ARGYLE LAKE STATE PARK
640 Argyle Park Road
Colchester, Illinois 62326
(309) 776-3422

Program Schedule

Visitor Center Information

The Argyle Lake State Park visitor center features several informative, hands-on displays which focus on the local flora and fauna of the park. Several hands-on displays include a track table, touch box, and animal pelts. The center features four displays from the Illinois State Museum’s traveling exhibit program including the following topics: oak-hickory forests, animal tracks, insects of Illinois, and dimorphism (the differences between the male and female of a species). Various free publications are available including several state park brochures and the Illinois State Park magazine. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted.

Argyle Lake State Park - 2012 Interpretive Program Schedule

Printable Schedule

‘Signs of Spring’
Wildflower & Wildlife Hikes – 10 a.m.
Saturdays, April 14, 21 & 28, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Enjoy the first blooms of spring, the signs of emerging wildlife, and the peace and serenity of nature on these morning nature hikes in the woods of Argyle Lake State Park from 10-noon.  These 1-2 mile hikes will begin at the park visitor center.  For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

Friends of Argyle Lake State Park –
Native Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Spring Exotic Plant Removal Workday
Saturday, May 19, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Come and spend a few hours outdoors helping the Friends of Argyle and park staff improve native wildlife habitat by removing nonnative plants from the woods at Argyle Lake State Park.  Litter collecting is an option for younger volunteers who may be too little to use tools.  Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a picnic after you work!  Tools and gloves will be provided or bring your own.  Meet at the park visitor center.  For more information, call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

Spring Astronomy Program
Friday, May 25, 2012 (Raindate: Saturday, May 26, 2012)
9:00 - 10:30 p.m.
　
Join us for an evening of spring stargazing with WIU professor Tom VanHeuklon and local hobby astronomer Larry Knicl.  The moon, three planets and several constellations may be visible if weather conditions are clear.  This program will be held at the Sunset shelter at Argyle Lake State Park (1st left turn upon entering the park).  For your comfort, bring a chair or blanket, insect repellent, and a flashlight.  This program may be held on the raindate due to inclement weather or canceled if weather is unfavorable both dates.  Please call (309)776-3422 if visibility/weather conditions are questionable.

2012 IDNR Free Fishing Days
June 8 - June 11, 2012
The Illinois Department of Natural resources allows people of any age to fish without a fishing license or stamp one four day weekend in June every year.  The dates for Illinois’ 2012 Free Fishing Days are Friday, June 8th - Monday, June 11th, 2012.

Youth Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 9, 2012 – 9-11:30 a.m.
The 2012 Youth Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, June 9th at the area near the bait shop.  Kids can bring their own poles or fishing poles will also be available for children to borrow.  All children must be chaperoned by an adult.  FREE hot dogs, chips and lemonade will be provided by the friends of Argyle Lake State Park for all children who participate in the derby. Prizes & certificates will be awarded at 11:30 a.m. for ‘Most Fish’ and ‘Largest Fish’ for five age categories (3 & under, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 & 13-15).  Prizes provided courtesy of Macomb Walmart Supercenter, the IDNR and Friends of Argyle Lake State Park.  For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

IDNR Free Fishing Days
June 8 - June 11, 2012
The Illinois Department of Natural resources allows people of any age to fish without a fishing license or stamp one four day weekend in June every year.  The dates for Illinois= 2012 Free Fishing Days are Friday, June 8th - Monday, June 11th, 2012.

Youth Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 9th B 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
The Youth Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, June 9th at the area near the bait shop.  Kids can bring their own poles or fishing poles will also be available for children to borrow.  All children must be chaperoned by an adult.  FREE hot dogs will be provided by the friends of Argyle Lake State Park for all children who participate in the derby. Prizes & certificates will be awarded at 11:30 a.m. for >Most Fish= and >Largest Fish= for five age categories (3 & under, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 & 13-15).  Prizes provided courtesy of the IDNR and Friends of Argyle Lake State Park.

