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
Winter / Spring 2012 Interpretive Program Schedule

Printable Schedule

Winter Woodland Wonders Nature Hikes
Saturday, December 3, 2011 – 10 a.m. – Noon
Saturday, December 17, 2011 – 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 14, 2012 &
Saturday, January 28, 2012
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 11, 2012 –
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.

15th Annual Maple Syrup Festival – Saturday, March 3, 2012 –
10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
On Saturday, March 3rd from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. the 15th 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.  Free refreshments will be provided and maple syrup and maple candy will be available for sale.   For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309) 776-3422.

‘First Day of Spring’ Hike –
Saturday, March 17, 2012 – 10 a.m.
Celebrate the first day of spring by taking a hike in the woods of Argyle.  Hikers will witness nature’s rebirth firsthand by enjoying the early blooms and signs of emerging wildlife.  This 1-2 mile hike will begin at the visitor center.  For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.
 

‘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.

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.