holiday Light Recycling through Jan 15
- Dec 15 Winter/Spring Activity Guide Registration Now Open
- Dec 14 Natural Resource Management Project Underway at Woodscreek Park
- Dec 07 Holiday Gift Giving Made Easy with Crystal Lake Park District Gift Cards
- Dec 07 Nature Center Temporarily Closed For Exhibit Remodeling
- Dec 06 Limited Spots Still available for A Norman Rockwell Tea on Dec 16 & 17
- Dec 04 2nd/3rd & 4th/5th Grade Boys Basketball League-Registration deadline Jan 5
- Nov 21 Enroll Now for Hapkido Starting on Nov 29
- Nov 21 Luminaria Walk at Veteran Acres Nov 29-Dec 2
- Nov 07 Haligus Road Park Design Update Meeting on Nov 8
- Nov 07 Dog Obedience Begins Nov 22
- Nov 07 November Youth/Teen Variety Classes
- Nov 01 Protect Yourself From Scams & Burglaries Workshop on Nov 10
- Nov 01 Grand Oaks Walking Club 2023
- Oct 26 Register Now for Puzzle Palooza on Nov 5
- Oct 24 Fall Firewood Sale on Nov 4-Stock Up for Your Fall Bonfires!
- Oct 16 Plan to Attend the Hill Farm Park Community Input Meeting on Oct 24
- Oct 13 Free Family Fun at Truck or Treat on Sat, Oct 28
- Oct 11 Book at Wagon Ride Through Sterne's Woods
- Oct 10 Henrietta's Harvest-CANCELED due to inclement weather
- Oct 04 Social Dance Nights at Grand Oaks Plus Line Dancing Class & Couples Social Dance
- Oct 03 NEW Programs & Events at Colonel Palmer House
- Oct 02 Lippold Park Seal Coating Project Updates-Week of Oct 2
- Sep 19 Registration Open for Girls & Boys Basketball Leagues
- Sep 15 Fishing Line Recycling Receptacles a Success
- Sep 03 Enroll Now for Fall Session of Dance
- Sep 02 Youth Athletics Classes Begin Sept 9
- Sep 01 Women's Golf Clinic Begins Sept 3 at Lippold Family Golf Center
- Aug 21 Online Registration Down for Upgrades Tu, Aug 22 at 3 pm-Wed, Aug 23
- Aug 21 Snake Study Update-a collaboration with McHenry County College Biology Students
- Aug 15 Fall 2023 Registration Now Open
- Aug 15 Crystal Lake Park District Named Com Ed Green Region Grant Recipient
- Aug 11 It's A GO-Caddyshack is ON for Tonight, Fri Aug 11
- Aug 02 Community Input Survey-Della Street Park Renovations plus Community Input Meeting on Aug 16
- Jul 26 Caddyshack-Movie in the Park on Aug 11-Costume Contest Added to the Event
- Jul 25 Additional Date Added to Crystal Lake Park District Concert in the Park Schedule
- Jul 25 Public Invited to Peter Pan Jr Performance by Musical Theatre Camp
- Jul 24 July/August Programs at Colonel Palmer House
- Jul 14 Group Sailing Lessons Begin July 24
- Jul 14 Summer Hapkido and Women’s Self Defense Clinic
- Jul 07 July/August Nature Center Programs & Events
- Jul 05 Cops N Bobbers Gary Svejcar Fishing Derby for Kids on July 30
- Jul 05 Women’s Self Defense Clinic on July 22
- Jul 04 Crystal Lake Park District Adult Camp (21+)
- Jul 03 Swim Lessons Sess 2 begin July 10
- Jul 03 Save the Date-Sat, Jul 15, to UNPLUG After Dark at Veteran Acres
- Jun 29 Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy the Crystal Lake Parade and Fireworks Celebration
- Jun 27 Summer Tennis Lessons for Ages 5-Adult Session 3 begins Jul 17
- Jun 27 Crystal Lake Fireworks Info Plus Wristband Pre-Purchase Info
- Jun 26 FREE Summer Sing-A-Longs on June 28 & July 15
- Jun 25 Positive Pebbles Kits Available at the Administrative Office
- Jun 08 NEW Event! Aloha Summer Sunset Celebration on June 9
- Jun 01 Crystal Lake Park District Concerts in the Park Kicks off May 30
- May 27 2023 Beach Operations-Main Beach Opens Sat, May 27
- May 05 Registration Open for Summer 2023
- Apr 24 Thank You Crystal Lake Park District Volunteers!