2012 Canoe/Kayak Tours of Lake Argyle
Saturday, June 9th B 10 a.m. B Noon
Saturday, July 7th B 10 a.m. - Noon
Saturday, August 4th B 10 a.m. B Noon
Saturday, September 15th B 10 a.m. B Noon
Saturday, October 6st B 10 a.m. - Noon
Saturday, November 3rd B 10 a.m. - Noon
Join us for a morning of paddling and enjoying nature on beautiful Lake Argyle.  Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are being provided by the Friends of Argyle.  Ten kayaks are available, so space is limited to the first 10 people to register for each tour.   Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  Please call the park visitor center for more information or to register (309)776-3422.

 Reptiles & Amphibians of Illinois
Saturday, June 23, 2012 B 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Come and learn about the many reptiles and amphibians found across Illinois from local herpetologist and WIU professor Dr. Mike Romano.  A few live specimens, which may include one of Illinois= four venomous snakes, a nonvenomous snake, a box turtle, and frog(s),  will be available for viewing (and optional handling). Children will receive handouts to learn more about these interesting creatures and experience many hands-on activities!  Meet at the park=s Pioneer shelter for this program.

Friends of Argyle Annual Picnic
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wildlife Prairie State Park
Raptor & Wildlife Program
Saturday, July 7, 2012 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate the 4th of July weekend with the Friends of Argyle learning about native Illinois wildlife and raptors. Naturalists from Wildlife Prairie State Park will share some interesting facts about several native Illinois animals. Bring table service and a dish to pass for the picnic.  The Friends group will provide hot dogs and beverages. This picnic/program will be held at the park=s Pioneer shelter.  For more information, please call the park office at (309)776-3422.

Stargazing with Binoculars
Saturday, July 21, 2012 B 9:00 - 10:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of summer stargazing with WIU astronomy professor Tom VanHeuklon.  The moon and Saturn, and several constellations may be visible if weather conditions are clear.  This program will be held at the park=s Sunset shelter (1st left turn upon entering the park).  For your comfort, bring a chair or blanket, insect repellent, a flashlight, and binoculars (several pairs will be available to share). This program may be canceled if weather conditions are bad or visibility is poor. Please call (309)776-3422 if visibility/weather conditions are questionable.

Owl Prowl
Saturday, August 11, 2012 B
8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Join us for a hootin= good time on an evening Aowl prowl@ at Argyle Lake State Park.  Participants will learn about the owl=s many unique hunting adaptations and its diet by dissecting an owl pellet. We will use a recording of various owl calls to encourage the owls to call back to us.  Meet at the park=s Pioneer shelter for this program.

Illinois Bats: Facts and Myths
Saturday, August 25, 2012 B 7-8:30 p.m.
Join us at Argyle Lake as we learn about our only flying mammal....BATS!!! Local  educator, Mary McMahon will dispel  many myths about bats during this informative and entertaining presentation about these mysterious mammals.  Participants will have the opportunity to listen to nearby bats feeding on flying insects using an echolocation detection device. Many informative handouts will be available.  Meet at the Pioneer shelter for this program.

Friends of Argyle Lake State Park B
Lake Exploration Day
Saturday, September 15, 2012 B
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come join the members of the Friends of Argyle foundation for a day of lake exploration!  Many activities will be offered including lake education activities, fishing, kayaking, and pontoon boat rides.  Hot dogs will be provided and fishing poles will be available.  Meet at the lake near the bait shop for this event.  Call the visitor center for specific activity details and times at (309)776-3422.

Fall Leaf Collection Hike
Saturday, September 29, 2012 B
10 a.m. - Noon
Make a fall leaf collection before the trees lose their leaves for the winter.  We will meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. and hike 1-2 miles on moderate terrain.

