Free Fall Activities

Celebrate Fall at the Forest Preserves! 
Gather your family and friends and experience the beauty of autumn at the Champaign County Forest Preserves! We’re offering a variety of FREE educational and recreational programs—no registration or fees required.

From nature walks and wildlife talks to hands-on activities and seasonal events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Just show up and join the fun!
Explore our full lineup of fall activities and make lasting memories in the great outdoors.

Events | Champaign County Forest Preserve District

We can’t wait to see you there!

Access the Full Schedule

September Events

Sunday, September 7

Growing Up in the Preserves: Special Grandparents Edition
Natural Playscape, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
12:30 – 2 PM

Thursday, September 11

Remembrance Walk
Possibility Pier Parking Lot, River Bend Forest Preserve
10 – 11:30 AM

Friday, September 12

Bats at the Bridge
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
6:30 – 8:15 PM

Saturday, September 13

Outside in Champaign Forests: Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
10 – 11:30 AM

Saturday, September 13

Prairie Stories & Exhibit Grand Opening
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
10 AM – 5 PM

Wednesday, September 17

Slumber Stories: Dream-Inspired Crafts and StoryWalk
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
2 – 3:30 PM

Monday, September 22

Welcome Fall Hike
Main Entrance, Sangamon River Forest Preserve
5:30 – 7 PM

Saturday, September 27

Conservation in Action Series: Timber Stand Improvement
Harry L. Swartz Campground, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
10 – 11:30 AM

September Events

October Events

 

Sunday, October 5

18th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series: Mary Todd Lincoln
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
2 – 3:30 PM

Tuesday, October 7

Growing Up in the Preserves: Dig in the Dirt
Natural Playscape, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
10 – 11:30 AM

Thursday, October 9

Bike with a Naturalist
Kickapoo Rail Trail, Urbana Wal-Mart Access Point
5 – 7 PM

Monday, October 13

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Seed Collection Event
Museum of the Grand Prairie & Buffalo Trace Prairie
9:30 AM – 12 PM

Monday, October 13

Scaly Encounters
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
3 – 3:45 PM & 3:45 – 4:30 PM

Saturday, October 18

Eerie Illinois
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
6 – 9 PM

Saturday, October 25

Hoot ‘n Howl: Halloween Fun at Middle Fork
Harry L. Swartz Campground, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
3 – 6 PM

Tuesday, October 28

Owl Night
Salt Fork Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
5:30 – 8:30 PM

October Events

November Events

Wednesday, November 5

Full Moon Hike
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
5 – 6:30 PM

Saturday, November 8

Outside in Champaign Forests
River Bend Forest Preserve
10 – 11:30 AM

Saturday, November 8

18th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series: Ulysses S. Grant
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
2 – 3:30 PM

Wednesday, November 12

Growing Up in the Preserves: Preparing for Winter
Natural Playscape, Homer Lake Forest Preserve
10 – 11:30 AM

Saturday, November 15

Explore Archaeology Open House
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
1 – 4 PM

Saturday, November 22

Dark Sky Series: Starwatch
Dark Sky Trail, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
5:30 – 7:30 PM

November Events