One of Crystal Lake, Illinois’ most historic mansions, The Dole is a community hub that hosts an outdoors farmer’s market each Sunday from late May to late October. Featuring food vendors, craft cocktails, and musicians on The Dole’s front lawn stage, the well-attended food and crafts market also offers free kids’ activities such as balloon making and face painting.

The Dole hosts private banquets and seasonal celebrations, such as the annual Witches Ride. Sponsored by Lakewood Social!, this year’s event encouraged participants to bring their broomsticks and floppy hats to The Dole Farmers Market+ and follow a raucous route through the Gates, stopping for food and drinks along the way.

The Dole also offers Lou’s Lounge, an underground speakeasy ideal for socializing in sophisticated environs. Each month, the lounge hosts the NMP 4th Fridays Art Show, which combines cashless bars, multiple exhibits, and live music across two stages. Visitors also come to explore the Italianate mansion, which dates back to the 1860s and represents the vision of grain and ice harvesting entrepreneur Charles Sidney Dole.

The Dole