Homer Lake Interpretive Center

06/17/2026

Out of concern for public safety, all Champaign County Forest Preserves and facilities including the Museum of the Grand Prairie, and Lake of the Woods Golf Course will be closing at 12 PM (noon) today due to forecasted severe storms in the area.

We strongly encourage all visitors to plan accordingly, exit preserves before the closure time, and seek safe shelter. Please stay weather-aware throughout the day.

Your safety is our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

03/28/2026

Missing the animals at the Homer Lake Interpretive Center? They miss you too!
With construction underway at Homer Lake, all exhibits, activities, staff, offices, and resident animals have moved to the Activity Center at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, north of Penfield.
Come say hi starting Monday, Mar. 16, 1 - 5 PM when the Interpretive Center reopens.

Spring Break Hours:
Monday, Mar. 16 – Sunday, Mar. 22, 1 - 5 PM

Regular Hours:
Thursday - Sunday, 1 - 5 PM
*Regular hours start Mar. 26*

Same hands-on learning, new location, familiar faces. Come visit!

01/02/2026

Here is a look at some of the residents who shared Homer Lake Forest Preserve with us in 2025. Which animal is your favorite?

Ever wondered what wildlife roams around Homer Lake Forest Preserve? We set up (and moved around) a trail camera to capture the amazing animals that call thi...

12/23/2025

12/17/2025

Is your family new to celebrating the Winter Solstice or do you have your own traditions? 🎤 Tell us in the comments! We have two festive and meaningful celebrations this weekend at the Champaign County Forest Preserves!

12/08/2025

Thank you to Dr. Nguyễn and his team, and to everyone who came out to Trees Are Time Machines! Folks were captivated by the information that can be learned from tree rings, and they had so much fun getting hands-on with the tree coring equipment. Who knew that the hand coring drill makes an incredible sound that reverberates through the tree and echoes across the forest? 🤯 The Champaign County Forest Preserves delights in programs like this that demystify the work of researchers, making scientific discovery accessible to all!