Western Pool Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Wildlife

A well-maintained trail around a wetland.

You'll be sharing the trails with hunters who are collecting whatever birds are in season. Posted sign indicating no hunting of waterfowl October 15 - February 15.

Reflecting local heritage, Marais Temps Clair means "fair weather marsh" in French. This is a floodplain situated in the Mississippi Migratory Bird Flyway. It has served as a place to rest their tired wings for centuries. It has been remodeled for the convenience of our feathered customers to include their choice of 10 outdoor pools with electric pumps to maintain the perfect water level. They must bring their own towels. Lifeguard not provided. Be our guest!

The eastern lake has a narrow land bridge that takes you closer to the lake/marsh which is where many of the hunters hide while awaiting the arrival of their prey. The pools are not very deep since the hunters walk out into the water to retrieve the dead birds.

The list of birds passing through on their travels is extensive. Non-migratory denizens include all manner of turtles, snakes, and frogs.

Marais Temps Clair has a 918-acre footprint in what was once part of an mega-marsh ranging from St. Charles to Alton. The land was purchased for use as a conservation area through a Conservation Sales Tax and by donations from M.R. Williams and L. K. Ayers.