Bordering the Mississippi River about 10 miles northeast of the Gateway Arch, Horseshoe Lake State Park offers a quick escape into wetlands, woodlands, and open water. Nearby destinations like Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Eckert’s Belleville Farm make it a great option for families exploring the Metro East.

Boating and Fishing
Calm waters and wetlands define the park’s 1,500-acre lake. Anglers target bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill, while paddlers cruise coves and shoreline habitat shared by herons, egrets, turtles, and migrating waterfowl. Two public boat ramps provide easy access. A 50-horsepower limit helps preserve the lake’s peaceful atmosphere.

Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is permitted from public blinds positioned throughout the lake. Dove hunting is allowed on the peninsula during September, and controlled pheasant hunts are also offered. Check with the park office for regulations and seasonal details.

Hiking and Camping
Four miles of hiking trails wind through the natural vegetation, plus five picnic shelters and two playgrounds. The park has 26 tent or trailer campsites, open May through September on a first-come basis (no reservations). Amenities include water hydrants, pit toilets, and a sanitary dump station.

Get Sidetracked
Horseshoe Lake connects to the MCT Schoolhouse Trail, a 15.5-mile paved greenway linking parks, forests, fields, and neighborhoods from Madison to Troy, Illinois. The route also intersects with the MCT Goshen Trail, providing access to the entire 138-mile Madison County Transit Trails system.

For more information on Horseshoe Lake State Park, visit here.

Author: Brad Kovach is the publisher of Terrain.

Top image: Horseshoe Lake State Park. (Mark Fingerhut)