Location
660 E. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake
Phone: 815.477.5873
Hours
Th-Fri, 11 AM - 5 PM
Sat, 10 AM - 4 PM
Holiday Hours
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday we will be closed Th, Nov 28 and Fr, Nov 29.
Colonel Palmer House will be open on Sat, Nov 30, 10 am-4 pm
drop-In Fun at Colonel Palmer House
Fall Programs at Colonel Palmer House
The Colonel Palmer House is known for its many programs and special events that bring history to life. Check the Crystal Lake Park District seasonal program guide for the most up to date information. History Happens Here!
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General Information
Gustavus A. Palmer and his wife Henrietta arrived in McHenry County from Nunda, New York by covered wagon circa 1841. As early pioneers to the area they purchased land from the Federal Government to start their homestead. The Colonel, as he was called by his neighbors, would eventually acquire over 300 acres of property. As a successful farmer he hired Andrew Jackson Simons, a local architect, to build this Greek Revival and Federalist style brick home in 1858. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home and grounds provide the perfect setting for historic presentations.
The building is now open to the public for tours, special events, and research of local history. The home contains the office of the Crystal Lake Historical Society who maintains records of Crystal Lake history and collections of local artifacts.
A Unique PartnershipThe Colonel Palmer House is operated and maintained by the Crystal Lake Park District and leased from the City of Crystal Lake. The Park District and Crystal Lake Historical Society partner to bring our area's history to the community. This partnership won the 2009 Small Institution of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Museums. Our thanks to the many dedicated interpreters, re-enactors, hobbyists and staff who volunteer their time and knowledge to make our programs successful.
Contact InfoSarah Taylor
815.477.5873
staylor@crystallakeparks.org -
RENTALS
CATERED TEA
Looking for something new for one of your club's monthly meetings? Join us at the historic Colonel Palmer House and let us do the work! Costumed staff will make all the arrangements including a program on the Palmer family history and tour of the home.
Date: Saturdays or Sundays
Maximum Capacity: 25 / 2 hours
Fee: $30 per person
Perfect for:
- Historic Groups and Guilds
- Bridal Showers Baby Showers
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Fee: $150 (1-15 participants), $6 each additional person (25 max) 2 hours
Each party includes kid-friendly tea sample and one petite snack.
To reserve your party, please contact the Colonel Palmer House Facility Manager at 815.477.5873 or staylor@crystallakeparks.org.
Tea for Tots (Ages 2-5)
After an enchanting storybook teatime tale, we'll make a unique Victorian craft and learn the beginning stages of etiquette through a series of fun historic games and dances. If the weather permits, we will have a picnic.
Folklore Fables (Ages 6+)
Legends speak of mythical creatures that have existed for thousands of years. Unveil the history behind some of our favorite tales and their popularity during the Victorian era. Through the art of storytelling and games, you'll have everything you need to craft a unique rendition of your favorite fantasy world.
Palmer's Parlor Puzzles (Ages 6+)
Strategy, critical thinking, and problem solving are just a few of the skills needed when you enter a Victorian puzzle. Through a series of historical games and theatrical dialogue of your favorite characters, explore what it takes to solve a mystery at The Colonel Palmer House.
Early Inventions (Ages 6+)
Learn the history behind some of the most renowned inventions of all time. As you discover what life was like during the Industrial Revolution, design a model of your favorite creation.
The Green Kingdom (Ages 6+)
There is said to be a language behind the origin of flowers and stories about their native land. Learn the history behind popular blooms and how they were used during the Victorian era. From the most eloquent gardens to natural habitats, find out how to craft a keepsake of your favorite plants.
A Collection of Curiosities (Ages 6+)
Discover the history behind some of the most extraordinary collections of all time. While you show and tell some of your favorite treasures, receive an exclusive tour of rare archives prevalent to the Victorian era.
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SCOUT PROGRAMS
The Crystal Lake Park District provides comprehensive Boy Scout/Girl Scout programs at the Colonel Palmer House.
CUB SCOUTS
- $6 per participant
- Achievement & Electives for Tiger, Bear, Wolf and Webelo
- 1-1.5 hour of instruction
- All instructors have completed Youth Protection Training
BOY SCOUTS
- Merit Badge Programs
- Fee based on Merit Badge
- Programs available any time including evenings and weekends
- Length of programs vary
- All instructors have completed Youth Protection Training and are registered Merit Badge Counselors
GIRL SCOUTS
- Call to reserve your troop's ideal date
- All day Journey Activities
- 1-2 Badge Programs
- LIA Opportunities
- Fees based on program/activity
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VOLUNTEERs
Volunteer opportunities at the Colonel Palmer House are ongoing, both inside the house and on the grounds. Contact the Manager for upcoming events and details.
Latest News
- Dec 09 Winter Spring Activity Guide Registration Opens Tu, Dec 10
- Dec 08 Holiday Light Recyling Program Now Through Jan 15
- Nov 22 Luminaria Walk 2024 : Dec 4 cancelled due to inclement weather
- Nov 18 Deadline for Letters to Santa is Friday, December 6
- Nov 14 It's Not Too Early to Reserve Your Spot at the Colonel Palmer House Holiday Tea on Dec 14 & 15
- Oct 27 Put a Team Together for Puzzle Palooza on Nov 10
- Oct 23 Let's Celebrate Tea! Tea Fest at Colonel Palmer House on Oct 26
- Oct 16 Fall Sess 3 of Hapkido Begins Nov 25
- Oct 16 Save the Date for Truck or Treat at Main Beach-Sat, Oct 26
- Oct 15 Register NOW for Zumba Glow Party on Oct 18
- Oct 15 Yoga and Wine Social Overlooking Crystal Lake on Fri, Oct 18
- Oct 15 Book a Wagon Ride Through Sterne's Woods
- Oct 12 Firewood Sale Nov 2-Make Your Reservation Today!
- Oct 09 Businesses and Organizations Needed To Participate in Crystal Lake Park District Truck or Treat on Oct 26
- Oct 08 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
- Dec 10 Winter Spring Activity Guide Registration Opens
- Dec 12 Elements Workshop-Intuition:Etheral West Beach, 2330 Lake Ave, Crystal Lake
- Dec 14 The Christmas Tree Ship Holiday Tea Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Dec 15 The Christmas Tree Ship Holiday Tea (Sunday) Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Jan 25 Social Dance Night-Vegas Night Crooners Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake
- Feb 01 Snowbird Softball Tournament Boncosky Softball Complex at Lippold Park
- Feb 02 Hearts & Artists Valentine's Day Tea Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
- Feb 21 Under the Sea Daughter Date Night Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake
- Feb 22 Under the Sea Daughter Date Night (Sat) Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake
- Feb 22 Social Dance Night-Celebrate Carnivale Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake