Colonel Palmer House

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

Welcome to our new series… History Fact of the Week! Every week we will be sharing a new history fact about Crystal Lake...
06/18/2026

Welcome to our new series… History Fact of the Week!

Every week we will be sharing a new history fact about Crystal Lake, the history of the Colonel Palmer House, and much more! There is so much to learn and know, so you don’t want to miss it!

The Colonel Palmer House is open to the public for FREE guided tours, historic presentations, and family-friendly seasonal events. In addition, the Crystal Lake Historical Society stores its archives, artifacts, and local history documents in the home.

The house is located at 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue in Crystal Lake, come visit today!
Hours:
Th-Fri, 11 AM - 5 PM
Sat, 10 AM - 4 PM
Everything you need to know:
https://www.crystallakeparks.org/colonel-palmer-house

06/11/2026

Hello from the Colonel Palmer House!👋🕰️

The Colonel Palmer House is a historic 1858 Greek Revival and Federalist-style brick home located in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Built by early pioneers Colonel Gustavus and Henrietta Palmer, it is currently the only structure in the city listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house is open to the public for FREE guided tours, historic presentations, and family-friendly seasonal events . In addition, the Historical Society stores its archives, artifacts, and local history documents in the home.

The house is located at 660 E. Terra Cotta Avenue in Crystal Lake, come visit today!

Hours:
Th-Fri, 11 AM - 5 PM
Sat, 10 AM - 4 PM
Everything you need to know:
https://www.crystallakeparks.org/colonel-palmer-house

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.

🍕🎭 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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