Ray Lake Loop Trail

Ray Lake has three wetlands totaling 120 acres, 80 acres of woodlands with bur oak, cherry and hickory trees, and farm fields ready to be restored to prairie. Two peninsulas have wetlands. The land was originally acquired by the Ray family in the 1960's for breeding and raising pure bred beef cattle. The family raised their own herd of 400 black angus after acquiring the herd from Missouri. The last herd was sold in 1976. The farm was leased for soybean farming until 1999 when it was bought. The original Ray Lake Farm cattle statue is still on top of a stone tower to greet visitors as they enter the preserve.