Know Before You Go: Summer Splash!

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District, in partnership with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy, will host its Summer Splash! event at the Lake of the Woods Peninsula this Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This classic summer event offers a wide array of fun and educational activities for all ages. Here is what you need to know before you go!

Can you tell me more about the activities happening at Summer Splash?

• Fishing takes place between the boat house and the suspension bridge, with poles and bait available for use. (You can also bring your own equipment.)

• Kayaks and canoes launch from the beach area of the peninsula, with pedal boats launching from the boat house. Volunteers will be available to assist with launching.

• The Traveling Science Center from the Illinois Natural History Survey, which is a mobile classroom focusing on biodiversity and natural resources, will be parked at Summer Splash again this year.

• There will be a “Critter Encounter” area that will showcase mussels and macroinverts.

• Researchers from Eastern Illinois University will also be on hand to talk about the fish found in the lake.

• An inflatable water slide will be set up near the beach volleyball court, behind the restrooms.

• Urbana Park District’s UrVANa mobile recreation vehicle will be present at the event.

• The Forest Preserve Friends Foundation will host a dunk tank fundraiser from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (This is a first for Summer Splash!)

Any chance I can just relax at this event? (Absolutely.)

• Juanita’s Tacos, OMG Cravings, and Ice Daddy’s will sell food at the event, with trucks set up by 11 a.m.

• Ian Shepherd & Friends will play live music from 12-2 p.m.

While there are some tables throughout the peninsula and beach area of LOW, it is also helpful to bring picnic blankets, towels, and/or chairs if you need to rest. The peninsula is a large area, with activities spread widely, so we recommend strollers or wagons for small children.

Lake of the Woods is so big. Where do I go to find these activities?

Parking is available in 3 lots, all accessible via Lake of the Woods Road. Check out this map from CCFPD to view parking and activity locations.

This year, the CCFPD is offering shuttle service from other Champaign County parks (Crystal Lake Park in Urbana and Dodds Park in Champaign), making it easier for county residents outside of Mahomet to attend. (Email cprahl@ccfpd.org for more information.)

Anything else I need to know?

All attendees are required to sign safety waivers. This can be done ahead of time at this link, or when you get to the event. All members of a household, including minors, can be included on one form.

Photos courtesy of Champaign County Forest Preserve District.