Parks & Lakes

Baldwin Lake (Baldwin)
Within the Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area, there's excellent fishing and migratory bird watching for outdoor enthusiasts. A two-lane boat ramp, camping and picnic facilities are nearby.
visit website
IL 4 | Baldwin, IL 62217
618-785-2555

The Henry White Experimental Farm (Belleville)
The Henry White Farm was donated to the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 1988. Here visitors can see examples fo prairie land, wetlands, reforestation, and crop research.
2031 Mascoutah Avenue | Belleville, IL
618-233-5583

Breese Historical Park & Garden (Breese)
Peruse Breese's history in photographs, memorials and on the granite pyramid in this neighborhood park. Benches and seasonal plants make this a quiet spot for rest and reflection.
496 N. Second Street | Breese, IL
618-526-0048

Carlyle Lake (Carlyle)
The largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres), Carlyle Lake is a premier location for outdoor sports. Well known to sailers, it is one of the best and most challenging for sailboats. There is also boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching, sand beaches and camping areas. Hotels, cabins and golf courses make the area a true outdoor lover's playground.
visit website
Visitors Center, 801 Lake Road | Carlyle, IL
618-594-5253

West Access Marina (Carlyle)
The Marina is a year-round facility for large and small boats located on the southwest end of Carlyle Lake. Designed for your family's enjoyment with safe, clean facilities complying with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations, while satisfying the boater's needs. It is ideally situated for a complete variety of water sports from sailing to fishing to just lounging at your campsite or on the beach.
visit website
14222 Lake Road | Carlyle, IL
618-594-2461

Fairview Park (Centralia)
45 acres of recreation space include a swimming pool, baseball and softball fields, skateboard park, several picnic shelters and a variety of playground equipment. The centerpiece of the park is an old locomotive from the early railroad days.
Centralia, IL
618-533-7623

Foundation Park (Centralia)
Best known for the annual Balloon Fest, there are also walking trails, nature areas,disc golf course and gathering places. This 235 acre park also hosts the annual Festival of Lights each December.
600 North Pleasant Ave. | Centralia, IL 62801
618-533-0001

Raccoon Lake (Centralia)
The park is open for boating/fishing year round and hosts a major power boat racing event each year.
Rte. 161 and Country Club Rd. | Centralia, IL
618-532-6789

Cole Memorial Park (Chester)
Shelters, picnic areas, swimming pool, playgrounds and tennis courts are laid out within the forested park.
Route 3 South | Chester, IL
618-826-4972

Fults Hill Prairie State Natural Area (Chester)
Upland forest, savanna, hill prairie, limestone glade, limestone cliff and sink hole ponds. The area is rich in plants and animals species. From the south end of Fults, take Bluff.
4301 South Lake Drive | Chester, IL 62233
618-826-2706

Frank Holten State Park (East Saint Louis)
1,080-acre park features the 18-hole Grand Marais Golf Course, fishing and picnicking facilities.
4500 Pocket Rd. | East Saint Louis, IL
618-874-7920

Hotz Park (Edwardsville)
The smallest park in Illinois has a marker, one tree and a bench. St. Louis Street next to First Methodist Church | Edwardsville, IL

Watershed Nature Center (Edwardsville)
A 3,000 ft. wheelchair-accessible pathway at lake level and wood-chipped trails wind through forested areas. An elevated walkway spans the wetlands and two observation towers, a wildlife viewing blind, an outdoor amphitheater and classroom.
1591 Tower Avenue | Edwardsville, IL
618-692-7578

Evansville Marina on the Kaskaskia River (Evansville)
201 Water Street | Evansville, IL
618-853-2370

Everett Moody Park at Longacre (Fairview Heights)
Lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, baseball/softball diamonds, soccer fields, a 1.5-mile walking/running path, concession stands, picnic pavilions, a large lake and the Recreation Station playground make this park a getaway for visitors. Every year the Midwest Salute to the Arts is held here in August.
525 S. Ruby Lane | Fairview Heights, IL
618-489-2040

Pleasant Ridge Park (Fairview Heights)
See the Kinsella Log Home in this 95 acre park which has picnic areas and beautiful woods.
401 Pleasant Ridge | Fairview Heights, IL
618-489-2040

Knobeloch Woods Nature Preserve (Freeburg)
Hike through 35 acres of dry upland and wet floodplain forest. Birds and spring wildflowers are abundant.
Rentchler Road off Hwy 177 | Freeburg, IL
618-462-1181

Governor Bond Lake (Greenville)
Camping, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing and Patriot's Park are amenities offered at the lake.
Greenville, IL
618-664-1644

Kingsbury Nature Preserve (Greenville)
Park has 80 acres of natural habitat along Governor Bond Lake with five miles of horseback riding (north side) and walking trails. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
1375 Iron Gate Trail | Greenville, IL
618-664-4969

Trade Winds Marina (Keyesport)
Able to accommodate boats up to 45 ft in covered slips and 40 ft in open slips, Trade Winds Marina is a great place to park your boat. The new clubhouse features showers, restrooms, and a lounging area for members. A ship store also carries boating essentials. The marina now rents kayaks.
10 Tradewinds Dr. | Keyesport, IL
618-749-5649

