Three Oaks Recreation Area

Spray Park / Splash Pad is now open for the season.

Culver's 2013 Hours:
May 11 - May 24: Open Daily - 11 AM - 6 PM
May 25 - Labor Day:  Open Daily - 10 AM - 8 PM

Marina Rental Offerings
We are now renting daily:
    - Row boats and trolling motors
    - Canoes / Kayaks
    - Paddleboats and "Swan Paddleboat"

Rental is weather dependant, please call 815-459-2020 ext. 4280, or 815-790-8840 for the current rental status.

Are you a non-resident of Crystal Lake and looking for an affordable way to enjoy Three Oaks all year?
Purchase a season pass!  The pass includes free parking, free beach entrance, discounted marina rental rates and discounted pavilion rental rates.  Download an application.  You may purchase the pass at City Hall (100 W. Woodstock Street, Crsytal Lake, IL 60014) or the Three Oaks Recreation Area.

2013 Park, Marina and Beach Hours
Click here to see 2013 park hours.

Lifeguard Class at Three Oaks!
If you would like to be a lifeguard, the City will be offering lifeguard classes at Three Oaks.  Successful completion of the class will allow students to be considered for employment as a Three Oaks Recreation Area lifeguard.  Students must be at least 16 years old to enroll.  The class will be held June 10 - 13.  Click here for the program registration form and more information.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the general rules?

Are outside watercraft allowed?

What are the hours and season?

What are the entrance fees?

How do I buy a non-resident season pass?

How is the fishing?

How can I make a donation?

What is the history of the Three Oaks Recreation Area?

Is Winter Sledding Allowed


What are the general rules?
All children under the age of 12 shall be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult of at least 16 years of age in order to be admitted to the Three Oaks Recreation Area, including the beach.

When in the facility, all persons under 10 years of age must be accompanied at all times by an adult on the premises of the Three Oaks Recreation Area. 

Are outside watercraft allowed?
No outside watercraft are allowed on the lake.  The only boats allowed on the lake are those from the City's rental marina.

What are the hours and season?
Swim Beach: The swimming beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.  Hours of operation for the swimming beach are from 10:00 a.m. to Sunset. 

Marina Hours of Operation:

Guests of Crystal Lake residents must be accompanied by the resident.  There is a $1.00 daily fee for all guests of City residents (up to 5 guests per family).  Any guests above the maximum of 5 per family will be charged $5.00 each.  A resident must be at least 12 years of age to sponsor a non-resident guest into the beach for the guest rate.

Non-Resident Season Pass
Non-residents shall be allowed to purchase a season pass for the facility. The season pass shall include parking and entry to the beach/playground/spray park. The passes may be purchased at City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.  If you have any questions, please contact the City at 815-459-2020.

Each pass holder will be issued a picture ID with a barcode (four years and older).

Requirements for pass shall be as follows:
1. Family passes are valid for all family members, defined as parent(s) and dependents (under 18) living at the same address.
2. A maximum of two adults are allowed on the pass.
3. Excludes non-dependent nephews, nieces, cousins, and aunts, uncles, grandparents, and grandchildren.
4. Children under 3 are free and do not need a pass.

How is the fishing on the lake?
A recent Illinois Department of Natural Resources fish study found populations of the following fish species in the Three Oaks Recreation Area lakes: 

        Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Bass, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish 
        Northern Pike, Walleye, and Pan Fish, including Bluegill and Yellow Perch 

Fishing is catch and release.

How can I make a donation to the Three Oaks Recreation Area?
The Heritage Tree Donation Program is designed to increase public enjoyment and participation at the Three Oaks Recreation Area.  Please click here for more information on the donation program.

What is the history of the Three Oaks Recreation Area? 
Please click here for a publication on the history of the Three Oaks Recreation Area land. This publication was researched and written by Sandy Price for the benefit and use of the Crystal Lake Historical Society (www.cl-hs.org).

Is Winter Sledding Allowed?
Depending on winter site conditions, the sled hill at the Three Oaks Recreation Area is open to the public during the winter. Residents receive free parking. Non-residents should still be prepared to pay parking fees. Restrooms are available onsite. Sled hill users sled at their own risk and must comply with posted safety regulations: 

        1. Sledding only allowed during park hours. 
        2. Users assume full responsibility for determining if conditions are safe for sledding. 
        3. No supervision provided. Parents are responsible for children. 
        4. Use caution when sledding and be considerate of others. 
        5. Snow boards and skis are prohibited. 
        6. Sledding is a hazardous activity and presents substantial risk. 
        7. Do not slide headfirst or standing. 
        8. Ramps or jumps prohibited. 
        9. Helmets recommended (bike or ski).