Bellevue Park Walk in Belleville

Take a walk to see sculptures and along lake waters at Bellevue Park in Belleville, Il.

This one-mile paved trail wraps around the park and up and down hills and along the lake’s shoreline.

Located at the 27-acre Bellevue Park in Belleville, Ill.

*Turtles sunning themselves on a fallen tree in the lake.*

Starting the Walk

We parked in a small gravel lot at the back end of the park near a bike trail that connects to the park.

From here we headed towards the 3-acre lake. A long metal boardwalk crosses the center of the lake. My son was with me on his dirt bike.

We went along a long branch of the lake through some woods.

Then the trail went by some tennis courts.

Next, a brown brick amphitheater came into view. Performed during the summer are “Concerts in the Park”.

Sculpture Area

Near the West Park Drive entrance to the park, we found colorful sculptures that my son said “That one has a top like a fish and another like a seahorse.”

Then we passed by a sculpture that had a long metallic stand and colorful wind chime top.

The paved trail leads to a set of cement stairs and at the bottom were mushroom sculptures. One was blue and purple with orange striations, then a green and blue with yellow dots, and a purple and red one with large yellow dots.

Angel of Hope

I came to a small valley where I found the Angel of Hope Statue, Memorial Wall, and Garden. It stands as a symbol of hope for all parents and loved ones that have experienced the death of a child. Held yearly is an Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil Ceremony.

Stone Lodge

Above the valley is a historic stone lodge. The Works Progress Administration built the lodge during the Great Depression.

Valley Area

Also in the valley is a slide, climbing wall, and small wooden gazebo.

Front of the Park

Now we headed towards the front of the park and to a large playground. My son spent some time playing on the climbing structures, swings, and a tall tunnel slide.

Back Around the Lake

Now we passed by the sign for the park and then I came across a flock of ducks cooling off below a tree.

Then we came across some metal statues on a high hill of the lake.

Going down the hill we came to the gravel lot once more.

Bike Trail

My son wanted to venture more and we went into the woods on the bike trail. This .7-mile trail connects the park to Althoff Catholic High School.

On the trail, we went up and down a few hills and then came out by the tennis courts.

Next, we passed by a football field and high school, and the trail ended near St. Henry’s Catholic Church where we turned around.

Final Thoughts

The trail through the park had hills, and woods along with some sculptures and the lake, and was an interesting hike. Additionally, you can do the bike trail to check out more of the area

DETAILS

Added amenities – restrooms and picnic tables

Drive: Take Interstate 64 and cross into Illinois on Popular Street Bridge. Stay on Interstate 64 then take Exit 7 onto Interstate 255 south. Then exit onto Illinois Highway 15 going east. Make a left onto Illinois Highway 13 then a left onto North Belt West. Next, make a left onto Frank Scott Parkway West and then a left onto Dapron Drive, and a last right onto Bellevue Park Drive.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Daily

Address: 401 Bellevue Park Dr, Belleville, IL 62226