Horner Recreational Park Walk

Walk a paved path around a five-acre lake that winds through old-growth trees at Horner Recreational Park in Lebanon, Illinois.

This one-mile walk has some small hills and an elevation gain of 44 feet. The route goes along the side of a lightly used park road, which is two-way, until near Horner Park Hall, where it becomes one-way.

I came here with my son, who enjoyed playing in the playground.

Entering Horner Recreational Park

We entered the park through the second gate on Widicus Road. The first gate is only for one-way traffic exiting the park.

Next, I parked by a large playground.

Start of the Walk

From the parking lot, my son and I walked back up the dead-end park lane to the main park road and turned left.

Along this route is a red brick memorial to the Horner family, who contributed money and the land for the park.

*Walking by Horner Park Hall and baseball field.*

Next, we passed a baseball field on the left, with Horner Park Hall on the right.

Then, we came to a small picnic shelter. Nearby is a small playground with a tall yellow slide and red swing set.

One Lane Section

Next, the road narrowed, and we went downhill through a small forest to the dam. From here, you can see out across the entire lake.

The road continues alongside the lake for a while before reaching Widicus Road.

You can continue walking along Widicus Road, going right to head out of the park and further into Lebanon.

*Striped section of the road for walkers and bike riders leads further into Lebanon.*

We walked a short distance, passing a large house and a wooden bench carved from a tree trunk before heading back.

Going Back to Parking

Next, we walked back into the park and went north on a sidewalk along Widicus Road that passed by tennis courts.

Then we made a left onto the park road and another left to where we parked.

Final Thoughts

Walking along the lightly used park road through woods and around a lake was enjoyable. If you are in Lebanon or heading back from Carlyle Lake, this is a great stop to make for a picnic, as we did the day we were here.

Playground Spotlight

After lunch, we spent time in the large playground.

My son enjoyed the long metallic triangular slide that he climbed around on and slid down.

This park had a large area filled with playground spring riders in the shape of horses and one that could hold two people, shaped like a bee. Unique was spring rides on a merry-go-round, which I’ve never seen before.

There were round monkey bars, along with ones straight up and down.

You will find swings for toddlers, babies, and kids.

Also, kids can play on a short boardwalk with climbing structures and slides.

This large play area has plenty of choices to play on.

Christmas Lights

In winter, this road becomes a route through a Christmas light display. This is our usual way of experiencing the park after dark.

You can learn more from my blog story on the light display.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 55 east of St. Louis and then take exit 3 for Interstate 64. Next, take exit 19B and head north on Air Mobility Drive. Then, make a right onto U.S. Highway 50, then a left onto Belleville Street, and finally a right onto St. Louis Street. Then, a left onto Monroe Street, which becomes Widicus. Next, look for the second entrance into the park.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset. Go to the website for information on Christmas lights hours.

Address 11113 Widicus Rd, Lebanon, IL 62254