Madison County, Illinois offers an array of stunning destinations for nature enthusiasts and those seeking outdoor serenity. Gordon Moore Park in Alton features a picturesque rose garden adorned with a carillon, a charming Oriental lake with a waterfall, and peaceful walking paths. In Edwardsville, the Watershed Nature Center invites visitors to explore a natural lake, hiking trails, and a tranquil boardwalk winding through its marshlands.

Wilson Park in Granite City boasts scenic walking paths and a meticulously maintained formal garden complete with small cascading waterfalls, providing a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. For those who enjoy fishing, boating, or hiking, Silver Lake Park in Highland offers a serene escape surrounded by nature.

With its variety of parks and natural spaces, Madison County is a favorite destination for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

Click on the markers to learn about the parks and natural areas located throughout the county, from scenic lakes to lush gardens.

The listings below the map include additional details about each location. Click on the photos in the listings to view more images of these beautiful spots.

Plan your visit to Madison County and discover why it’s one of our favorite places to explore!

Alhambra Township Park
610 W Main St.
lake

Gordon Moore Park
4550 College Ave.
704 acres
rose garden, waterfalls, walking paths

Piasa Park
Route 100
trails

Riverfront Park
1 Riverfront Dr.
walking/biking trail

Riverview Park
Park Ave.
river overlook, sunken garden

Bryant Park
4300 Culp Ln.
lake, walking path

Bethalto Arboretum
E Central St.
150 species of trees, walking path

Woodland Park
2 Pine Lake Rd.
2 lakes, walking/biking trails

Willoughby Heritage Farm
631 Willoughby Ln.
40 acres
hiking trails, demonstration garden

Joe Glik Park
710 East Lake Dr.
42 acres
lakes, paved walking trails

Leclaire Park
900 Hale Ave.
5.8 acres
lake with fountain, walking paths

Poag Sand Prairie
4860 Street Car Rd.
18.5 acres
.5-mile trail, pond

Watershed Nature Center
1591 Tower Ave.
40 acres
trails, lakes, observation towers

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve
4207 Bohm School Rd.
90 acres
2-mile nature trail loop

Gardens at SIUE
6 Arboretum Ln.
walking paths, Turtle Pond, gardens

Ray M. Schon Park
Main St.
pond, walking trail

Greenspace East
South Trace Rd. or Paddock Ln.
80 acres
hiking trail

Glazebrook Park
1401 Stamper Ln.
120 acres
2 ponds, walking trails

LaVista Park
2421 W Delmar Ave.
93 acres
1-mile trail

John M. Olin Nature Preserve
2213 S Levis Ln.
342.3 acres
trails, streams, waterfalls

Wilson Park
2900 Benton St.
74 acres
gardens, small waterfalls, fitness trail

Horseshoe Lake State Park
3321 Hwy. 111
2,960 acres
lake, 4 miles of trails

Chouteau Island
4205 Chain of Rocks Rd.
5,500 acres
hiking trails

Silver Lake Park
3099 Highland Park Rd.
342.3 acres
lake, 4.5-mile trail, arboretum

Drost Park
Myron Provence Pkwy.
74 acres
lake, walking trails, gardens

Arlington Wetlands
Arlington Drive
83 acres
wetlands, sand prairie

Tri-Township Park
410 Wickliffe St.
234 acres
lake, walking path, petting zoo

Belk Park
Belk Park Rd.
234 acres
lake, walking trail