Weldon Springs State Park
Emmy enjoying a section of the Lake Loop Trail at Weldon Springs State Park. Photo by Jordan Goebig.
Weldon Springs State Park, located in Clinton, Illinois, is a “secret” favorite of my father-in-law, because it’s a place less traveled. Nestled between Decatur, Champaign, and Bloomington, Ill., this family and accessibility-friendly park provides hiking, boating, and overnight camping options to get everyone outside.
Trail Conditions:
1 – 8 miles of trails
A majority of the trails are mowed grass, gravel/dirt, with some paved sections.
Trails are in great shape – it is definitely an Illinois park – fairly flat overall with a few small hills and steps on the Lake Loop Trail.
Because we don’t see this often, we were impressed with the accessible, paved areas – the Lake Loop Trail had a handicap accessible dock and probably about a mile of paved trail around the lake.
Things We Loved:
Walking through prairie is tough for me because I love trees and Emmy because it’s sunny – BUT, the abundance of wildflowers really was beautiful in the morning…which also means lots of butterflies and bees!
When you get into the woods, on the Lake Loop Trail, there are some super neat, very old trees (Adam told me all about their oldest tree….he read the brochure…)
The flowers and old barns on the prairie trails make this place an excellent place to take outdoor family photos with a “country” backdrop.
Since it’s tucked away in De Witt County, it’s so quiet! We did not encounter many folks on the trails – a majority of the people at the park were on the lake.
They have a really beautiful veteran's memorial area, and a neat old cemetery...if you're into that, which I am.
There were bugs, but it was not buggy.
Things to Know:
Reserved and walk-in camping is available, and they both are right on the lake. Many of the campsites have their own private walkways directly to the lake area. There are also vaulted, public toilets…and I can assure you that they are not used very often….
You can park in one place and walk the whole park – which will get you that 7 – 8 miles. The trails are “not” all connected, but in close enough proximity that you can hop from one to the next.
This is a great park for all hiking experience levels and for all ages.
Only about 10 minutes from the Clinton Lake Loop – which will give you some serious elevation changes and mileage if you want to kill your legs.
Be sure to visit the Weldon Springs State Park Website and download the Weldon Springs State Park Trail Map before your trip!