Visit the Museum

Welcome Back!

What to Expect When You Visit.

During the months of January and February 2023, the museum will be closed to the public for annual maintenance and the completion of special projects. Museum staff will be working each week from 8:30 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday. For any information or questions during this time, feel free to reach out to staff by calling (217) 586-2612 or emailing museum@ccfpd.org.

Thanks for your patience and we hope to see you when we reopen March 1st!

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)

Extended hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.

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

Public Health Guidelines Related to COVID-19

Masks are reccommended for all museum patrons. Free masks are available for museum patrons who would like one. All current public health guidelines concerning COVID-19 will be followed. 

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

We’re always FREE to the general public!

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. Contact us at (217) 586-2612 or museum@ccfpd.org for more information on programs and availability.

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.

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.