Winter Birding Basics Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Join the park naturalist for a morning of bird watching at the Argyle Lake State Park visitor center. Winter is the perfect time to learn the basics of bird identification before the numerous migratory birds return in the spring. This program will begin in the visitor center with a discussion of the 7 S’s of bird identification, which will be followed by observing birds outside at the feeders and nearby shrubs. Binoculars will be available or you are welcome to bring your own. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.
Twigs, Buds and Bark: Winter Tree ID Hike – Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Most people identify trees using their leaves, which can make tree identification a challenge in the winter.
Winter tree identification is possible; it merely requires detailed observations of a tree’s many unique characteristics – other than its leaves. Budding naturalists of any age are welcome to come and learn some tips for identifying trees in winter at the Argyle Lake State Park visitor center. After a brief indoor discussion, participants will venture outdoors to practice their skills in the campground and along the woodland edge at Argyle while enjoying the winter scenery. For more information, please call the park office at (309)776-3422.
28th Annual Maple Syrup Festival Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. & Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – The 28th annual Maple Syrup Festival will be held at Argyle Lake State Park on Saturday, March 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Individuals attending the festival will experience the tapping of the maple trees, collection of the sap, boiling down of sap into syrup, and a taste of the finished product. Tours to collect sap at the maple grove will depart regularly and several children’s activities will be ongoing throughout the day. This event is being sponsored through the cooperative efforts of the Friends of Argyle Lake State Park and park staff. The Colchester Lion’s Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast at 207 S. Fulton St. in Colchester from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in conjunction with this event. Free refreshments will be provided by Macomb Morning Rotary and Friends of Argyle will have maple syrup and other items for sale at the event. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309) 776-3422.
‘First Day of Spring’ Hike Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Celebrate the first day of spring by taking a hike in the Argyle Hollow Barrens nature preserve located at Argyle. Hikers will witness nature’s rebirth firsthand by enjoying the early blooms and signs of emerging wildlife. We will drive from the park visitor center to the nature preserve. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.
Spring Wildflower Hikes Saturdays, April 11 & April 25, 2026 & Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy the first blooms of spring and the peace and serenity of nature on these morning nature hikes in the woods of Argyle Lake State Park. These 1.5 mile hikes will begin at the park visitor center. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)7763422.
Friends of Argyle Lake State Park – Spring Exotic Plant Removal Workday Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Come and spend a few hours outdoors helping the Friends of Argyle and park staff remove nonnative plants from the woods at Argyle. Litter collecting is an option for younger volunteers. Tools and gloves will be provided or bring your own. Meet at the park visitor center for supplies.
For more information or to register as a volunteer for this event, call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.
General Program Information:
Meet at the park visitor center for all hikes and programs unless otherwise indicated in above program descriptions.
All programs are free and open to the general public. Participation in any program involving the use of FOA equipment (skis, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) will require participants to become a member of the Friends of Argyle organization. Annual membership fees are $10 per individual, $15 for a single parent family and $20 for a twoparent family.
Please contact park staff with any special needs or concerns prior to the program date, so requested arrangements /accommodations can be made.
For more specific program information or to register for a program, please call the park visitor center at (309)776--
