John Hay Recreation Area

"A pleasant little day use area with a view of the Interstate bridge between Illinois and Missouri located just across the river from Hannibal. The railroad bridge a little further up the river is also within sight. The use of large white boulders to define the edge of the parking lot is not only a safety feature (preventing vehicles from rolling into the water) but also a nice touch (aesthetically). There is also a small picnic shelter just off of the parking lot that makes for a nice place to eat a quick picnic lunch or just settle in as your significant other casts a line in the water."

"Quiet and just off the highway. It was a great place to take a break, have some coffee and take our pup for a nice walk. You can literally park right next to the water!"

"Very simple location, just a gravel parking lot and a small outhouse. There is a small shelter and a few picnic tables. There wasn't anyone else there when I stopped so was very peaceful. You can walk right up to the edge of the river, like a beach but definitely not for swimming!"

"Went fishing with my oldest. Nice setting on the Illinois side as the sun goes down and the light of Hannibal come on. Peaceful, and we caught some fish."