Fall Colors Nature Hike
Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 B 10 a.m. - Noon
As the breezes become a little brisk and the days begin to shorten, nature begins the process of preparing for the cold winter months ahead.  Don=t miss this opportunity to enjoy nature and the magnificent colors of autumn throughout the park.  We will meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. and hike 1-2 miles on moderate terrain.

Atkinson McCord Cemetery Tour
Saturday, October 27, 2012 B 10 a.m. - Noon
Join park staff for a historical walking tour of the Atkinson/McCord cemetery located on the park=s property.  Participants should be able to walk 1 mile on moderate terrain to access the cemetery.

Woodland Wonders Nature Hike
Saturday, November 17, 2012 - 10 a.m. - Noon
Explore the wonders of nature and discuss how wildlife prepares for the cold winter months to come on this morning hike on one of Argyle=s most popular trails.  Hike will begin at 10 a.m. at the visitor center and conclude by noon. 

Winter Woodland Wonders Nature Hikes
Saturday, December 1, 2012 B 10 a.m. B Noon
Saturday, December 15, 2012 B 10 a.m. - Noon
Join the site interpreter as we explore the trails of the park in search of the many wonders of winter just waiting to be discovered.  Hike topics may include how animals survive in winter, identifying tracks and other wildlife signs, winter tree ID and the mysteries of snow and snowflakes.  Hikes will begin at 10 a.m. at the park visitor center.

‘Signs of Spring’
Wildflower & Wildlife Hikes – 10 a.m.
Saturdays, April 14, 21 & 28, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Enjoy the first blooms of spring, the signs of emerging wildlife, and the peace and serenity of nature on these morning nature hikes in the woods of Argyle Lake State Park from 10-noon.  These 1-2 mile hikes will begin at the park visitor center.  For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

Friends of Argyle Lake State Park –
Native Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Spring Exotic Plant Removal Workday
Saturday, May 19, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Come and spend a few hours outdoors helping the Friends of Argyle and park staff improve native wildlife habitat by removing nonnative plants from the woods at Argyle Lake State Park.  Litter collecting is an option for younger volunteers who may be too little to use tools.  Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a picnic after you work!  Tools and gloves will be provided or bring your own.  Meet at the park visitor center.  For more information, call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

Spring Astronomy Program
Friday, May 25, 2012 (Raindate: Saturday, May 26, 2012)
9:00 - 10:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of spring stargazing with WIU professor Tom VanHeuklon and local hobby astronomer Larry Knicl.  The moon, three planets and several constellations may be visible if weather conditions are clear.  This program will be held at the Sunset shelter at Argyle Lake State Park (1st left turn upon entering the park).  For your comfort, bring a chair or blanket, insect repellent, and a flashlight.  This program may be held on the raindate due to inclement weather or canceled if weather is unfavorable both dates.  Please call (309)776-3422 if visibility/weather conditions are questionable.

2012 IDNR Free Fishing Days
June 8 - June 11, 2012
The Illinois Department of Natural resources allows people of any age to fish without a fishing license or stamp one four day weekend in June every year.  The dates for Illinois’ 2012 Free Fishing Days are Friday, June 8th - Monday, June 11th, 2012.

Youth Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 9, 2012 – 9-11:30 a.m.
The 2012 Youth Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, June 9th at the area near the bait shop.  Kids can bring their own poles or fishing poles will also be available for children to borrow.  All children must be chaperoned by an adult.  FREE hot dogs, chips and lemonade will be provided by the friends of Argyle Lake State Park for all children who participate in the derby. Prizes & certificates will be awarded at 11:30 a.m. for ‘Most Fish’ and ‘Largest Fish’ for five age categories (3 & under, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 & 13-15).  Prizes provided courtesy of Macomb Walmart Supercenter, the IDNR and Friends of Argyle Lake State Park.  For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

 
General Program Information:

All programs are open to the general public. Please contact park staff with any special needs or concerns prior to the program date, so requested  arrangements /accommodations can be made.

For more specific program information  or to register for a program, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422 or email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov.