Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve Map
Attractions
Directions, Hours & Contact Information

Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is a popular site located in a rolling wooded area near Mahomet, Illinois. This beautiful preserve occupies almost 900 acres along the corridor of the Sangamon River. Highlighting Lake of the Woods are several well-known attractions: the Early American Museum, Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, and Lake of the Woods Golf Course.

Located 10 miles west of Champaign-Urbana, Lake of the Woods Preserve is easily accessible from Interstate 74, exit #174 or #172. It also offers fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, sledding, the HI-Tower bell carillon and observation area, building rentals and educational programs.

Attractions
The Early American 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. Educational programs are offered for all ages throughout the year. Children will especially love the many hands-on opportunities in the Discovery Room. The museum is part of the Illinois Looking for Lincoln program where visitors will learn about Champaign County’s Lincoln.

Located just off State Route 47 is the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, which boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in east-central Illinois. Many a couple have exchanged their wedding vows in this colorful setting. Its All-America Selections Display Garden features the newest and best bedding plants. Two special spots within the garden are the award-winning Miriam Davies Memorial Enabling Garden at the very south end, and the children’s Discovery Garden, which can be found directly behind the museum.

A favorite location for golfers is the Lake of the Woods Golf Course, which was designed by Robert Bruce Harris. Besides the award-winning 18-hole regulation course, there is a 9-hole Par 3 course and a practice range. A major renovation plan that took place over many years was completed recently. Golfers will find revamped fairways, sand bunkers, ponds and teeing grounds, along with paved cart paths and a redesigned entrance. The course continues to maintain its status as a Certified Audubon Sanctuary, one of only two downstate courses to earn this distinction.

The 3.3-mile paved Bicycle/Pedestrian Path stretches the entire length of the preserve, winding through grasslands, prairie and wooded areas as well as crossing the Sangamon River on the Lake of the Woods Covered Bridge. The path receives considerable use from walkers, joggers, bikers, rollerbladers and others. There are grass and woodland trails as well.

One of the most impressive and recognizable facilities within the park is the HI-Tower. For four decades now, visitors from miles around have come to admire and ascend the six-story structure, which was named after the founder of the Forest Preserve District, the late H.I. Gelvin. A popular feature of the tower is the bell carillon, which is programmed to play music throughout the day. Children, especially, find the HI-Tower captivating and consider it a "must" for any visit to Lake of the Woods.

* Please note there is no longer a swimming beach at Lake of the Woods. There is still swimming available at our Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Penfield.

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Directions, Hours & Contact Information
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is located 10 miles west of Champaign-Urbana on I-74 at Mahomet, exit #172 or #174. For faster access to the Early American Museum and Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, take exit #172. For faster access to District Headquarters and the Golf Course, take exit #174.

Physical Addresses:
Main Entrance - 109 S. Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet
Boathouse Entrance - 101 N. Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet
Golf Course Entrance - 405 N. Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet
Museum & Garden Entrance - 600 N. Lombard Street, Mahomet
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve Map

Hours
Lake of the Woods opens at 7 AM year-round, weather-permitting. Closing times vary:

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