In 1948 the Champaign County Forest Preservation Commission purchased 260 acres surrounding a 18 acre man made lake created by it’s previous owners, and maintained it as a recreational area until the government decided to eliminate small parks and turned it over to the local government. The Eastern Champaign Sportsmen’s Club was formed and has run the area ever since. The RV park is now a private business run by the Sportsmen’s Club Association. The Lake of the Woods Preserve, which occupies almost 900 acres along he corridor of the Sangamon River supports a popular 18-hole golf course with an additional par-3 course, driving range and pro shop. There are two eye-catching bridges. A rustic covered bridge across the Sangamon river and a footbridge connecting the swimming area and the boat dock. The footbridge is an exact replica built to one-twentieth scale of the San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Bridge. On the far side of the covered bridge lies the Early American  Museum. A two floor structure that houses interpretive exhibits dealing with life on the prairie in the 1800s. We met the delightful Jody Creen who explained the layout and design of the structure.