Project Overview In-Progress
The Champaign County Forest Preserves will be closing portions of the Lake of the Woods Bike Trail for renovation in September. The trail will be milled and resurfaced, resulting in like-new trail conditions, but requiring full closure to complete the work.
The project is anticipated to start on September 9th and end October 2nd, 2024. Due to limited access points to the trail, all of Buffalo Trace Prairie will be closed while contractors are on site. Parking lots will be closed at Crowley Road, Route 47, and Hawthorn Hill. This work is weather dependent; please check the Forest Preserves’ website and social media for updates.
Funding for this improvement was provided in part by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD), Recreational Trails Program (RTP), and the Bicycle Path Program (BIKE) grants which support active recreation in natural areas.
Additional improvements will also be made at Buffalo Trace including expanded parking, picnic areas, and exercise stations.