Among the questions that popped into my head as I was thinking about Crystal Lake’s being the site of the tallest structure in Illinois is whether the broadcast tower would have an observation deck like the one at the Sears Tower from which this top photo was taken.
I’m not sold on this permanent and drastic change in our McHenry County skyline, but with an elevator and an observation deck, such a tower could easily become the biggest tourist attraction in Crystal Lake.
And, think of the traffic congestion reports that could be obtained from such a structure. Maybe that could be done just as well with remote controlled cameras.
Compare such a destination to what is listed on the Crystal Lake city web site under “Visitors” tab and, then,
If you are looking for something fun to do, Crystal Lake has much to offer all year round!
Newly renovated Raue Center For the Arts, featuring major Broadway productions, community theater and more.
Raue Center for the Arts
26 North Williams Street | Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012
Phone: 815-356-9010
WebsiteThe Historic Dole Mansion
Dole Mansion & Lakeside Legacy Arts Park
401 Country Club Road | Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
WebsiteBoating, Sailing and Fishing on Crystal Lake
America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta, on Crystal Lake
Held annually at the Crystal Lake Main Beach and considered the championship of cardboard boat racing. Nearly 200 cardboard boats race to benefit a wide variety of local charities.Five Major Festivals
- Jaycee Jambalaya Blues Festival at Teckler Blvd.
- RibFest at Main Beach
- Lakeside Festival at the Dole Mansion
- Lights on the Lake at Main Beach
- October Fest at the Dole Mansion
Antiquing at Many Local Shops
Downtown Crystal Lake – Shopping, Dining, Entertainment
Enjoy an eclectic collection of shops and restaurant along Williams, Grant and Woodstock Streets. Catch a performance at the Raue Center and enjoy year round events.
Website
Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair
Annually 3rd Weekend in July. Combining workshops, music, art marketplace, demonstrations, fine art show and more for a truly unique event.
Phone: 815-276-2537 WebsiteIndoor Ice Skating at The Ice House
Crystal Ice House
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Phone: 815-356-8500Half-Marathons, Triathlons, and 5K Runs, including the Big Wooly Adventure Race, 5k Santa Run, Bob Blazier Run for the Arts and more!
Walkup Heritage Farm
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Phone: 815-459-7090
Small Wonders Micro/Mini Car Museum
Crystal Lake: Open by appointment only
WebsiteCrystal Wheels Inline & Roller Skating Rink
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Phone: 815-356-8705Farmer’s Market
Chili Open Winter Golf Tournament
Top-Quality Local Golf Courses
Over 50 miles of local bike paths
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I’ve added the photos to what I found on the city web site. I hope Crystal Lake will do something similar. You see the Raue Center from last year, a couple of kids on a carnival ride at the Dole Mansion, Williams Street in late afternoon earlier this week and last year’s Doc Haznow Chili Open. This year’s is this Saturday.
The photograph looking down on Chicago and Lake Michigan is from the Sears Tower Skydeck and is used with permission.
All may be enlarged by clicking on them.