Summer and fall fun.
Fishing, stargazing, nature.
All at Argyle Lake.
Check out the wide range of activities taking place this summer and fall at Argyle Lake in Colchester. There's something for everyone!
Lake Exploration Pontoon Programs MOST Fridays - 10:00-11:00 a.m.
(Begins 6/6/25 thru 11/7/25) No Program: 6/20, 6/27 or 10/10 Come enjoy beautiful Lake Argyle while taking a relaxing morning pontoon boat ride on the lake as we watch for wildlife.
Life jackets, binoculars and field guides will be available, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 6 participants. Please email [email protected] or call (309)776-3422 for more information or to register.
2025 IDNR Free Fishing Days
June 13 - June 16, 2025 The Illinois Department of Natural resources allows people of any age to fish without a fishing license or stamp one four-day weekend in June every year. The dates for Illinois’ 2025 Free Fishing Days are Friday, June 13th - Monday, June 16th, 2025.
Youth Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 14th – 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
The Youth Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, June 14th at the concession parking area near the lake. Kids can bring their own poles or fishing poles will also be available for children to borrow. All children must be chaperoned by an adult. Prizes & certificates will be awarded at 11:30.
2025 Kayaking at Lake Argyle Saturday, June 7th – 10am & 1pm Saturday, July 12th – 10am & 1pm Saturday, August 2nd – 10am & 1pm Saturday, September 6th – 10am & 1pm Saturday, October 4th – 10am & 1pm Join us for a morning or afternoon of paddling and enjoying nature on beautiful Lake Argyle. Kayaks paddles, and life jackets are being provided by the Friends of Argyle. Ten adult kayaks and 2 youth kayaks (for ages 5+) are available, so space is limited to the first 12 people to register for each tour. Two times are being offered each day and each outing will be about 2 hours. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at the parking area near the dam/ spillway for this program. Please register by calling (309)776-3422 or email Bridget.
*Stargazing at the Park*
Friday, June 13, 2025 - 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24, 2025 - 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for three evenings of stargazing with retired WIU astronomy instructor Tom Van Heuklon and hobby astronomist Larry Knicl. Depending on the date, we will have the opportunity to observe planets and the Moon and Mars (June), Mars, Pluto and the Moon (August), Saturn, Pluto and Neptune and possibly remnants of the Orionids meteor shower (October); and many deep sky objects including star clusters, nebulae, other galaxies; and the varying seasonal constellations. These programs will be held at the parking lot near the park’s Sunset shelter (1st left turn upon entering the park). For your comfort, bring a chair or blanket, insect repellent, and a flashlight. To make viewing safer, observing will be done using a telescope connected to a video screen, rather than a telescope eyepiece. In the event of inclement weather or poor visibility, these programs may be canceled, so call before heading out if the sky isn’t clear. For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email [email protected].
‘Arts in Nature’ Painting Classes: Instructor, Jennifer Cordell Saturday, June 14, 2025 – 10-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 26, 2025 – 10-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 10–12:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6, 2025 – 10-12:00 p.m.
The Friends of Argyle Lake State Park will be hosting ‘Arts in Nature’ painting classes at Argyle Lake State Park at the park’s visitor center shelter. December class will be held at the maintenance building. West Prairie high school Art instructor, Jennifer Cordell will share her passion for painting while instructing participants in creating a nature painting. The program fee is $20, as all materials and supplies will be provided.
Locally handcrafted Amish frames will be available for $15 if you'd like to frame your one- of-a-kind masterpiece afterwards.
Please email [email protected] or call the park office at (309)776-3422, registration is limited to the first 20 people.
All ages welcome with parental help.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Illinois Saturday, July 12, 2025 – 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Come join the park natural resources coordinator and learn about the many reptiles and amphibians found at the park and across Illinois. A few live specimens, which may include a nonvenomous snake, a box turtle, frog(s), and a lizard will be available for viewing (and optional handling).
Children will receive handouts to learn more about these interesting creatures and experience many hands-on activities! Meet at the park’s visitor center shelter for this program.
Owls of Illinois
Saturday, August 2, 2025 - 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Join us for a hootin’ good time learning about the owls that inhabit Argyle Lake State Park. Participants will learn about the owl’s many unique hunting adaptations and its diet by dissecting an owl pellet. We will use a recording of various owl calls to encourage the owls to call back to us. Meet at the park’s Prairieview shelter (2nd right) for this program.
For more information, please call (309)776-3422 or email [email protected].
