Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve: Nature's Playground
Explore nature, history, and recreation at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, a 900-acre oasis in central Illinois.
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, near Mahomet, Illinois, is a sprawling 900-acre natural haven along the Sangamon River. Established in 1948, it features diverse attractions, including botanical gardens, a museum, a golf course, and scenic trails, offering a blend of recreation and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
- 109 S Lake of the Woods Rd, Mahomet, Illinois, 61853, US
- +1217-586-3360
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Check the calendar for seasonal events and educational programs to enhance your visit.
- Decide where you're going to park before you arrive.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake.
Getting There
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Driving
From Interstate 74, take either Exit 172 (Lombard Street/Route 47) or Exit 174 (Prairieview Road). If taking Exit 172, head north on Route 47; the entrance to the Museum and Botanical Gardens will be on your right. For Exit 174, head north on Prairieview Road, then turn left on Tin Cup Road to access the east side of the park. Parking is available near all main attractions. Note that parking areas can fill up during peak times. There is no fee to enter Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve.
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Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available from Champaign-Urbana. A taxi from Champaign Airport (CMI) to Lake of the Woods takes approximately 25 minutes and costs $40-$55.
Discover more about Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hazen Bridge
5.9 km
Explore the historic Hazen Bridge in Mahomet, IL: a beautifully preserved 19th-century steel truss bridge on the Sangamon River.
Dark Matter Collective
15.1 km
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Springer Cultural Center
15.1 km
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Exaltation of the Holy Cross Catholic Church
15.1 km
Discover the serene beauty and architectural wonder of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Champaign, Illinois.
Bentley's Pub
15.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and extensive drink selection at Bentley's Pub in Downtown Champaign, your go-to spot for relaxation and entertainment.
The Himalayan Chimney
15.1 km
Experience authentic Indian cuisine at The Himalayan Chimney in downtown Champaign, where vibrant flavors and warm hospitality await you.
Virginia Theatre
15.2 km
Experience the vibrant cultural scene at the Virginia Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in Champaign, Illinois, featuring a variety of performances and events.
Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana
15.2 km
Discover the comfort and convenience of Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana, your perfect home base for exploring local attractions and vibrant culture.
PACA Architectural Salvage Warehouse
15.3 km
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Big Grove Tavern
15.3 km
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Watson's Shack & Rail
15.3 km
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Hamilton Walker's
15.3 km
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The Space
15.3 km
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The Literary
15.3 km
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Cowboy Monkey
15.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of the Grand Prairie
0.8 km
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River Bend Forest Preserve
3.9 km
Explore the serene landscapes of River Bend Forest Preserve, a nature lover's paradise in Mahomet, Illinois, perfect for fishing, kayaking, and hiking adventures.
Alto Vineyards Champaign
8.7 km
Experience the heart of Illinois wine country at Alto Vineyards, where exceptional wines, live music, and charming gifts await.
William M. Staerkel Planetarium
11.1 km
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Kaufman Lake
12.7 km
Kaufman Lake in Champaign, IL: A serene park with beautiful landscapes, perfect for picnics, walks, and wildlife watching.
Centennial Park
14.1 km
Discover the beauty of Centennial Park in Champaign, Illinois - a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and relaxation for every traveler.
West Side Park
15.0 km
Explore the natural beauty and family-friendly amenities at West Side Park in Champaign, Illinois—a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
Cattle Bank
15.7 km
Discover the historical significance of Cattle Bank in Champaign, Illinois, a charming museum showcasing local banking history and heritage.
Champaign County History Museum at the Historic Cattle Bank
15.7 km
Explore the captivating history of Champaign County at the Historic Cattle Bank, a museum filled with engaging exhibits and local heritage.
Douglass Park
15.7 km
Explore Douglass Park in Champaign, Illinois: A lush, serene park perfect for family outings, picnics, and community events in a vibrant setting.
Helms Park
16.0 km
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Hessel Park
16.1 km
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Busey Woods
16.9 km
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Main Quad
17.1 km
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Main Library
17.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Thara Thai Restaurant
13.1 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Thailand at Thara Thai Restaurant in Champaign - a culinary journey awaits with authentic dishes and warm hospitality.
The Original Pancake House
13.4 km
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Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant
13.5 km
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Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
13.7 km
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Kohinoor Indian Restaurant and Lounge
15.1 km
Experience the rich flavors of India at Kohinoor Indian Restaurant and Lounge in Downtown Champaign - where every meal is a celebration.
Sticky Rice
15.1 km
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Neil St. Blues
15.2 km
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Billy Barooz Pub & Grill
15.3 km
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Guido's Bar & Grill
15.3 km
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Stango Cuisine
15.3 km
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Wood N' Hog Barbecue Catering
15.3 km
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Nando Milano
15.3 km
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Ko Fusion
15.4 km
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Sam's Cafe
15.4 km
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Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
15.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Antiques & More Staley Road
11.8 km
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Salt & Light
11.8 km
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Prairie Gardens Boutique
12.3 km
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HomeGoods
12.8 km
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Target
13.0 km
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Westgate Mall
13.0 km
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Five Below
13.1 km
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Karen's Kloset
13.2 km
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Country Fair Shopping Center
13.3 km
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Hobby Lobby
13.5 km
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Angelic Things Boutique
13.8 km
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Dry Goods
13.8 km
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JCPenney
13.8 km
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Market Place Shopping Center
13.9 km
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francesca's
13.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pipa's Pub
13.4 km
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Collective Pour
15.2 km
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Punch! Bar & Lounge
15.3 km
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Quality
15.3 km
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The Axe Bar
15.4 km
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Esquire Lounge
15.4 km
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Tumble Inn Tavern
15.6 km
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Fat City Bar and Grill
15.8 km
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The Red Lion
16.3 km
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Legends
16.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Champaign at Legends, a lively bar offering great drinks, music, and unforgettable memories in the heart of Campustown.
Joe's Brewery
16.6 km
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Murphy's Pub
16.7 km
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Aspen Tap House
17.0 km
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Corner Pub
96.2 km
Experience the charm of Veedersburg at The Corner Pub, where great food, drinks, and local culture come together.
Road Hawg's Tavern
97.7 km
Discover the vibrant local culture at Road Hawg's Tavern in Montezuma, Indiana, where great food and drinks meet friendly faces.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Shelby's Cigar & Daiquiri Lounge
12.4 km
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Soma Ultralounge
15.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Champaign at Soma Ultralounge, where epic music, signature cocktails, and a lively atmosphere await.
The Canopy Club
17.4 km
Experience the electrifying nightlife at The Canopy Club, Urbana's premier night club and event venue, featuring live music and unforgettable dance parties.
A Plus VIP Lounge
18.0 km
Experience unforgettable nights of karaoke and camaraderie at A Plus VIP Lounge in Urbana, where every performance is a celebration.
