Celebrating 75 Years of CCFPD: Middle Fork River Preserve

Do you need a few minutes of quiet? A time to reconnect? Moments to look at something real and beyond your imagination?

A trip to Champaign County Forest Preserve’s Middle Fork River Preserve might be just what you need.  

Nestled within the heart of Illinois lies a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and stargazers alike – the Middle Fork River Preserve. Spanning an impressive 1,702 acres, this preserve is a diverse landscape, offering old hardwood timber, reforested lowlands, picturesque meadows, and ongoing prairie restorations. While it boasts a wide range of outdoor activities, what sets it apart is its status as Illinois’ first International Dark Sky Park. 

Starry Nights and Celestial Marvels

Middle Fork River Preserve’s International Dark Sky Park status is a testament to its exceptional nighttime views. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the night sky, this place offers something truly special. The dark skies here provide optimal conditions for stargazing year-round.

During the winter months, the skies above the preserve offer a celestial spectacle. Not only can planets and constellations be seen in the night sky, but visitors have seen the glow of the  Milky Way band and even the northern lights. 

The Middle Fork River Preserve’s journey to becoming an International Dark Sky Park was a collaborative effort between the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society. They made significant changes to the preserve’s lighting, investing over $20,000 in dark-sky-compliant fixtures. These improvements ensure that the preserve remains a refuge for both stargazers and wildlife against the backdrop of urban skyglow from nearby cities.

A 2022 grant program through  Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) will help CCFPD fund a dark sky trail with dark-sky-friendly lighting, trail nodes for stargazing, an observatory where visitors can set up their own telescopes, an open-air shelter, a small parking lot, expanded campgrounds, and a nature play area. In addition to enhancing its stargazing amenities, the award will help Champaign County Forest Preserve District meet the high demand for hiking trails and improve ADA accessibility. 

Visitors to Middle Fork come at all hours, including evenings when other CCFPD properties are closed. 

Camping at Middle Fork River Preserve

The Harry L. Swartz Campground is a true retreat within the preserve. With 65 campsites, including 53 with electricity, it caters to both individuals and larger groups. Surrounded by towering oak, hickory, and hackberry trees, these campsites offer a tranquil escape. Wildflowers abound, adding to the natural beauty. Reservations are accepted online or on a first-come, first-served basis from April 1 to Nov. 1.

Middle Fork’s campground includes bathroom amenities, including a shower house that is clean and ready for guests. 

With or without camping reservations, visitors line the North Waterfowl Management Area with 24-hour access to view the night sky. CCFPD is known for its programming, which includes natural and historical elements, including stargazing or astronomical events. 

Outdoor Adventures for All

Beyond stargazing and camping, Middle Fork River Preserve offers an array of outdoor activities. Hikers will be delighted by the seven miles of trails that wind through oak/hickory forests, prairies teeming with wildflowers, and river bottomland forests. Each trail offers a unique perspective of the preserve’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors have also spotted several bald eagles while in the park. The Waterfowl Management Area provides prime nesting habitat for migratory waterfowl, and an accessible viewing platform allows for up-close observations.

Oak Burl Trail (2.4 miles) 

This trail travels through a variety of habitats including an oak/hickory forest, a prairie rich with wildflowers, and a river bottomland forest. Look for the wildlife drawn to these habitats. Signs of beaver are visible along the river. Raccoons leave tracks in wet areas and live in the trees along the trail. White-tailed deer are often seen. 

Prairieview Trail (.8 mile) 

Walk through prairie grasses and wildflowers and enjoy the rolling terrain. This short trail winds through areas of tree plantings and also through areas where nature is rapidly filling in open areas with trees of its own. 

Old Miner’s Trail (1.5 miles)

The Old Miner’s Trail, constructed in 2014, includes a 1/4 mile ADA-accessible trail.  Old-growth oak trees, frog-filled ponds, and educational signage along the way to make this trail a must see!
Cutting across an expanse of canary grass, this moderate trail introduces you to areas where pheasant and deer are common. Look for signs of farming that took place here until the mid-1970s. You’ll see examples of succession, as trees have sprung up in old fields. 

Midland Trail (1.4 miles) 

Cutting across an expanse of canary grass, this moderate trail introduces you to areas where pheasant and deer are common. Look for signs of farming that took place here until the mid-1970s. You’ll see examples of succession, as trees have sprung up in old fields. 

South Loop (2.2 miles) 

This trail will take you to the southern extreme of the preserve. Hikers are treated to beautiful views of the Middle Fork River. Beaver cuttings are found on saplings along the riverbank, while deer tracks are found right on the trail. 

All lands, waters, plants and animals at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve are protected by law under the stewardship of the Forest Preserve District. We welcome you to enjoy your stay with us and ask for your help in preserving and protecting these valuable resources for generations to come.

North Waterfowl Trail (1.2 miles)

This trail walks along the berm of the North Waterfowl Management Area giving the hiker the ability to get a close up look at waterfowl in their nesting habitat. Watch for other wildlife such as otter, deer, and beaver using the wetland area also.

Point Pleasant Trail (2.2 miles)

This trail takes visitors on a journey along the edge of high-quality oak-hickory forest and through beautifully restored prairies.  Hikers are rewarded with views of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, the Point Pleasant wetland, plentiful wildlife, and the site of one of the 5 U.S. Post Offices to exist in Champaign County in the 1850s. 

Champaign County’s Only Beach Access

Willow Pond, the largest of Middle Fork’s trio of ponds, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally created in the late 1970s to early 1980s, this aquatic gem underwent a transformation in 2023 when water was drained to excavate 40-year-old muck from the floor. A new floor level was crafted with varying depths, not only to facilitate swimming but also to enhance fish and native pond life habitat. As you approach the beach, you’ll notice the gentle slope leading to the buoy line, making it even more inviting. Furthermore, a new clay floor has been introduced to serve as a protective barrier against seepage. The grand reopening of Willow Pond’s beach to swimmers on June 8, 2023, marked the culmination of this remarkable restoration effort, ensuring that visitors can once again enjoy its pristine waters and natural beauty.