Madison: Trails, Nature, and History

Discover Madison through its extensive network of trails and varied landscapes. For visitors to Madison County, the MCT Trails system offers a free, family-friendly way to enjoy recreation and get around. Twelve MCT Trails span more than 138 miles. The network consists of separate Class One bike paths developed and maintained by Madison County Transit.

Bike and Hiking Trails with a Variety of Routes

The routes connect different places and landscapes. The MCT Goshen Trail passes through Troy, Maryville, Glen Carbon, and Edwardsville before reaching South Roxana. The MCT Schoolhouse Trail connects parks, forests, fields, and residential areas between Madison and Troy. By considering not only the distance but also the route when planning, you can find several useful points of reference for your own trip.

The MCT Nature Trail is a wooded path with creek scenery. It crosses or runs alongside several creeks; visitors may spot rabbits, turkeys, and deer along the way. Its route runs from Edwardsville via Route 159 and past SIUE to Wilson Park in Granite City. The MCT Nickel Plate Trail, in turn, passes through forests, farmland, parks, and historic districts.

The MCT Confluence Trail also offers specific details to help plan your route: It is 20.5 miles long and paved or surfaced with limestone. It starts at Russell Commons Park in Alton and ends near West 20th Street in Granite City. The MCT Confluence Trail, the Mississippi River Trail, and the St. Louis Riverfront Trail connect to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. From the bridge, you can take in views of the broad Mississippi.

Nature Preserves and Riverside Trails

The Olin Nature Preserve combines protected landscapes with specific hiking opportunities. The preserve covers 294 acres and overlooks the Mississippi from steep limestone bluffs. Sinkholes, ravines, and exposed rock ledges shape the terrain. Two loop trails differ substantially in length and destination: the paved Frog Trail is 0.5 miles long and designated for beginners; the 2.3-mile Beaver Trail leads to Beaver Falls.

At the 46-acre Mississippi Sanctuary, limestone bluffs and sinkholes alternate with bottomland forests and upland prairies. An extensive trail network is regularly used for environmental education and outreach. The Bluff Trail is one mile long and leads to the edge of a cliff overlooking the Mississippi. The Watershed Nature Center covers more than 40 acres and serves as an outdoor learning center.

Those hoping to observe wildlife can visit another specific location: the Kemp and Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary. The designated nature preserve covers 42 acres; birds and other wildlife can be observed from an observation platform and along mowed trails. The platform’s viewpoint and the trails offer different ways to take in the wildlife.

River History, Museums, and Art

The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp Dubois, the winter encampment of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1803–1804. During regular opening hours, visitors can access a viewpoint and a memorial stone overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The National Great Rivers Museum explores the Mississippi and its habitats through interactive exhibits and a theater. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; check the hours again before your visit.

The Melvin Price Locks and Dam also offer a specific way to experience river history: free public tours are offered daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. If you plan to take a tour, it’s a good idea to check the schedule before you travel. This lets you account for the set times when planning.

In Alton, the Pioneer Room at the Alton Museum of History and Art focuses on the city’s history from the Lewis and Clark expedition through the Civil War. The Wadlow Room honors Alton’s “Gentle Giant,” Robert Wadlow, who was described as the world’s tallest man. The Jacoby Arts Center offers a different focus: housed in a renovated 1899 furniture store, it includes an art gallery, an educational facility, and arts and crafts. Classes for adults and children range from pottery and glass painting to mosaics, watercolor painting, and book arts. Check for current class offerings before your visit.

When planning your trip, it helps to first decide on your focus: long bike rides, wildlife watching and hiking, or river history and art. The experiences vary in both scenery and trail length and subject—useful points of reference when looking for a hotel in Madison for your stay.

Explore More Destinations

Wood River, Edwardsville, Hamel, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Collinsville, Alton, Winnebago

For the main travel overview: Illinois.