Cable Wakeboarding Season Begins at The Quarry Cable Park In May

All you need to know if you decide to stop out to the Quarry Cable Park in Crystal Lake for opening weekend, this summer.

Three Oaks Announces 2026 Season Opening Dates For Swim Beach, Marina, Scuba Zone

Three Oaks Swim Beach, Marina, Scuba Zone and Open Water Swim set tentative opening dates for spring and summer 2026, weather permitting.

11 St. Paddy’s Day Fests, Parades You Don't What To Miss In 2026

From St. Charles to Chicago to Dundee: See rivers dyed green, parades, men in kilts and more.

Best NW Suburban Restaurant For Valentine's Day: Poll

Weigh in, Crystal Lake and Cary-area readers, on the best restaurants for date night ahead of Valentine's Day.

Groundhog Day 2026: Woodstock Willie Makes His Prediction

Illinois' most famous rodent has made its annual forecast in Woodstock Square on early Monday morning.

Without Heat During IL's Extreme Cold: Here's What Officials Say To Do

An extreme cold warning is in effect. Experts share tips on what to do if your home's heating system fails during the cold.

Curbside Christmas Tree Pickup Underway In Crystal Lake

The pickup service will be offered over three weeks as part of a special collection.

Crystal Lake Mayor Sounds Off On New Year Goals

Mayor Haig Haleblian is looking ahead to 2026. "As mayor of Crystal Lake, I feel like I'm the luckiest man alive," Haleblian says.

8 New Illinois Laws To Know About In 2026

A bevy of new laws will take effect on Jan. 1 in Illinois. Here's what you need to know.

Where To Recycle Holiday Trees In Lake County: Forest Preserves Drop-Off Locations

Those interested in recycling their "real, undecorated tree" can do so daily through February 1.

'Golf Swing Guru' Of McHenry County Recognized: Best Of 2025

Patch and T-Mobile are recognizing the people, places and moments that made this year brighter.

More Snow Photos: Readers Share Their Favorite Winter Pictures

Snow has blanketed northern Illinois, and Patch.com readers have taken some time out from their busy schedules to get out and enjoy it.

Firefighters Rescue Deer After Fall Through Ice: Photos

Two deer fell through the ice in McHenry County last week.

Readers Share Winter Wonderland Pictures

You can submit your favorite photos to Patch.com editor Amie by emailing them to amie.schaenzer@patch.com

FREE Victorian Ornament Event at Colonel Palmer House

Stop by Colonel Palmer House on Sat, Dec 6, 10 am-2 pm

Luminaria Walk at Veteran Acres Dec 3-6

Free, drop in fun

Latest Snowfall Totals Are In: Share Your Pictures With Patch

Some Lake County towns say 12 inches of snow while many in McHenry County topped 10 inches.

Post Office, FedEx, UPS 2025 Christmas Shipping Deadlines In IL

Shipping deadlines for international mail range from Dec. 9 to Dec. 16.

Crystal Lake Festival of Lights Parade 2025 Is This Week

The parade will be held on November 28 in downtown Crystal Lake.

Limited Tickets Still Available for the German Holiday Tea at Colonel Palmer House

tickets still available for Sat, Dec 13 seating

Crystal Lake Park District is Helping Santa Write Letters

Send in your child's letter by Dec 5 and receive a reply by Dec 24

Crystal Lake Park District Offers Gift Cards for Year-Round Gift Options

Available at the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Office

Crystal Lake Festival of Lights Parade 2025: What You Need To Know

The parade will be held on November 28 in downtown Crystal Lake.

McHenry County College Hosts Pumpkin Smash Event This Weekend

The pumpkin smash composting event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Where To Pick Pumpkins Near Crystal Lake, Cary This Fall

Here's a list of pumpkin patches around the area.

National Coffee Day 2025: 10 Deals, Freebies To Score In Illinois

Do you love coffee? Free coffee tastes even better. Here are 10 businesses with locations in the Chicago area offering up deals on Monday.

Final Year In NW Chicago Suburbs For Popular Halloween Drive-Thru

An exact opening date has not yet been set for the 2025 season for Mack Manor at 1100 Algonquin Road in Fox River Grove.

McHenry County Health Reminds Residents Of Leaf Burning Regulations

Open burning of landscape waste is regulated year-round under the County Public Health Ordinance.

Trail Expansion Completed At Lake County Forest Preserve

A new scenic overlook is part of a new section of trail at Ray Lake Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

Richardson Adventure Farm Releases This Year's Corn Maze Design

The adventure farm will open on Sept. 6 and will remain open on Oct. 26.

Fireworks Near Me: Crystal Lake, Cary July 4th 2025 Events

Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Algonquin and Lake in the Hills.

July 4th 2025 Fireworks, Events Around Crystal Lake, Cary

Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Crystal Lake and Cary.

Tree of Life UU Welcomes All to Summer Solstice Service

Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry invites the public to share its annual Summer Solstice service.

McHenry Outdoor Theater Launches Sensory-Friendly Days

McHenry Outdoor Theater kicked off its sensory-friendly Wednesdays.

This Chicago Area Castle Has Temporarily Cancelled Events: Here's Why

All events at the iconic Bettendorf Castle in Fox River Grove have been cancelled until further notice.

Richardson Farm Tulip Festival Will Open This Weekend

The gift shop will open at 9:30 a.m. and the fields at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Save The Date: Lakeside Festival 2025

Here's what we know so far this year about Crystal Lake's main summer festival.

State Of The Lake Meeting In Crystal Lake Planned For May

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. on May 1 at the rotary building at Veterans Acres Park, 431 N. Walkup Avenue, Crystal Lake.

Annual Kite Fly Day Next Weekend In Cary

The kite fly will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26, at Lions Park, 1200 Silver Lake Road in Cary.

Bettendorf Castle Hosts Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Tickets are available for egg hunts on the grounds of the castle in Fox River Grove this weekend.

The Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

Valentine's Day isn't just a holiday to swoon over the ladies — treat the number one man in your life to these fun and practical gifts.