Horseshoe Lake State Park

In the southwestern region of Illinois, you will find the woofderful natural wonder of Horseshoe Lake State Park. The park is located on Walkers Island inside its namesake 2,400-acre horseshoe shaped lake. Only a half hour from Saint Louis in southern Missouri, both Illinois and Missouri residents visit this park for hiking, biking, camping, boating, geocaching, hunting, and picnicking.

If you have a hiker pup, the park offers four acres of hiking trails you can explore, on leash of course. These trails meander through groomed meadows and natural forests throughout the island. Keep watch for critters like rattlesnakes that may not like you and your buddy disturbing them. 

Horseshoe Lake has plenty of fishing opportunities, and offers bass, catfish, carp, and crappie. You can fish at Horseshoe Lake State Park from the bank or by boat. Be sure to get your Illinois fishing license beforehand. With two boat ramps, you and your pup are welcome to bring a boat and cast a line in Horseshoe Lake. Note that the park enforces a 50 horsepower limit on all motorboats. Waterfowl hunters also love this park, as there duck blinds set up for public use. 

For a pawrific snack or meal outdoors, there are five large picnic shelters, and smaller picnic areas scattered throughout, often near parking areas. Two playgrounds are also on site for the little two-leggeds in your pack.

If you want to camp, check out one of the 26 campsites at Horseshoe Lake State Park where you can bring an RV or pitch a tent from May until the end of September. The park has water, toilets, and a dump station for use while you are there. 

Bring all the essentials to make your day out with your pup safe and fun. Always have water on hand to share with your dog, as well as clean-up bags. Be sure to pick up whatever your pup leaves behind.

For a furbulous day out on the trails or in the water, check out the Horseshoe Lake State Park with your pup today!