Welcome!

What to Expect When You Visit.

During the months of January and February, the museum will be closed to the public for annual maintenance and planning. Museum staff will be working each week from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For any information or questions during this time, feel free to reach out to staff by emailing museum@ccfpd.org or by calling (217) 586-2612.

The Museum of the Grand Prairie & Champaign County Forest Preserve District strives to keep its users safe while offering great educational opportunities. We will continue to offer excellent programming and content on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Find us there!

 

Interested in visiting with a group?

Group visits are welcome! Special program requests and groups with 12 or more patrons are required to arrange visits with staff prior to arrival. Requests for all programs, group visits, and tours must be made at least two weeks in advance. For more information on programs and availability, contact us by emailing museum@ccfpd.org  or by calling (217) 586-2612.

Upcoming Events

Museum Store

The Museum Store carries a wide range of items including educational toys and puzzles, vintage-style games for the whole family, home decor and tools for the garden, books, and so much more!

The Museum Store is open during the museum's public hours or by appointment. If you would like to know whether the shop carries a particular item don't hesitate to call (217) 586-2612.

Museum Shop

Location Directions

Traveling east on Interstate 74

Take Exit 172 (This is the exit for Gibson City, Mahomet, and Illinois Route 47). Go north (left) about 1/2 mile to the entrance to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve and turn right. Make another right turn into the museum parking lot.

Traveling west on Interstate 74

Take Exit 172 and go north. DO NOT take Exit 174. Although you will see a sign for Lake of the Woods Park and the Museum of the Grand Prairie at Exit 174, the most direct route is to use the next exit, which is Exit 172. Go north (right) about 1/2 mile to the entrance to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve and turn right. Make another right turn into the museum parking lot.

Traveling east or west on Interstate 72

Take Exit and go north. This is the exit for Mahomet and Illinois Route 47. Stay on Illinois Route 47 as it turns through Mahomet and it will bring you to our doorstep at the west edge of Lake of the Woods Park. 

Traveling north or south on Interstate 57

Take Interstate 74 West at the edge of Champaign then follow the instructions above. 

Traveling north or south on Interstate 55

Take Interstate 74 East at the edge of Bloomington then follow the instructions above.

Museum Details

 

Admission

As a facility of the tax-supported Champaign County Forest Preserve District, the museum is always FREE! Donations are encouraged.


Hours

Spring & Fall Hours (March 1 - Day Before Memorial Day; Day After Labor Day - December 31):
Open 1-5 p.m. every day of the week.


Summer Hours (Memorial Day - Labor Day):
Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m on Sundays.


Museum is closed January, February, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.


Address

The museum is located at: 950 N Lombard St, Mahomet, IL, 61853.


Parking and Accessibility

Parking is free. Accessible parking and entrance allow an easy approach for all visitors. The museum is wheelchair accessible. Signage is accommodated to persons with low vision. Tactile and audio experiences are incorporated into most exhibits. iPads with headphones are available upon request for handheld information.


 


 

Google maps

Museum Staff

Front desk staff are available during all open hours, see above. Other museum staff are available via email, or by calling 217-586-2612.

View Staff

Museum Behavior

To safeguard you, your family, and your belongings as well as the exhibits and artifacts of the museum certain behavior rules apply. View our complete list below.

Behavior Policy

Group Visits

Group Visits

Want to schedule a special program for your group? The Champaign County Forest Preserves welcomes all and is happy to provide programs that offer unique, hands-on opportunities to experience nature and history.


We offer Group Visits and Special Tours (educational programming and resources). These visits can be a club or special interest group. Ex: Boy or Girl Scout Group, Retirement community or senior living center, Church group, Library, Bus Tours, and more!

Special Requst Form