Museum of the Grand Prairie
The Museum of the Grand Prairie 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 accredited museum is part of the Illinois Looking for Lincoln program where visitors will learn about Champaign County's Lincoln.
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden
Located just south of the museum is the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, which boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in East Central Illinois. Many couples have exchanged their wedding vows in this colorful setting.
Lake of the Woods Golf Course
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 multi-year renovation 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 environmentally-friendly distinction.
Hiking and Biking Paths
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 also grass and woodland trails for visitors to enjoy.
Rayburn-Purnell Woods is an excellent example of an oak-hickory upland forest. The area was acquired by the Forest Preserve District from the Purnell and Rayburn families of Mahomet. The trail that winds through these woods is approximately 0.44 miles long. Use the links below to print a trail guide before your visit. Horseback riding is not allowed on the trails.
Other guides you may want as well are:
HI-Tower and Carillon
One of the most impressive and recognizable facilities within the park is the HI-Tower. For more than four decades, visitors have come to climb the six-story stairway to the observation deck where they can see for miles. The tower is named for 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.