ARGYLE
LAKE STATE PARK
640 Argyle Park Road
Colchester, Illinois 62326
(309) 776-3422
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 - 2012/2013 Interpretive Program Schedule
Printable Schedule
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.
Cross-Country Skiing Workshop –
Dates To Be Announced
(based on appropriate snow accumulation)
There is no better way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of winter than to spend an afternoon cross-country skiing through it! Skiers of any ability level will have the opportunity to learn how to ski or refresh their skills. The date and time for this workshop will be determined once appropriate snowfall has accumulated and information will be released at that time. Cross-country skis will be available to rent for participants that do not have their own skis to use during the workshops. The skis and boots are of various sizes, therefore we need participants to pre-register and give us their shoe sizes. The workshop will begin and conclude at the park visitor center. For more information or to be put on a call list for the workshop, please email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov mailto:BJ-Baker4@wiu.eduor call the park office at (309)776-3422.
Winter Birding Basics –
Saturday, January 12, 2013 &
Saturday, January 26, 2013
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Join the park naturalist for a morning of birdwatching at the Argyle Lake State Park visitor center. Winter is the perfect time to learn the basics of bird identification before the numerous migratory birds return in the spring. These programs will begin in the visitor center with a discussion of the 7 S’s of bird identification, which will be followed by observing birds outside at the feeders and nearby shrubs. Binoculars will be available or you are welcome to bring your own. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.
Twigs, Buds and Bark:
Winter Tree ID Workshop –
Saturday, February 16, 2013 –
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Most people identify trees using their leaves, which makes tree identification a challenge in the winter. Winter tree identification is possible; it merely requires detailed observations of a tree’s many unique characteristics – other than its leaves. On Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 10 a.m. until noon, budding naturalists of any age are welcome to come and learn some tips for identifying trees in winter at the Argyle Lake State Park visitor center. After a brief indoor discussion, participants will venture outdoors to practice their skills in the campground and along the woodland edge at Argyle while enjoying the winter scenery. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.
16th Annual Maple Syrup Festival
10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. &
Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. –
Saturday, March 2, 2013 –
On Saturday, March 2nd from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. the 16th annual Maple Syrup Festival will be held at Argyle Lake State Park. Individuals attending the festival will experience the tapping of the maple trees, collection of the sap, boiling down of sap into syrup, and a taste of the finished product. Tours to collect sap at the maple grove will depart regularly and several children’s activities will be ongoing throughout the day. This event is being sponsored through the cooperative efforts of the Friends of Argyle Lake State Park and park staff. The Colchester Lion’s Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast at 207 S. Fulton St. in Colchester from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with this event. Free refreshments will be provided and maple syrup and maple candy will be available for sale at the event. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309) 776-3422.
Spring Wildflower Hikes –
Saturdays, April 20, 2013 – 10 a.m.
Saturday, May 4th & 18th – 10 a.m.
Enjoy the first blooms of spring and the peace and serenity of nature on these morning nature hikes in the woods of Argyle. 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 –
Spring Exotic Plant Removal Workday
Saturday, June 1, 2013
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Come and spend a few hours outdoors helping the Friends of Argyle and park staff remove nonnative plants from the woods at Argyle. Litter collecting is an option for younger volunteers. 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.
General Program Information:
