Colonel Palmer House

Colonel Palmer House Our mission is to preserve the home of Gustavus and Henrietta Palmer, provide a venue for local histo

Schedule Change Alert: Due to a staff program commitment at an event in Union, IL on Sat, May 30, our visiting hours are...
05/28/2026

Schedule Change Alert: Due to a staff program commitment at an event in Union, IL on Sat, May 30, our visiting hours are 1:30 pm-5 pm.

Step back in time and make this summer one to remember at the Colonel Palmer House! From magical garden parties and outd...
05/27/2026

Step back in time and make this summer one to remember at the Colonel Palmer House!

From magical garden parties and outdoor cooking adventures to harvest fun, history, art, and even potato-inspired creativity — there’s something for every curious mind ages 2+ this summer!

Now enrolling for:
• Backyard Boredom Busters, Jun 6
• Mad Hatter Garden Party, Jun 21
• Art of German Culinary & Outdoor Cooking, Jun 27
• Tussie Mussie, Jul 18
• Harvest Heroes, Jul 25
• Citizenship in the World Merit Badge, Jul 30
• Ode to the Potato, Aug 6
• Garden Potions, Aug 29

Spots are limited, so don’t miss your chance to explore, create, and discover at one of Crystal Lake’s hidden gems, Colonel Palmer House!

Find class descriptions and register online by clicking on the program code on page 36 of the digital guide.
https://view.publitas.com/clpd/programs/page/38-39

Need help with your landscape? Stop by the Green Gate Garden Club plant sale at Colonel Palmer House and purchase plants...
05/12/2026

Need help with your landscape? Stop by the Green Gate Garden Club plant sale at Colonel Palmer House and purchase plants grown from some of our area's best gardeners!

Sat, May 16, 9 am-Noon
Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake

Hours of Operation Update: Sat, May 9Colonel Palmer House will be closed until 12:30 pm on Sat, May 9 will staff is offs...
05/08/2026

Hours of Operation Update: Sat, May 9
Colonel Palmer House will be closed until 12:30 pm on Sat, May 9 will staff is offsite at a McHenry County Land Conservancy event. Colonel Palmer House will be open to the public 12:30-5 pm.
picture: scenes from our 2025 Garden Camp at Colonel Palmer House

A royal thank you to everyone who joined us for Spring Tea: Parlor Royalties at the Colonel Palmer House! 👑🌸From elegant...
05/05/2026

A royal thank you to everyone who joined us for Spring Tea: Parlor Royalties at the Colonel Palmer House! 👑🌸

From elegant attire to delightful conversation, you made the afternoon truly fit for royalty. We loved sharing tea, treats, and timeless charm with each of you—thank you for being part of such a special experience. 💕

Summer fun has arrived!The 2026 Summer Digital Activity Guide is LIVE + registration is open!📬 Print guide mailed May 8–...
05/05/2026

Summer fun has arrived!
The 2026 Summer Digital Activity Guide is LIVE + registration is open!

📬 Print guide mailed May 8–12 (60012 & 60014)
🎉 Events, camps, sports, classes & more for all ages—plus concerts, movies, beach events & lake activities all summer long!

Browse the guide and click on the activity code to add programs & events to your shopping cart https://view.publitas.com/clpd/programs/page/1

Schedule Change Alert: Thursday, April 30Due to a private field trip, the Colonel Palmer House will open to the public f...
04/29/2026

Schedule Change Alert: Thursday, April 30
Due to a private field trip, the Colonel Palmer House will open to the public from 12–5 pm.

Make your birthday celebration unique, one-of-a-kind, and unforgettable at the Crystal Lake Park District! Get creative ...
04/28/2026

Make your birthday celebration unique, one-of-a-kind, and unforgettable at the Crystal Lake Park District! Get creative with your festivities - we've got plenty of ideas to make it an special day day!

Nature Center Parties
• Animal Kingdom
• Campfire Capers
• Explorer
• Fossil Find
• Nature Tots
• Woodland Fairies
Colonel Palmer House
• Tea for Tots
• Folklore Fables
• Palmer’s Parlor Puzzles
• Early Inventions
• The Green Kingdom
• A Collection of Curiosities
Lippold Family Golf Center
• Mini Golf, Goodie Bag and Reserved Indoor Space for Cake and Presents
The Racket Club
• Call the club at 847-658-5688

More info and how to book a birthday party
https://www.crystallakeparks.org/birthday-parties

photo credit: Christine Karavakis, Birthday Party at Colonel Palmer House

In celebration of Arbor Day, stop by Colonel House for FREE, family fun and learning experiences.Th, Apr 23, 11 am-5 pmF...
04/23/2026

In celebration of Arbor Day, stop by Colonel House for FREE, family fun and learning experiences.
Th, Apr 23, 11 am-5 pm
Fri, Apr 24, 11 am-5 pm
Sat, Apr 25, 10 am-4 pm
Colonel Palmer House
660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake
All ages, FREE, just drop-in

Activities:
• History of Arbor Day & Tree Traditions in Crystal Lake slide show
• Arbor Day Craft
• Tree Inspired Tea Samples
• Scavenger Hunt
• Leaf Signing for Tree Exhibit
• Storytime & Poetry

The Colonel Palmer House was built c.1858 by settlers Gustavus and Henrietta Palmer. Located on its original site, the home was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Currently the home is maintained by the Crystal Lake Park District and is home to the Crystal Lake Historical Society

For more information or questions, contact Sarah Taylor, [email protected].

🍕🎭 Deep Dish with Abbott & Costello 🎭🍕Dinner and a show—1940s style! Enjoy hot deep-dish pizza and delightful bites, the...
01/20/2026

🍕🎭 Deep Dish with Abbott & Costello 🎭🍕
Dinner and a show—1940s style! Enjoy hot deep-dish pizza and delightful bites, then step back in time for a slapstick comedy performance inspired by the legendary Abbott & Costello. Featuring Crystal Lake’s own Brynn Jeffries and her surprise sidekick, this evening is packed with classic laughs and vintage flair.
1940s attire welcome | Vegan options available
Sat, Feb 7 | 6–8 pm
Colonel Palmer House
$35 resident / $46 non-resident | Ages 15+
More info and link to online reg on page 20 of the digital guide
https://view.publitas.com/clpd/programs/page/22-23

Address

660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL
60014

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(815) 477-5873

Website

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