Lake Of The Woods County Forest Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake of the Woods County Forest Preserve is a beautiful park located in Mahomet, Illinois.


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Summary

It covers an area of approximately 900 acres and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking in the park. The park has a number of picnic areas, playgrounds, and shelters that are perfect for family gatherings and other events.

One of the most popular attractions in Lake of the Woods County Forest Preserve is the Lake of the Woods Golf Course, which is considered one of the best public courses in the state. The course offers 18 holes and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Another point of interest in the park is the Museum of the Grand Prairie, which showcases the history and culture of the area. It features exhibits on Native American artifacts, the natural history of the prairie, and the development of agriculture in the region.

In addition to these attractions, the park also offers a number of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Visitors can see a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, blue jays, and cardinals, as well as deer, foxes, and other small animals.

The best time of year to visit Lake of the Woods County Forest Preserve depends on the activities you want to do. Spring and summer are great for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating, while fall is a great time to see the beautiful fall foliage and go fishing. Winter is perfect for activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Overall, Lake of the Woods County Forest Preserve is a great place to visit for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience the natural beauty of central Illinois.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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