Craig Smith: The Beauty and History of the New Crystal Lake Club

The presentation will share from the recorded history of one of the most unique hunting and social clubs located along the Mississippi River. The New Crystal Lake Club has a rich tradition of conservation, preservation and documentation of the natural resources that were originally created even before the levee system and the drainage ditch era were developed in west central Illinois. With strong ties to Burlington, early members with names like Leopold, Schramm, Perkins and Young dedicated themselves to preserving a natural wetland for recreation and enjoyment for outdoorsman and their families. The club history goes back to 1885 and the stories that are documented are a tribute to the vision and the passion that has kept Crystal Lake as active and vital and beautiful as ever despite all the modernizations and changes that surround the property today. Please join us as we share about this hidden gem just miles away from the Burlington riverfront. Doors open at 7:50 am.