Take a Walk Through the Trees at Bethalto Arboretum

Follow a paved path that winds through 150 different types of trees and plants at the Bethalto Arboretum in Illinois.

The arboretum is next to Central Park, where parking is available and the path begins.

This peaceful area was once a railroad route near downtown Bethalto, but now it’s a welcoming green space.

The walk through Central Park and Bethalto Arboretum is 1.3 miles round-trip on a paved path with just a slight rise, making it easy for strollers.

Bethalto Central Park: Start of the Walk

The paved trail begins near a band shell in Central Park.

*Poem on growing up in Bethalto, in the back of the park sign.*

It is fronted by a welcome sign. If you look on the back, you’ll find a story about growing up in Bethalto and a poem.

Next, you pass by a paved path to tennis courts.

Then I came to a brown wooden gazebo.

Behind a black metal fence is a splash pad used during the warmer months.

*My son is demonstrating how to navigate the ropes course at the park.*

The playground, filled with climbing equipment, is the last part of the park before you cross Main Street at the 0.2-mile mark to reach the arboretum.

*Son is using the rope to help him across the obstacle.*

My son has played here before. He likes how the playground is set up like a course, letting kids move from one activity to the next.

Bethalto Arboretum

After crossing the road—where there isn’t a stop sign, so be sure to watch for cars—I entered the Bethalto Arboretum. (The main blog photo shows the entrance to the arboretum.)

*Monarch butterfly on an orange flower.*

Near the start are orange flowers which attract Monarch butterflies.

Signs on the trees include the name and genus, along with a bar code for more information.

Next, I saw the framework holding a train car wheelset on display. It’s a nice touch, since train tracks used to run through this area.

The path branches off to the right and to the left but comes back to cover, so you can take a slightly different route on the way back.

I came to a plant with large red flowers.

Finally, I came to the turnaround point.

Going Back

Benches are along the route if you need a break.

I stop at the War Memorial, which features an eagle and a U.S. flag.

A garden memorial mound includes many different shrubs.

Final Thoughts

This walk is flat and easy, perfect for strollers. The many large trees provide plenty of shade, and you can learn about them from the tree markers along the way.

DETAILS

Restrooms along the walk are open seasonally.

Drive: Take Interstate 55 or Interstate 270 across the Mississippi River into Illinois, then go north on Interstate 255, which becomes Illinois Highway 255.

Next, take Exit 10 and go right onto Illinois Highway 111 and then make a left onto Old Bethalto Road.

Make a right onto Bethalto Expressway, then make a quick left onto N. Prairie Street, and then a right into the parking lot road and park near a sign for Bethalto Central Park, where the path begins.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Address: 213 N Prairie St, Bethalto, IL 62010 (parking is by the Bethalot Village Hall)