The best things to do in Crystal Lake

“Celebrating 103 years, Cary Country Club is a public course with rolling hills, big vistas, and a spacious deck perfect for lunch, dinner, or a beverage. It’s an easy go-to when you want solid golf close to home, plus event space for gatherings.”

From the Algonquin newsletter, September 10, 2026

“If you want a gorgeous, impeccably maintained 18-hole course without leaving town, Crystal Lake Country Club delivers, pairing 100+ years of local tradition with multi-million-dollar capital improvements completed in 2024.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Freshly renovated in 2024, Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center is the go-to launch point for Veteran Acres hikes, with hands-on exhibits, monthly drop-in crafts, and the summertime Butterfly Habitat plus a see-through beehive that keeps kids and grownups equally curious.”

“Old Top Farm Golf Course is that low-key 9-hole gem tucked among trees in Crystal Lake, an easy hop for McHenry folks, public and daily fee with no tee time required, perfect when you want a quick loop that still makes you think. Friendly for new golfers, sneaky challenges for the rest.”

From the McHenry newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Ridge Country Club is one of the only private country clubs in the city, bringing classic Beverly charm with a well-maintained course, relaxed dining, and social spots. If you're weighing membership or planning a banquet-worthy event, the family-friendly vibe and scenic greens make it an easy yes. Check it out.”

From the Chicago newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing a quick after work loop or dialing in your irons on grass, Marquette Park Golf Course delivers a scenic, par 36, 9 hole test with spacious fairways, strategic water, and a full size grass driving range and practice center. Join league play, groove a swing, let Southwest Side vibes do the rest.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 4, 2026

“With lake views, covered heated mats, two slick synthetic putting greens, and a newly refreshed 18-hole mini course full of playful hazards, Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf is perfect for an after-work bucket this week or a casual putt-off with friends. Lessons are there if you want a tune-up.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 7, 2026

“This vintage postcard-inspired mural near the elevated tracks incorporates iconic local images.”

“Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.”

“Edgebrook Golf Course winds through Chicago’s forest preserves along the Chicago River, a short 18-hole track with mature trees and low-key vibes that make quick rounds feel like mini getaways for your swing. Perfect when you want neighborhood golf without sacrificing your Saturday.”

“Golf Club of Illinois rewards good shots with accuracy-testing fairways, water and sand that keep you on your toes. Friendly to all skill levels and perfect for a midweek reset, it’s the kind of round that makes your next backyard barbecue bragging rights feel earned.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Harborside International Golf Center packs the Port and Starboard 18-hole courses plus an award-winning practice facility, so you can chase birdies or just fix that fade. Chicago’s home for golf since 1995, with The Pier at Harborside to debrief after, and Starboard on Golfweek’s 2025 Best list.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 18, 2026

“South Shore Golf Course recently reopened after a bunker refresh, and those shoreline views still deliver major calm. Perfect for a quick, low-stress round that feels like a mini escape from Gary traffic, plus they host events when you want golf energy without the swing.”

From the Gary newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Set above the streets, The 606 centers on the elevated Bloomingdale Trail linking four neighborhood parks and art installations, turning runs, rides, and strolls into a mini urban adventure. If this week needs fresh air and perspective, this is your no-fuss reset.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Two themed 18-hole mini golf courses, 40 lighted tees and a colossal 60,000-square-foot putting green make Lippold Park Family Golf Center a no-brainer for weeknight fun. Settle neighborhood rivalries, tune your short game, then grab concessions and chill by the restored wetland trails.”

From the Lake Geneva newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.”

“Let the kids conquer the Crystal Castle playground then cool off at the splash pad at Playground & Splash Pad | Woodscreek Park. 5-mile paved path past protected wetlands and the Memorial Tree Walkway for a low key victory lap.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 25, 2026

“If your Crystal Lake routine needs a shake-up, Jackson Park Golf Course delivers a historic, fully renovated 18 holes with mature trees guarding fairways, a lakefront breeze, a driving range to tune up, and lessons when the slice gets sassy. Feels classic, plays legit.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 6, 2026

“All-ages rink with a variety of music & themed sessions plus concession stand for pizza & fast food.”

“Work on that draw without leaving the city at Indian Boundary Golf Course, an 18-hole championship track woven through Schiller Woods with surprising quiet and wildlife. Sneak in a quick nine, join a league, or book a lesson and actually stick that new grip this week.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Built in 1915 with vintage charm and a full bar, The Logan Theatre is a perfect this-week pick with late-night screenings, movie trivia, and open mic comedy. Grab a cocktail, soak up the old-school ambiance, and remember why going to the movies still hits different.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course is a public, scenic 9-hole track right along Lake Michigan, perfect when you want real views and a quick loop. Open year-round, weather permitting, with rental carts and gear, plus leagues and lessons if you’re trying to tighten up that mid-iron tempo.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 2, 2026

“City Mini Golf sits in Maggie Daley Park and leans into Chicago flair with new themed obstacles added almost every season, including a Portillo's hot dog finish on 18. A low-stress hang when you want a killer backdrop and a little friendly trash talk with friends.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Keep it local this week at Columbus Park Golf Course, a links style par 35 on the near West Side with wide open fairways, receptive greens, and a chill pace that suits both rusty swings and brag ready birdies. Expect a fun mix of par 3s to par 5s without the scene.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 20, 2026