Stephen A. Forbes State Park (Kinmundy)
The park has over 700 acres of fishing, swimming, hunting, horseback riding, camping, picnicking and more. Concession building and cabins for rent.
6924 Omega Rd. | Kinmundy, IL
618-547-3381

Chouteau Island (Madison)
Route 66 runs directly through the island which connects Illinois and Missouri.
East side of the Mississippi River | Madison, IL
618-876-6268

Marissa Recreation Area (Marissa)
Features two lakes, a nine hole golf course, camping area, a cottage/residence area, as well as picnic shelters and areas.
545 Rec Road | Marissa, IL
618-295-2889

Prairie Lake (Mascoutah)
Come out for the fishing or walking trails.
Mascoutah, IL
618-566-2964

Scheve Park (Mascoutah)
The old train depot, a full-size caboose and a train car can be reserved for group events. Picnic areas, baseball/softball diamonds, playgrounds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and sand volleyball courts can be reserved for tournaments.
3 West Main St. | Mascoutah, IL 62258
618-566-2964

Washington County Nature Preserve (Nashville)
Boating, fishing, hiking and campsites under the trees make this a favorite spot. Nine hundred acres are set aside for shotgun or bow and arrow hunting. Cabin rental also available.
18500 Conservation Drive | Nashville, IL
618-327-3137

Kaskaskia Marina (New Athens)
The marina on the Kaskaskia River is the site of dragboat races in September. Next to the marina, enjoy the batting cages, ball fields, and roller hockey in the park.
1 Harbor Point Drive | New Athens, IL 62264
618-475-3123

Peabody River King State Fish Wildlife Area (New Athens)
Boat docks and fishing areas are easily accessed for all skill levels - even special docks for kids.
New Athens, IL
618-785-2555

Randolph County State Recreation Area (North of Chester)
Over 1,000 acres of woods and rolling prairie with a 65 acre lake.
North of Chester, IL
618-826-2706

Horseshoe Lake State Park (Pontoon Beach)
Find camping, fishing, picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball and over three miles of hiking trails. Controlled hunting, including pheasant is allowed at specific times of the year.
3321 Hwy. 111 | Pontoon Beach, IL
618-931-0270

Ratz Memorial Park and Lincoln Park (Red Bud)
Both parks have picnic shelters, and plenty of playground equipment.
Red Bud, IL
618-282-3505

Bryan Memorial Park (Salem)
The park has a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboard park area, several picnic shelters, a bandstage used for various concerts & activities and lots of playground area. Across the street is a statue of William Jennings Bryan that was created by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mt. Rushmore.
visit website
100 West Boone St. | Salem, IL
618-548-2222

Three Springs Park (Shiloh)
This is a new multi-purpose facility with lighted softball/baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball/volleyball courts, a half-mile walking trail and playground equipment.
#1 Park Drive | Shiloh, IL
618-632-1022, ext 5

St. Genevieve/ Modoc Ferry (St. Genevieve)
The ferry travels between St. Genevieve, Missouri, and Modoc, Illinois, and holds approximately nine vehicles. St. Genevieve Tourist Information Center.
St. Genevieve, IL
800-373-7007

Confluence Greenway (St. Louis)
Enjoy the 40-mile riverside recreation and conservation area with access to the water front for walking, biking, fishing, bird and eagle watching.
1000 St. Louis Union Station | St. Louis, MO 63103
618-874-8556

Steeleville City Park (Steeleville)
The parks centerpiece is a monument dedicated to fallen soldiers from WW I, WW II, Korea and Vietnam.
107 West Broadway | Steeleville, IL
618-965-3134

Centennial Park (Swansea)
A relaxing walking trail winds around the turtle filled pond through the tall shady trees and across rustic bridges. The 30-acre nature park includes a fising pond, hiking trails and picnic shelters.
300 N. Belt East | Swansea, IL
618-234-0044

Tri-Township Park (Troy)
Visitors like the easy access from I-70, I-55 and I-270 with a petting zoo, playground equipment, ball diamonds, soccer fields, picnic pavilions and a small lake.
409 Collinsville Road | Troy, IL
618-667-6887

Lincoln Park (Vandalia)
Located across the street from Illinois' Oldest State Capitol, the park features a life-size bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln designed by world-renowned Lincoln sculptor, John McClarey.
310 West Gallatin | Vandalia, IL
618-283-8751

Ramsey Lake State Park (Vandalia)
A one-mile walking trail winds through the park, and a 13-mile horse trail is located at the north end alongside a campground for horses.
Ramsey Lake Road | Vandalia, IL
618-423-2215

Vandalia Lake (Vandalia)
The 660-acre lake has 12 miles of shoreline for camping, fishing, nature walks, swimming and boating.
Vandalia, IL
618-283-2728

Illinois Caverns (Waterloo)
There are formations of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws and more. An underground stream flows through the cave bed, and the temperature is a relatively constant 58 degrees.
4369 G Road | Waterloo, IL
618-458-6699