Champaign County families can celebrate the season with back-to-back fall festivities at Lake of the Woods, as the Forest Preserve District hosts a spooky evening of Eerie Illinois on October 18 followed by the autumn tradition of Harvest Fest & Touch-A-Truck on October 19.

Eerie Illinois – Oct. 18, 2025

The Museum of the Grand Prairie will host Eerie Illinois on Saturday, October 18, from 6 to 9 p.m., inviting visitors to explore the state’s spooky side. Guests can roast s’mores over a fire, dive into stories about Illinois cryptids, and take a hayrack ride under the autumn night sky. Local vendors will be on hand with beverages and merchandise, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event is free to attend, with more details promised on the Forest Preserve District’s Facebook page in the days leading up to the evening. For information, call (217) 586-2612 or email jbien@ccfpd.org.

Harvest Fest & Touch-A-Truck – Oct. 19, 2025

The fall celebrations continue the next day, Sunday, October 19, from 1 to 4 p.m., as the Museum of the Grand Prairie hosts Harvest Fest & Touch-A-Truck. The annual tradition features classic autumn activities, including pumpkin carving and decorating, hayrack rides, apple peeling, and other seasonal fun. New for 2025, the event will include a Touch-A-Truck exhibit, giving children and families a chance to see and explore equipment used in the forest preserves up close. Pumpkin reservations—available online until October 14—cost $5, while all other activities are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and outdoor portions of the program may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For details, call (217) 586-2612 or email cprahl@ccfpd.org.