Middle Fork River Forest Preserve contains 1,530 acres of land composed of old hardwood timber, reforested lowlands and grassy meadows. The lands of Middle Fork were set aside for the promotion and protection of wildlife as well as recreation. Rich in hiking and nature trails, the Middle Fork contains one of the region's premier Waterfowl Management Areas, and it is also home to a favorite camping area, the Harry L. Swartz Campground. Salt Fork River Forest Preserve provides approximately 800 acres set aside for the purpose of recreation and protection of wildlife and natural habitat surrounding Homer Lake. The county highway bordering the north end of the preserve was the horse trail Abraham Lincoln traveled when he served on the judicial circuit.
Trails abound here for hiking, nature study and bird-watching, and picnicking areas are plentiful.