Argyle Lake State Park &
​Argyle Hollow Barrens Nature Preserve

McDonough County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
​40.4526468, -90.801356

640 Argyle Park Road
Colchester, IL  62326

Official Websites
State Park:  ​https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/ArgyleLake.aspx
Nature Preserve:  https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area4mcdonoughargylehollowbarrens.html

Activities: 
Trails (hiking, biking (only on 11-mile multi-use/equestrian trail))
Programs (educational, volunteer)
Camping (tent, RV)
Water (paddle, fish)
Winter (snowshoe, cross-country ski, sled)
Other (hunt*, archery range, equestrian, view wildlife, picnic, playground)
​*Be aware, be safe.  ALL visitors should see below.

​Season/Hours:  year round
 
Dog Friendly:  yes (only if leashed & attended)
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online:  being developed as of January 2023
On Site:   unknown
 
Parking: parking lots
 
Amenities:  benches, shelters, picnic tables, dock & boat launch, interpretive area at visitor center  
 
Restrooms: yes (seasonal)
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  All Trails, Natural Atlas
 
Cost:  free admission; fee for rentals and some activities                    
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  historic; birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access:   forest, hills, open grass space, lake view & access
 
General Description:  1700-acre multi-use state park with 93-acre lake; Argyle Hollow Barrens Nature Preserve (15.4 acres) is completely contained within the state park

OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Argyle Lake State Park Trail Map (PDF)
​Argyle Lake State Park Hunter Map (PDF)

More Information:
https://www.lib.niu.edu/2001/oi011006.html

https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/western-forest-prairie-natural-division-a-prairie-woodland-mosaic

​https://ebird.org/hotspot/L855674

https://www.visitforgottonia.com/argyle-lake-state-park/

https://www.ifishillinois.org/profiles/waterbody.php?waternum=00028

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/argyle-lake-state-park/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/108598779173136/

https://thedyrt.com/camping/illinois/illinois-argyle-lake-state-park-twin-oaks

https://www.facebook.com/Illinois.NPC/photos/argyle-hollow-barrens-nature-preserve-224-is-found-in-mcdonough-county-within-th/595015673853810/

Managed by:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
640 Argyle Park Road
Colchester IL 62326
309-776-3422  

*Prior to visiting, ALL prospective visitors should check hunting information on the IL DNR website
https://huntillinois.org/​ .
​Some sites may have signs indicating “Hunting in Progress” in place at the parking lots.
​Some will have NO indication of hunting.
Be AWARE ~ Be SAFE.