- Apr 10 Lippold Family Golf Center Open for Season
- Apr 06 Limited Number of Community Garden Plots Available
- Apr 05 Line Dancing Class & Social Ballroom Class plus Social Dance Nights
- Apr 04 Spots Filling Quickly for Summer Camp 2023-Register Today!
- Apr 04 Crystal Lake Park District Nature Offers Spring Programs for Tots-Adults
- Mar 15 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Tree Planting
- Mar 08 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded 2022 Government Award from the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
- Mar 07 Crystal Lake Park District Awarded $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant for Development of Park on Haligus Road
- Mar 06 Social Dance Nights March 10, April 22, May 19
- Mar 06 Paint Nites and Watercolor Painting
- Mar 06 Crystal Lake Park District Announces Spring Firewood Sale on March 18
- Feb 27 Update Regarding Northwestern Medicine Healthcare Crystal Lake Fitness Center and the Crystal Lake Park District
- Feb 22 Highlight the Night Son Date Night on April 28
- Feb 22 Mother Daughter Tea at Colonel Palmer House on April 30
- Feb 22 Four Winds Casino Trip and Land of Lincoln Trip Still Have Limited Spots Available
- Feb 22 New Sessions of Youth Athletics Beginning Feb 27 and Apr 24
- Feb 21 EVP Spring Break Volleyball Camp Mar 27-30
- Feb 19 Register NOW for Summer Camp!
- Feb 15 Next Session of Little Medical School Veterinarian Programs Begins March 24
- Feb 15 Summer 2023 Seasonal Jobs-NOW HIRING
- Feb 13 Register Now for Puzzle Palooza on March 19
- Feb 07 Valentine/Galentine Zumba Party Scheduled for Feb 10
- Jan 20 NEW! Galentine's Day Brunch with the Crystal Lake Park District
- Jan 20 Dates Nights for Sons and Daughters in Feburary and April
- Jan 19 Limited Spots Still Available for this Season's Adult Trips
- Jan 17 Willows Edge Park Invasive Brush Clearing Efforts Underway
- Jan 16 Snowbird Softball Tourney Team Registration Due by Jan 27
- Jan 15 EVP & Crystal Lake Park District Host Snow Volleyball Tournament
- Jan 02 Register by Jan 6 for Boys Basketball League
- Dec 23 Free Holiday Light Recycling thru December 30
- Dec 22 Winter Spring Activity Guide Available and Registration is Opens Dec 9
- Dec 07 Send Us Your Letter to Santa by December 9
- Dec 05 Holiday Break Camps for Youth and Teens
Upcoming Events
- Oct 17 Elements Workshop-Living:Fire West Beach, 2330 Lake Ave, Crystal Lake
- Oct 18 Palmer's Programs-Askutasquash! Crystal Lake South High School
- Oct 18 Yoga and Wine Social Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
- Oct 18 Zumba GLOW Party Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake
- Oct 19 Palmer's Programs-Pickling & Canning-Jam vs Jelly Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Oct 19 Nature Tots-Explore and Experiement: Paper Makers Nature Center, 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake
- Oct 24 Elements Workshop-Breath: Air West Beach, 2330 Lake Ave, Crystal Lake
- Oct 26 Truck or Treat Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
- Oct 26 Tea Fest Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Nov 01 Senior Baton Twirling Party Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake