Kaufman Park — Attraction in Champaign

Kaufman Lake has a mostly paved trail that runs all the way around it. It isn't anything fancy, but it is nice for a quick walk. There is also a trail that takes you from Kaufman all the way to Parkland College. There is a brief unpaved section under the I-72 overpass, but everything else is paved. Many people won't think much of this trail but for the unique and fun stuff, skip to the last paragraph of this review.

I like the trail that goes from Kaufman lake to Parkland College. At the north end of the lake, you can take a gravel path along the railroad tracks under the interstate where it joins up with a paved trail that goes all the way to Parkland. Along the way, you pass another nice lake with a paved path all the way around it, and parkland has some paved paths around all the sports fields and the disc golf course. You can also park at parkland or by the lake in the middle which has a small lot on the south side of Bradley Ave right across from parkland.

Many people won't think much of this trail, but I think it is cool to walk under the interstate and along the railroad tracks. There is also a small wooden bridge that the railroad tracks go over that is so short you almost have to duck under it. These tracks are still active but the trains run slow. It is quite an experience to be a couple feet under a moving train if you are fortunate enough to see one... Heading south, back towards Kaufman, the sidewalk ends at the south overpass. There is a creek that runs under the overpass. The sidewalk used to go under as well years ago. Now it is washed out, but when the water is low, you can still walk through the tunnel. The sidewalk picks up on the other side, but it is on the opposite side of the creek from the loop around the lake. You can follow the creek south and there is a foot bridge that takes you back over to the lake.

There is also some old concrete structure in the creek between the overpasses that is pretty easy to climb on/across. Most people won't want to go under the overpass through the tunnel, so you can also follow the tracks under the overpass. The overpasses have ever changing graffiti that is pretty interesting as well if you like that sort of thing. I have attached a...

I found this spot on Google maps when I moved to Champaign 2 years ago, and I've been going here ever since. It's my go to chill spot to eat and get a peace of mind. When I'm feeling active, the trail that surrounds the area is great for walking/exercising and sight seeing if you love nature. However, come summer and you're overly scared of bugs like myself, I advise you to stay in your car unless you can fight ( bugs of course)! 😂 Lastly, if you enjoy fishing, due to the presence of many fishers, adults and children, I would say this is a pretty good spot to...

Great place for a mid-day or afternoon jog. Very relaxing fishing site. A place Mon-Fri @12 you'll find multiple people in their car's enjoying lunch. A couple of trees but if it's s sunny day I wouldn't forget tanning lotion as the sun is very apparent. Occasionally you'll see a water moccasin on train tracks but if you stay on trail and designated fishing areas you'll be alright. Would of given 5 stars but the office is almost never open and how can this be a lake and not sell bait anywhere...