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Horseshoe Lake State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 537 Google reviews · Running trail in Granite City, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Horseshoe Lake State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
2,960 acres with picnic shelters & playgrounds for outdoor & water sports, bird-watching & camping.
What runners say about Horseshoe Lake State Park
“A very well-maintained park, well kept up and clean”
“The walkers Island contains a beautiful grassland which remains fresh and green even during the cold winter season.”
“Nice Peaceful And Pretty Clean.”
The horseshoe lake state park is located near highway 111 in Madison county. The lake drive in the park covering from the park boat ramp to the begining of the park trail offers an amazing view of the lake and the marsh land throughout the year. A wide variety of birds can be seen in the lake.
Beautiful Park, nice trails for walking, flat, fast biking,. Good views of the lake from the causeway. Campground seems clean. Probably a nice place to camp in the spring and fall. Highly recommended.
Despite its proximity to industrial Granite City, there are several miles of wooded trails with wetland vegetation, hundreds of water fowl and even some Bald Eagles, and some well-maintained campgrounds with play equipment for kids. We even saw a Beaver lodge. It is also surprisingly nice in winter. If you live in St.
Going through Southern IL about to cross into MO. Passed a beautiful water area. Exited but couldn't get back to the place I saw. Instead I found HORSESHOE LAKE. What a great location! I sat in the shade beneath an old tree for the rest of the afternoon. There were three blue herons flying about. It was peaceful.
Trail conditions & character
“The lake drive in the park covering from the park boat ramp to the begining of the park trail offers an amazing view of the lake and the marsh land throughout the year.”
Plan your run at Horseshoe Lake State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone+1 618-931-0270
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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