Horseshoe Lake-Madison State Park

Horseshoe Lake State Park is located near Highway 111 in Madison County which lies in the southwestern part of Illinois. Only minutes away from a large surrounding urban area, the park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. The site consists of approximately 3,000 acres, 1,200 of which is lake. Horseshoe Lake SP has been inhabited by various American Indian groups throughout time. The earliest evidence of their activity at this site dates 8000 B.C. during the Archaic Period. Artifacts have also been found which fall into the Woodland Period 1000B.C. - 1000A.D. During this period American Indians lived by hunting and gathering wild foods. Horseshoe Lake served as an excellent food source where they fished, hunted animals and gathered wild vegetables. A 3.5 mile hiking trail exists inside the park on Walkers Island. The site provides numerous hunting programs from September through February. All hunters are asked to check the sites hunter fact sheets for information. Fishing opportunities exist both from boats and bank fishing. No boat rentals on site. Boat motors of up to 50 horsepower are permitted on the lake. No swimming or jet skiing allowed. Primitive, or class "C" camping, is available from May 1st thru Sept 30th. No showers or electrical hook ups provided. Only registered campers are allowed in the campground area. Numerous picnic tables are located throughout the park. Five picnic shelters, some of which have potable water, electricity, etc are provided.