ExperienceGuide2023 - 36

Homer Lake Forest Preserve
Lake Shelbyville
On the Water
Rivers and lakes around the area give us a peaceful
space to kayak and canoe, or spend a day fishing.
Homer Lake Forest Preserve-This large lake,
surrounded by hiking trails, connects to the Salt Fork
River so you can extend your time on the water. Kids can
play on the water features, part of the Natural Playscape
at the preserve.
River Bend Forest Preserve-Featuring the largest lake
in Champaign County, this preserve offers an accessible
pier for fishing, and 130 acres of clear water for kayaking
and canoeing.
Kaufman Lake-This Champaign park provides 30 acres
of water for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, surrounded
by a wide walking trail and colorful foliage in the fall.
Crystal Lake Park-At the Lake House in Crystal Lake
Park in Urbana, you can rent paddle boats or canoes to
get out on the water from Memorial Day through Labor
Day. Fish the lake at the accessible pier just west of the
Lake House.
Don't have a kayak? Check out Kingfisher Kayaking in
Mahomet for tours along the Sangamon River or Lunatic
Kayak Rental in Ogden before heading over to Homer
Lake.
Go Boating at Lake Shelbyville
An hour south of Champaign-Urbana, you'll find Lake Shelbyville in
Sullivan. This large lake will satisfy your craving for getting out on the
water whether you want to kayak or take out a speedboat. Feel the wind
through your hair as you go around the lake and discover the many
outdoor adventures surrounding the area. While in the area, stop for a
bite at Sullivan Marina's NorthEnd Pub & Grill, located on the water.
Hop on A Bike
Our bike-friendly communities give you ample opportunities to
bike our urban spaces, or on area trails. Bring your own bike or
hop on the rental bikes found around Champaign-Urbana!
Kickapoo Rail Trail-With a trailhead at Weaver Park in Urbana, this railto-trail,
multi-use path extends nearly 10 miles to St. Joseph and Ogden,
showcasing some of the most diverse ecosystems in Central Illinois.
Stop in St. Joseph for lunch or to do some local shopping!
Mahomet Village Bike Trail-This 4-mile trail connects the small town
to the west of Champaign-Urbana. Cross a historical bridge built in 1912
as you go from the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve around the trail.
Stop on Main Street for some ice cream from the Main Scoop or a local
beer from J.T. Walker's Brewery.
Rantoul Shared Use Path-Connecting parks and neighborhoods, this
nine-mile trail will get you to the former Chanute Air Force Base, Willow
Pond Golf Course, and into downtown, where you'll find places to shop
and eat.
Mountain Biking-Head south of Champaign-Urbana for a more
challenging terrain at Camp Camfield for seven miles of mountain
biking with winding trails and ups and downs to give you that thrill you
crave.
B52 Hangar MX-Take biking to the extreme with this indoor motocross
trail found in a former airplane hangar at Chanute Airfield. Providing an
exciting track in 200,000 sq. ft., you'll have plenty of room to show off.
Check out their events and open rides for all levels.
Need to borrow a bike? No problem! VeoRide offers their iconic
turquoise bikes seen all over town. Simply download the app, find a bike
closest to you, and only pay for how long you use the bike, parking it
wherever you land.
Kickapoo Rail Trail
36 Official Champaign-Urbana Area Experience Guide

http://www.lakeshelbyville.com/ https://www.ccfpd.org/forest-preserves/homer-lake-illinois https://www.sullivanmarina.com/menu https://www.ccfpd.org/champaign-county/lake-trails/river-bend-forest-preserve https://champaignparks.com/park/kaufman-lake/ https://www.ccfpd.org/forest-preserve/kickapoo-rail-trail https://www.urbanaparks.org/parks/crystal-lake-park/ https://kingfisherkayaking.com/ https://www.village.rantoul.il.us/494/Bike-Paths#:~:text=Enjoy%20riding%2C%20walking%2C%20or%20roller,Kentucky%20to%20Lon%20%26%20Route%20136. https://b52hangarmx.com/ https://www.veoride.com/

ExperienceGuide2023

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