Between Indianapolis And Peoria Is Illinois' Scenic Nature Preserve For Lake Views, Trails, And Picnicking

Central Illinois is often considered the epitome of "flyover country" – known for flat prairies, vast corn and soybean fields, and small rural towns. Yet if you find yourself on a bleary-eyed drive along Interstate 74 between Indianapolis and Peoria, you'll pass through Urbana-Champaign, a trendy college town with a thriving arts and food scene. Veer off the Interstate and head south for about 20 minutes, and you'll arrive at a tranquil nature preserve shaded by trees and centered around Homer Lake. This peaceful retreat is part of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, which includes seven preserves in the region and offers a quiet detour from both cornfields and suburbia. With opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife-watching, this family-friendly haven is the perfect day-trip. 

Spanning roughly 800 acres, Homer Lake Forest Preserve is a year-round haven for nature lovers. Six trails thread through the preserve's diverse landscape of woodlands, prairie, and aquatic habitats, providing 10 miles of hiking, birdwatching, autumn leaf peeping, and snowshoeing, including the 5-mile Homer Lake Scenic Route and trails to bluffs with views overlooking the Salt Fork River. Visitors can explore Collins Pond, a peaceful spot for strolling and meditation, created to help protect the natural ecosystems from invasive species. You may see turtles, white-tailed deer, and even wild turkeys. North Boat Launch is the gateway to the 80-acre lake, providing launch access for canoes and small boats to fish and float. Seasonal kayak rentals are also available: $25 for 2 hours, with life jackets included. "Give this lake park a solid 10," wrote a Tripadvisor reviewer. "One of the most peaceful places to spend a day in all of Champaign County. Family or solo, it's all good."

On the southern side of the preserve, away from the boat launch, lies the "playscape," one of the most unique attractions at Homer Lake. The playscape is a safe play area for kids "designed to connect people to nature," as the website explains — essentially, a controlled outdoors environment made to reflect natural surroundings. Savvy parents recommend packing towels, water shoes, and changes of clothes for kids who might get wet and muddy as they explore. Park-goers are also encouraged to pack a picnic and eat under one of the covered shelters, or cook out on one of several built-in grills. Two larger facilities are available to rent for events, with amenities like electricity and kitchens. The preserve also features an Interpretive Center – a community hub for education and exhibits, and live animal displays.

Along the preserve's northern boundary runs a county highway, once part of Abraham Lincoln's route as a traveling circuit judge in the mid-1800s. You'll know you're retracing his steps by the "Looking for Lincoln" plaque that demarcates additional historical sites in the area. In fact, central Illinois is rich in important historic locations Abraham Lincoln fans should visit; consider adding places like Springfield or New Salem Village to your Midwest itinerary.

After your hiking, kayaking, and playscaping, consider heading 7 miles into the Village of St. Joseph, where you can have a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner at The Wheelhouse or do a tasting at Wyldewood Cellars, a winery specializing in elderberry wines. Or stroll through Champaign-Urbana for the shopping and arts scene: it is, after all, "the greatest Midwest town."