The history of Horseshoe Lake from the other side is a strange tale. Some call it fact, some call it fiction.
Horseshoe Lake is located in a unique area called the tri-cities; it is close to Granite City, Illinois; East St. Louis, Illinois; and St. Louis, Missouri. In between these major cities, are smaller towns like Brooklyn, Madison, and Venice. East St. Louis used to be known for its violence throughout the world, and everybody has heard of little Brooklyn!
The story goes that during Prohibition, following WWII, and on up past the Vietnam War, Horseshoe Lake was the depository for the losers of lost arguments. It is said that the bodies in Horseshoe Lake outnumber the fishes (I use "fishes" like in the "Godfather" the movie).
Now, remember I'm just sayin', fable has it that the gangsters and mobsters of the St. Louis Blues era went fishin' quite often, I'm just sayin'.
So believe it or not, that's the story of Horseshoe Lake.
We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175; for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.