Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Champaign County Forest Preserve District The Champaign County Forest Preserve District manages more than 4,000 acres in seven preserves
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Explore Nature with the Champaign County Forest Preserve District
Discover over 4,000 acres of scenic natural areas across seven preserves in Champaign County, Illinois. Since 1935, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District has protected local ecosystems and cultural heritage while offering year-round outdoor recreation—hiking, fishing, camping, paddling, biking, birding, and stargazing. Enjoy

accessible facilities including picnic shelters, event rentals, educational centers, and the award-winning Museum of the Grand Prairie. With a mission to inspire conservation and connection to nature, we host inclusive programs and events for all ages. Located throughout Champaign County—your next outdoor adventure awaits!

06/11/2026

The revitalized spillway at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is doing exactly what it was designed to do—safely managing water while native seedlings begin to take root along the banks, restoring the area naturally over time.

Eco-Adventures Day Camp invites children ages 3 -11 to spend summer mornings exploring, discovering, and getting hands-o...
06/11/2026

Eco-Adventures Day Camp invites children ages 3 -11 to spend summer mornings exploring, discovering, and getting hands-on with the natural world. There are still openings for Eco-Adventures at Homer Lake Forest Preserve.
Every Tuesday in July, 10 -11:30 AM, campers will investigate wildlife, insects, and aquatic habitats through weekly themed adventures that bring science and nature to life outdoors.

Register by July 2 to save your spot:
https://bit.ly/Ages_3-5
https://bit.ly/Ages_6-8
https://bit.ly/Ages_9-11

Space is limited. Register today.

BIGFOOT. UFOs. GHOSTS.The evidence is waiting.Historical MythBusters Camp teaches teens ages 13-15 about local myths, th...
06/09/2026

BIGFOOT. UFOs. GHOSTS.

The evidence is waiting.

Historical MythBusters Camp teaches teens ages 13-15 about local myths, then challenges them to investigate, analyze clues, and decide what's fact, fiction, or still unexplained.

Choose one date/location:
June 23 @ Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
June 24 @ Homer Lake Forest Preserve
June 25 @ Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
Time: 10 AM - 11:30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CmhUgQP6s/

Register: https://bit.ly/History_Camps

06/07/2026

Due to weather (lightning) in the area, the boat rentals at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve are closed for the remainder of the day.

Whether you hike, stroll, birdwatch, or crawl at a turtle’s pace, every trail tells a story. Happy National Trails Day f...
06/06/2026

Whether you hike, stroll, birdwatch, or crawl at a turtle’s pace, every trail tells a story. Happy National Trails Day from Champaign County Forest Preserves!

Celebrate National Trails Day – June 6! Get outside, get moving, and explore the beauty of the Champaign County Forest P...
06/05/2026

Celebrate National Trails Day – June 6!
Get outside, get moving, and explore the beauty of the Champaign County Forest Preserves!

This National Trails Day, we’re inviting YOU to take part in our Trails Challenge — a fun way to discover new preserves, enjoy fresh air, and check off some new trails along the way.

There’s no better time to start (or continue!) your Trails Challenge journey than June 6. Grab a friend, bring the family, or enjoy some solo trail time —discovery is waiting just down the path!

Learn more about the Trails Challenge and plan your next hike: Trails Challenge | Champaign County Forest Preserve District

The forecast called for clouds and wind. The wildlife showed up anyway.A bee gathered nectar from blooming milkweed. A c...
06/05/2026

The forecast called for clouds and wind. The wildlife showed up anyway.

A bee gathered nectar from blooming milkweed. A cardinal braced against the breeze. A bluebird found a perch among fresh green leaves. Turkey vultures drifted overhead on the wind. A widow skimmer waited patiently for its next meal.

Even on a gray windy day, the Champaign County Forest Preserves are full of life. What have you spotted on your recent visits?

Address

109 S Lake Of The Woods Road
Mahomet, IL
61853

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(217) 586-3360

Website

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