Near St. Louis Is A Once-Thriving Mine That's Now A Lesser-Known Park With A Lake To Fish, Hiking, And Wildlife

Illinois is one of the top coal-producing states in the country. But, as use of this nonrenewable energy source declines, mines all around the Prairie State are rapidly closing and being turned into neighborhoods and solar farms. One county in Downstate Illinois took a different approach, transforming a defunct coal mine in the city of O'Fallon into St. Ellen Park, an oasis for hiking and fishing.

Peabody Coal, which eventually became the largest coal producer in the United States, opened the St. Ellen Mine in 1854. The coal strip mine was built after the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad was extended into O'Fallon, now considered one of the best places to live in Illinois. Both the railroad and coal mine helped the small city thrive.

After the coal mine closed in 1960, the land was left abandoned for 30 years. In 1990, St. Clair County took over the 200-acre site and created a public park on 85 of those acres. The center of St. Ellen Park is now a large hill that was once part of the mine. There are a handful of small ponds in the park, as well as a larger lake on its northwest border. An open-air picnic pavilion, restrooms, and benches have also been added to the park. It's now a well-kept local secret located less than 20 miles across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, a walkable Midwestern gem with vibrant culture, great nightlife, and fun parks.

Most visitors to St. Ellen Park come for the hiking and fishing, and for good reason. The St. Ellen Mine Trail is an easy loop that circles the park's upper and lower trails. As you follow the 2.4-mile paved trail, you'll pass the lake, ponds, and honeysuckle bushes before climbing a grassy hill where you can see farms in the distance. Don't be surprised if you come across a ratsnake, rabbits, or deer along the way, writes blogger That Away Dad. 

Anglers will want to head straight to St. Ellen Mine Lake. Visitors can access the water using the concrete boat ramp or small floating dock. Bats with trolling motors, as well as paddle craft like kayaks, are allowed on the lake, per Paddling.com. The most commonly caught species include largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill, according to past anglers on FishBrain. You might spot wildlife in the water as well, including muskrats, toads, turtles. Over 170 bird species have been recorded on eBird, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Though there's no cost to visit St. Ellen Park, you'll need to obtain a fishing license from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources if you plan to fish.

St. Ellen Park is located just 3 miles from the O'Fallon city center. The closest airport is MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), located less than 10 miles away in Mascoutah, an affordable city with small-town charm, parks, and tasty eats. For more flight options, there's St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), the largest non-hub airport in the Midwest. From there, O'Fallon is an easy 35-minute drive.