About

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is a local, property tax-supported government agency charged with the stewardship of seven forest preserves covering over 4,000 acres in Champaign County, Illinois. The Forest Preserve District, which covers all but seven sections of Champaign County, was established by referendum in 1935. Due to the Depression and World War II, however, the first park was not opened until 1948. 

Mission Statement 

Protect Champaign County’s natural and cultural resources and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world.

Vision 

Protecting Nature. Creating Connections. 

Visitors with Disabilities 

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District encourages its disabled visitors to utilize its facilities and to participate in its programs, and is committed to providing facilities and programs which meet the needs of both disabled and nondisabled visitors. Persons anticipating having reasonable special needs should contact District Headquarters in advance of their visit at 586-3360. 

Board of Commissioners 

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is governed by a five member volunteer Board of Commissioners. The Champaign County Board appoints commissioners to five-year terms. There is a limit of two terms per commissioner. Board of Commissioners meetings are typically held the third Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted. To contact our commissioners, please send an email to [email protected] 

Photographs 

Frequently the District takes videotape or photographs of people enjoying programs, special events, preserves or facilities. These photographs are for the District promotions and marketing. They are used at the District's discretion and become its sole property. 

The six Champaign County forest preserves are open year-round, weather-permitting. The preserves open at 7 AM. Closing times are posted below. District Headquarters is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Offices are closed most legal holidays. 

Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve: 

1st Saturday in April, closing time is 9:00 PM. Peninsula is open 24 hours; restroom closes at 7:00 PM. 1st Monday in September, closing time is 7:00 PM. Monday before Halloween, closing time is 5:00 PM. Peninsula also closes at 5:00 PM. 

River Bend Forest Preserve: 

1st Saturday in April, closing time is 9:00 PM. 1st Monday in September, closing time is 7:00 PM. Monday before Halloween, closing time is 5:00 PM. 

Heron View Forest Preserve:

 1st Saturday in April, closing time is 9:00 PM. 1st Monday in September, closing time is 7:00 PM. Monday before Halloween, closing time is 5:00 PM.

Sangamon River Forest Preserve: 

1st Saturday in April, closing time is 9:00 PM. 1st Monday in September, closing time is 7:00 PM. Monday before Halloween, closing time is 5:00 PM. 

Homer Lake Forest Preserve: 

1st Monday in April, closing time is 10:00 PM. Monday before Halloween, closing time is 5:00 PM. 

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve: 

May through October, closing time is 9:00 PM. November through April, closing time is 6:00 PM. Although some portions of the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve close to automobiles at dusk, the North Waterfowl Management Area is open 24 hours a day for night sky viewing. The entrance and parking for the waterfowl area are located 2554 County Road 3500 North.