Three Oaks Recreation Area is a lake, beach and general recreation facility run by the City of Crystal Lake and is host to a variety of activities including some of the best catch and release fishing in the state.
The plan some 20 years in the making converted the long-abandoned Vulcan Lakes quarry, which was first mined by the Vulcan Lakes Materials Company in the 1950s, opened to the Community in October 2010. The city entered into an agreement with the company in 1990, allowing use of Three Oaks Road in exchange for ownership of the property once mining was depleted. In 2007, the property was deeded to the city, and the Vulcan Lakes Advisory Committee and city staff began creating the vision for a recreation area.
The City of Crystal Lake reclaimed the quarry and turned it into an amazing passive community recreation experience. Pristine waters, natural habitat, and incredible fishing. Rent rowboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, paddleboats, or enjoy a grassy picnic, various overlooks with breathtaking views of the water and lake islands. Enjoy the swimming beach, hiking trails, a small-child playground/spray park and a Culver's Restaurant with outdoor lakeside dining patio.
TWO ENTRANCES:
Highway Route 14 entrance (between Harris Bank & Cooper Tire) to enter the park from the north
or ..
The Main Street entrance brings you into the park from the west and is located by Mairfair Furniture & Carpet.
