Belk Park Trail: An Easy Lakeside Walk in the Metro East

Belk Park in Wood River offers an easy, scenic walk around the lake, with playgrounds and plenty to explore.

The trail is a 1-mile paved path that’s mostly flat, with little elevation gain as it follows Belk Lake’s shoreline.

DETAILS:

Location: Belk Park in Wood River
Best For: An easy walk around the lake, families with kids, playgrounds and fishing.
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 23 feet
Restrooms: Located throughout the park near the playgrounds.
Drive: Take Interstate 55 or 270 across the Mississippi River into Illinois. Head north on Interstate 255, which turns into Illinois Highway 255. Take Exit 6, turn left onto Illinois 143, then right onto Wesley Drive, and another right onto Rock Hill Road. The park entrance will be on your left.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Address: 880 Belk Park Road, Wood River, IL 62095

At the Trailhead

I parked on the far north side of the park, close to a picnic shelter and an orange-and-blue playground. From there, I walked down the hill to the lake and the trail. There are other parking areas too, and it’s easy to find your way because the trail goes all the way around the lake.

Leaving the Trailhead

I walked down to the trail through a field and passed a lion statue with its mouth wide open. The statue honors Wally Whipple, a member of the Wood River Lions Club.

Once I reached the trail, I turned left and walked along the east side of the lake.

East Side of the Lake

I saw ducks and geese swimming out in the lake, and then came to a large picnic shelter.

*Ducks taking a break in the grass, more were out swimming in the lake.*

A fountain sits in the middle of the lake, and leafy trees line the shore.

I reached a spot where you can sit on a bench and take in the full view of the lake. Lots of benches line the shore, many with colorful potted flowers beside them.

I also spotted a white duck and a wood duck in the grass.

*Walking by one of the playgrounds at Belk Park.*

Next, at 0.35 miles, I passed a big blue-and-green playground with a boardwalk, climbing walls, and a slide.

West Side of the Lake

At 0.45 miles, I crossed a wooden bridge over part of the lake. In the middle of the bridge, there’s an overlook where you can look out over the water.

Next, at 0.6 miles, the trail continues to the right along the lake’s fingers.

A Vietnam War Memorial with flags around it is 0.65 miles along the trail, between the legs as it follows the shoreline.

Further along, I noticed another playground with swings, a boardwalk, and slides. slides. Along the lake, I spotted a bald cypress tree with huge roots.

Soon, I found myself back where I started.

Final Thoughts

This is an easy walk with lake views the whole way. Many people come here to fish, so you might want to bring a fishing pole. If my son were with me, we could walk the trail and stop at the different playgrounds. The park is also near the Wood River Walmart.