TOP 10 Public land recreation in Granite City, Illinois

Welcome to Chouteau Island, a remarkable natural oasis located at 4205 Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City, Illinois. Nestled in the heart of Madison County, just a mile west of Granite City and minutes north of downtown St. Louis, Chouteau Island offers a unique blend of wildlife habitat, recreational activities, and historical significance along the Mississippi River. Managed collaboratively by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Madison, Chouteau Island is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, providing a serene escape from urban life. The island is part of a trio, including Gabaret and Mosenthein Islands, which together span over 5,500 acres of pristine natural landscape. This area is one of the few places in the St. Louis Region where you can enjoy direct public access to a 10-mile stretch of the Mississippi River, known for its high-quality habitat and absence of barge traffic.