The Dole — Attraction in Crystal Lake

The Dole Farmers Market in Crystal Lake has become a vibrant weekend destination, full of energy, creativity, and community spirit. With a diverse mix of local vendors, there’s something for everyone—from handcrafted candles and 3D-printed art to home remedies and unique gifts. The recent addition of food trucks has added a welcome new layer to the experience, offering delicious bites while you shop.

One of the true highlights is the fresh baked bread, which is consistently phenomenal—crusty, flavorful, and clearly made with care. It’s easily one of the standout items that keeps visitors coming back.

That said, the market would truly benefit from more traditional farmers market staples—particularly fruit and vegetable stands. Currently, there's a noticeable shortage of produce, which leaves it feeling more like an artisan fair than the full farm-to-table experience you might find at places like the Lake Geneva or downtown Crystal Lake markets.

As the Dole Market continues to grow, there’s real potential for it to become a more balanced and well-rounded showcase of both local craft and regional agriculture. For now, it’s still a charming, family-friendly outing—and one well...

Lovely facility with an intriguing history. Lots always going on here. We attended one of the early Four Friday art shows. Perhaps because of that early buzz, it was really crowded. We're older and truly cone for the art. If you are young and in the Crystal Lake area, the mix of drinks, live lusic, art and the youngish crowds mostly, makes for a happening bar-like scene. Can be loud and hard to talk in the central rooms.. gets quieter as you move the artists studios when they open up. Be sure to visit the renovation part of mansion at least once, it's moving...

This is a great place for a polling place which is what I was there for as an election judge. They gave us a huge hall in which to do our work. There was plenty of room to check in voters, six at a time. The voting booths were well spaced. There was also plenty of room to put people when the lines got long. Restrooms are very nearby. There is also a mini-lift to make the hall wheel chair accessible. Thank you, Dole, for letting our County...