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Arlington Wetlands
Madison County | 83 Acres
Drains to: Mississippi River
Type: Natural Area
Owned by: Madison County
Hours: Open Sunrise to Sunset
Location and Directions: From I-255, take Horseshoe Lake Road exit west toward Granite City. Turn north on Arlington Drive. Arlington Wetlands will be on the left.
Arlington Drive, Pontoon Beach, IL 62040
Facilities: No restrooms available. Site features a 1.5 mile unpaved walking trail across a floating boardwalk and through a sand prairie. Picnic tables and trash receptacles are available throughout the site.
Regulations: Open sunrise to sunset 7 days a week, unless posted otherwise. Dogs allowed on leashes. Parking is located at the entrance to the park. Boating, swimming/wading, and fishing are not permitted.
Overview
Arlington Wetlands is an 83-acre remnant meander of the Mississippi River. Its preservation serves an important role in providing stormwater storage, clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities.
HeartLands Conservancy preserved this property in 2011 through a partnership with Madison County government and the former Collinsville Area Recreation District. The funding support was also a collaborative effort involving ConocoPhillips, The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
