A pond, nature center, trails, sports fields, playground, and a prairie feature this spacious park. A splash pad is also available for a quick cool-off on hot days.
Wingate Prairie located within Veteran Acres Park off of Illinois Route 176 in Crystal Lake, Illinois boasts 39 acres of precious gravel hill prairie. It was designated an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1994. Learn more!
Whether you want to play basketball, tennis, softball, or a game of volleyball, Veteran Acres Park has the sports facilities you need. Plus, it’s located nearby the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center, which features exhibits, a butterfly house, beehives, and a fossil collection.
There’s also a pond for ice skating in winter and a sledding hill. In addition, the park offers two picnic shelters and several sports fields with a concession stand.
The park is near the city’s downtown area, which is a popular spot for locals to spend time with their families and friends. You can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops here.
A trip to the town’s famous brewery is another must-try experience here. It’s located in Downtown Crystal Lake, close to the Metra station, and offers a wide selection of brews. The brewery prides itself on producing approachable yet distinctive beers. It has a wide array of flavors and seasonal releases, from German Blonde Bock to Belgian Wit.
Veteran Acres Park is home to several miles of hiking trails that wind through the park’s wooded area. These trails range from moderate to very hilly and are ideal for those looking for a scenic stroll.
The main trail (orange blazed) is best accessed from the parking lot located on Cherry Hill Road. It winds through a variety of forest types, including areas of large mountain laurel.
However, be sure to watch out for a short stretch of trail near the end of the main trail that is very steep and can be dangerous for young children.
Another popular trail is the Covered Bridge Trails Trail, which runs from Walkup Road through the neighborhood of CBT. It’s perfect for a quick walk, a bike ride, or an extended family outing. Explore more!
The park has a variety of shelters and buildings available to use. Several of these are free to use, while others are available for a fee.
Veteran Acres is one of the crown jewels of the Crystal Lake Park District. It is home to the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center, Rotary Building, and Oakwoods Lodge. It also boasts a number of outdoor athletic fields and recreational areas.
This is a wonderful place to enjoy some passive recreation and take in the scenic views of the natural area. There are many trails here, including the Prairie Trail which runs on a former Chicago and Northwestern railroad line.
There are a number of other interesting places to visit while you are in Crystal Lake, such as the Volo Auto Museum. This is a great way to learn more about the fascinating history of the area and see some interesting vehicles.
Crystal Lake, a northwest suburb of Chicago, is home to several exciting attractions and destinations. These include a lake, interesting historical landmarks and structures, an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, and a vibrant downtown main street with unique shops and restaurants.
Veteran Acres Park, which is located along Walkup Road in Crystal Lake IL, features hiking trails, a fishing pier, and ball fields, and is the location of the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center and Oakwoods Lodge. This park also boasts restrooms, two picnic shelters, a playground, two lighted tennis courts, a Mary Peacock softball field used by the Girls Softball Association, a Frank Repp baseball field used by Babe Ruth Baseball League, a sled hill, an Acorn Alley splash pad, walking paths, boardwalk, and fishing pier.
The Crystal Lake Park District will soon install receptacles for the monofilament lines at its fishing piers, in order to keep area waterways clean. The bins are designed to collect used fishing line that entangles and harms wildlife, boat propellers, and people. Continue reading about Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park.
Driving directions from Clearchoice Services to Veteran Acres Park
Driving directions from Veteran Acres Park to Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Clearchoice Services is locally owned and operated by Steve & Theresa Jagman. We offer window cleaning, gutter cleaning, house washing, roof cleaning and pressure washing, services in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
We Service:
Algonquin | Bull Valley | Carpentersville |
Cary | Crystal Lake | Fox Lake |
Harvard | Huntley | Johnsburg |
Lake Geneva | Lake in the Hills |
Lakewood | Marengo | McHenry |
Northern Illinois | Spring Grove | Wonder Lake
© 2022 Clearchoice Services. All Rights Reserved.
