Lake of the Woods Park in Illinois

Trip Overview

Lake of the Woods in Mahomet IL, outside Champaign IL, is a lovely small public Champaign Country Park District park with a clean small T-shaped 25 acres lake that is stocked with trout every spring and is a perfect place for a quick paddle or to test a kayak. Put-ins are free at two boat ramps on the dam end of lake. The paddler can go under an interesting long suspension walking bridge, see fisherman and wildlife, and paddle away from the dam (the dam is safe, no lowheads), to the east end and go under Lake of the Woods road bridge to a small finger of the lake that is near the campground, wave to campers, and fun to go under bridge.

On the north side of the lake is the golf course (keep your eye out or golf balls in the water, we always manage to snag a couple from the water). The lake is pretty and small, but a few round trips can make for a brisk workout. Be certain to drive around the rest of the Park, with picnic areas, playgrounds, golf (public), and even a nifty 10 story bell tower that you can climb for wonderful views of the park and Champaign Illinois in the distance. A great day destination for families.

Accommodations:

Camping at Tin Cup campground (private) directly across street from Park, with electric and water hookups. No camping allows overnight in park.

Fees:

No fees, but paddling boat registration for State of Illinois (sticker) is mandatory.

Directions:

I-74 to the Prairieview exit in Mahomet, go north on Pairieview Rd to the first intersection (by Casey's gas), and take a left. Travel for 1/2 mile to the Lake of the Woods entrance.

Contact:

http://www.ccfpd.org/lowpark.htm - This link has a full review of the Lake of the Woods park and has many lovely photos.

Resources:

Delorme Illinois Gazetteer.