Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Here is a listing of Champaign County Forest Preserve District sites and facilities:

www.ccfpd.org, 586-3360

Early American Museum

The museum has an extensive collection interpreting 19th- and early 20th-century life in East Central Illinois. Two floors of exhibits present architecture, agriculture, trades and occupations, decorative arts, and childhood and domestic life of the time. The Discovery Room offers many hands-on opportunities for children, and educational programs are offered for all ages throughout the year.

Just south of the museum are the Mabery D. Gelvin Botanical Garden and the Miriam Davies Enabling Garden, an award-winning, barrier-free garden that provides a place for physically, mentally and emotionally challenged individuals to experience the rewards and pleasures of gardening.

The museum is a designated Looking for Lincoln site.

Hartwell C. Howard Lake of the Woods Golf Course

One of two downstate courses to attain certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, it has an 18-hole regulation course and a 9-hole par 3 course, as well as a practice range. Lessons, tournaments and family golf activities are offered throughout the season.

Homer Lake Forest Preserve

This 800-acre site about 15 miles southeast of C-U features sledding or cross-country skiing when the snow falls and fishing and boating in the summer months. Trails for hiking, nature study and bird-watching and picnicking areas are plentiful. This is also the home of the district's Environmental Education Center, with displays and hands-on activities for all ages.

Directions:From Champaign-Urbana, take I-74 to Ogden exit; go south of Illinois 49 2 miles and follow the signs (2573 S. Homer Lake Road, Homer).

Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve

The district's original facility is a large, recreational site in Mahomet, occupying about 900 acres along the Sangamon River. It contains the Hartwell C. Howard Lake of the Woods Golf Course, the Early American Museum, the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, a bell carillon and a 3.3-mile bicycle/pedestrian path.

There is a play area near the HI-Tower, and activities include fishing, boating, hiking and picnicking, as well as sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Directions: 10 miles west of Champaign-Urbana on Interstate 74, Exit 174 or 172 (109 S. Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet).

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve

In northeast Champaign County, it contains 1,600 acres with reforestation projects, marsh reclamation and prairie restoration projects to restore habitat typical of presettlement periods. Middle Fork offers the 65-site Harry L. Swartz Campground, a swimming beach and the 130-acre Waterfowl Management Area. There are hiking trails, fishing ponds, a play area and many locations for picnicking.

Directions: From Rantoul, take U.S. 136 east for 12 miles and then north on County Road 2700 E for 5 miles (3433 County Road 2700 E, Penfield).

River Bend Forest Preserve

The district's newest natural area is in south Mahomet. This 275-acre preserve borders 2.5 miles of the Sangamon River and contains two lakes totaling about 130 acres. Also at River Bend are a 1.2-mile multipurpose trail and a 1.8-mile nature trail. River Bend offers fishing, hiking and picnicking. Because of the pristine water conditions, specific boating restrictions are in place.

Directions: From Champaign-Urbana, take I-72 west to the Illinois 47 exit; head north on Illinois 47 for 3.5 miles; go west on Mid-America Road 1.5 miles (1602 Mid-America Road, Mahomet).