The county highway bordering the north end of the preserve was the horse trail Abraham Lincoln traveled when he served on the judicial circuit. From sledding when the snow falls to fishing and boating in the summer months, Salt Fork is a beautiful setting for visitors to get away for some relaxation.
Trails abound for hiking, nature study and bird-watching, and picnicking areas are plentiful.
Two of our recently completed grant projects are located at Salt Fork. This grant allowed the District to replace the boat ramp, pave the access road and parking lot, install lighting and construct a small open-air shelter with restrooms. This is a beautiful new facility that overlooks Homer Lake and has already become extremely popular. It includes a new boat dock, outdoor amphitheater and a system of interpretive trails. Salt Fork River Forest Preserve is 15 miles southeast of Champaign-Urbana.