Outdoor Recreation
18175 State Park Road
8 Miles south of Charleston on IL Highway 130
(217) 345-6416
With miles of rugged, scenic hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, fishing, hunting and camping, Fox Ridge State Park is the perfect place to get back to nature.
Daily Hours: April 1- September 30 from 7:30 am to 10 pm
October 1 – March 31 from 7:30 am to 5 pm.
Lake Charleston
1 Mile south of Charleston on IL Highway 130
(217) 345-6897
Covering 440 acres, Lake Charleston has a fishing pier and gazebo, dock, boating, kayak rentals, 9 miles of trails, and pavilions. No-wake the entire reservoir.
Hours: Open daily, 6 am to 10 pm
Lake Charleston Trails Map
Kayak Rentals
Embarras River Trail Map
Warbler Ridge Conservation Area
Rte. 130 and Daileyville Rd
Charleston, IL
Just at the edge of the Wisconsin glacier's furthest southern reach lies the rolling ravines of Warbler Ridge Conservation Area. This 1,000-acre area is a compilation of preserves owned and managed by Grand Prairie Friends. Warbler Ridge is part of an extensively-forested corridor running along the Embarras River for more than eight miles from Charleston to Fox Ridge State Park.
Thanks to grant support from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and the Lumpkin Family Foundation, a series of meandering hiking trails pass through Warbler Ridge. Visitors are welcome to hike the 10-mile trail with access trailheads and parking areas located at both Warbler Woods North Land and Water Reserve (Bypass Road access), bottoms trailhead on 550N (accessed via Bypass Road), and Embarras Ridges Land and Water Reserve (Daileyville Road Access).
Warbler Ridge is open dawn to dusk, every day.
Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail
5th Street and Railroad Avenue
(217) 345-6897
Whether you want to quietly pedal or jog briskly, the Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail is an excellent place to experience sights between Mattoon and Charleston. 12 miles of paved surface connecting Charleston and Mattoon, jogging, walking, equestrian riding and biking are permitted. Parking available Madison Avenue and CR 7/Old State Road run parallel and just east of Country Club Road. Additional parking is at the Seaton Field on Division Street. Comfort station available at Loxa Road.
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Charleston Parks and Recreation Department
520 Jackson Avenue
(217) 345-6897
Fifteen parks offer a variety of recreational areas and activities including swimming, tennis, skateboarding, playground, picnic shelters, amphitheater, ball fields, and walking trails. Parks are open during daylight hours.
Rotary Community Aquatic Center
920 17th Street
(217) 345-3233
With an Olympic-size pool, zero-entry pool with large splash toys, a 121-foot waterslide, diving boards, large umbrellas, deck chairs, and concessions, there is fun in the sun for everyone!
**Hours: Open Swim Noon – 7 pm, Memorial Day – Mid-August
**Hours are Subject to Change – Weather Permitting.
Bent Tree Golf Course
South 4th Street, Lincoln Highway Road.
(217) 348-1611
Public 18 hole golf course. Carts available.
Charleston Driving Range
4253 Lincoln Highway Road, South 4th Street
(217) 348-1883
Charleston Country Club
8355 Country Club Road
(217) 345-6603
Private 18 hole golf course.
Charleston Speedway
3 miles east of Charleston on IL Highway 16
(217) 345-2929
www.charlestonspeedway.org
Dirt bank track.
Coles County Dragway USA
3 miles west of Charleston on IL Highway 316
(217) 345-7777
One-eighth mile drag strip. 2007 Summit Racing Series Track of the Year.
Coles County Modified Midget Racing
5 Miles west of Charleston on IL Highway 316
(217) 348-8035
