Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

The Dole

401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Galleries

Bring out your inner artist at The Dole. The arts come alive at this stately Civil War-era mansion.

Completed in 1865 for grain and ice merchant Charles Dole, over the years The Dole's been a country club, owned by a Ringling heiress, a Franciscan Order, and home to the First Congregational Church. Now it bridges past, present, and future as a vibrant arts center that supports and connects artists and the community. Inside, two galleries display fine art, there's a hall devoted to live performances and Vestal Culinary Studio which showcases the art of cooking. There are several studios on campus, providing creative space for both visual and performing arts. 

Art is an experience at The Dole. Every fourth Friday the mansion opens for a night of cocktails and conversation with artists, complete with food trucks and late-night concerts in the Listening Room. Tuesday through Friday, you're invited to not only take self-tours of the mansion, but to also hang out, have a cup of coffee and use the free wi-fi. The Dole is a must for any art lover in McHenry County.

You might also be interested...

Raue Center for the Arts

Crystal Lake

Theatergoers love that every seat is a great seat at The Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake. Since its restoration a decade ago,…

Read more about Raue Center for the Arts

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.