Horseshoe Lake State Park, Illinois

With 2,960 acres of land just 10 miles outside St. Louis and the Gateway to the West, Horseshoe Lake State Park is best known for its land and water recreational opportunities. Horseshoe Lake just so happens to be the second largest lake in Illinois (2,400 acres) and nearby there are connections to over 85 miles of bike trails in Madison County, including one that crosses an actual bridge in Madison County (just not the one from the movie) over the Mississippi River.

Anglers can cast for catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, carp and more except during waterfowl season. Hikers can access four miles of trails and wander amongst the park’s natural vegetation. Go on, be real meta and pack those horseshoes.