Colonel Palmer House Winter/Spring Hours of Operation and Programs

The Colonel Palmer House (a Crystal Lake Park District facility) recently announced new hours for the Winter/Spring season. Beginning in January, the historic home will be open to the public Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 11-4 pm and the 1st Saturday of the month 11-4 pm. Come in for a tour, learn about our local history or make an appointment to research in the Crystal Lake Historical Society’s library/archive.

Colonel Palmer House Programs for Winter/Spring:

Hands on History for Kids (ages 5-10 years)
Saturday, February 6, 11 am-1 pm
Children will learn how to make a Victorian Era Tussie Mussie for their valentine using the language of flowers. This program is free but registration is required by February 4 by calling 815-477-5873.

Celebrate Women’s History Month
Saturday, March 5, 11 am-1 pm
Join us for a Suffrage Tea. Come learn about the early suffrage movement and enjoy a cup of tea. This program is free but registration is required by March 3 by calling 815-477-5873.

Scouting around Colonel Palmer House
Saturday, April 2, 11 am-2 pm
Calling all current and former scouts and their families! Come learn about the Colonel Palmer House, Crystal Lake’s local scouting history, enjoy hands on demonstrations and find our geo cache. This event partners with John Fiorina and the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center. This program is free but registration is required by calling 815-477-5873.

Garden Plant Sale (begins at 9 am)
Hands on History for Kids (11 am-1 pm)
Saturday, May 7
Come and purchase plants from member’s gardens of the Garden Gate Club and Green Twig Garden Club. As dedicated partners with Colonel Palmer House, the clubs have donated new shrubs and a red bud tree, tended our cut flower gardens and created beautiful flower arrangements. At 11 am kids will enjoy starting their own garden as they plant seeds. Their started seeds can be transplanted in your own home garden to enjoy throughout the summer. Hands on History is free but registration is required by May 5 by calling 815-477-5873.

The Colonel Palmer House located at 660 E. Terra Cotta Rd. 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 home to the Crystal Lake Historical Society.