Top 4 Lakes around Edwardsville

The lakes around Edwardsville offer a variety of activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking. Many parks also feature walking, biking, and skating trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. For instance, Marine Heritage Park has a walking trail and playground, while Joe Glik Park offers trails, sand volleyball, and basketball courts.

Yes, several lakes and parks are ideal for families. Marine Heritage Park features a large lake, walking trail, and playground. Joe Glik Park includes two stocked fishing lakes, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions. Leclaire Lake, within historic Leclaire Park, also has three playground areas and hosts various community events.

Many lakes in the area are stocked for fishing. Dunlap Lake is known for species like Channel Catfish, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Muskellunge, and hosts fishing tournaments. Holiday Lake offers largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. Joe Glik Park features two stocked fishing lakes with a concrete fishing deck, and Leclaire Lake is also suitable for fishing.

Boating is a popular activity on several lakes. Dunlap Lake is a private residential lake where residents enjoy boating. Holiday Lake welcomes motorized boats, sailboats, and canoes, with a boat ramp available for residents. The calm waters of both lakes are perfect for leisurely rides and kayaking.

Yes, Leclaire Lake, located within the historic Leclaire Park, is one of Edwardsville's oldest and most picturesque parks. It has a rich history, originally serving as a water source for factories and a recreational spot for swimming and ice skating. Today, it hosts events like fishing derbies and the annual Leclaire Parkfest. You can learn more about its history at historic-leclaire.org.

You'll find various trails near the lakes. Joe Glik Park offers 2,500 feet of walking, biking, and skating trails. Marine Heritage Park is a trailhead for the MCT Heritage Trail. For more extensive options, you can explore routes like the Horseshoe Lake Hiking Trail or the Watershed Nature Center Loop Trail. Find more details on these and other trails in the Hiking around Edwardsville guide or the Running Trails around Edwardsville guide.

For beautiful vistas, Horseshoe Lake offers scenic views, particularly from its boat launch area, which is a great spot to admire the water. Dunlap Lake is also known for its serene setting and stunning sunsets along its 15 miles of shoreline. Leclaire Lake features a lighted fountain and a waterfall, making it a picturesque spot for photography.

Holiday Lake, within the Holiday Shores community, features three private sandy beaches: Vortruba Beach, Cedar Beach, and Tamarach Beach. While Dunlap Lake is a private residential lake, its residents can enjoy swimming. Historically, Leclaire Lake was also popular for swimming.

Visiting in September is often recommended for Holiday Lake to enjoy lingering summer warmth with fewer crowds, ideal for fishing, kayaking, and experiencing golden sunsets. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling around the lakes, while summer is popular for water sports.

Yes, the Watershed Nature Center is a 46-acre nature preserve that includes wetlands, tallgrass prairie, upland forests, and a large pond in the center of the park. It's a great spot for observing local flora and fauna.

Dunlap Lake is a private, 138-acre residential lake known for its vibrant community atmosphere and serene setting. It's actively maintained by the Dunlap Lake Property Owners Association and is stocked with various fish species, hosting fishing tournaments. Its 15 miles of shoreline provide a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and community events.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the scenic views, especially from spots like Horseshoe Lake. The family-friendly amenities at parks like Marine Heritage Park and the peaceful settings for fishing and boating are also highly valued.