# Candlelight Hike & Ski at Prairieview Education Center — Crystal Lake

> Event for families in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area (IL / IN). Times are Central Time.

- When: Fri, Jan 8 (+1 more date) · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Where: Prairieview Education Center, Silver Creek Conservation Area, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
- Ages: All Ages
- Price: FREE
- Organizer: McHenry County Conservation District
- Official page: https://www.mccdistrict.org/visit___explore/places_to_go/visitor_centers/prairieview_education_center.php
- Last checked: Tue, Oct 27

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 2, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/candlelight-hike-and-ski-at-prairieview-education-center-crystal-lake--listing-21f84d38c0491bbffc478f7f

## About

The McHenry County Conservation District's Candlelight Hike & Ski returns in January at the Prairieview Education Center in Silver Creek Conservation Area, Crystal Lake, on Friday, January 8, and Saturday, January 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. Trails lit only by candlelight are groomed for cross-country skiing when there are at least 4 inches of snow; skiers of every age and experience level are welcome but must bring their own equipment. Without enough snow, visitors leave the skis at home and enjoy a candlelight hike. Silver Creek has more than five miles of looped hiking trails as well as cross-country ski trails. The event is free, for all ages and drop-in. No pets are allowed, and the district may cancel when wind chills fall below 20 degrees.

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