Niki Kempf: Relatively easy trails. Neat rock formations and overhangs. A few small streams. Nice park/picnic areas with restrooms (more like a portable potty). The lodge and welcome center are super nice facilities. There is a restaurant and some cabins also. My family had a great time hiking (ages 9-43)
LAURA PUSATERI: This was the 2nd visit for me...just needed to stretch my legs...but got to see the exhibits in the visitors center...which I enjoyed. Staff was friendly and told me things I did not know. Great maps and area information too...I calmed my nerves by the pond:)
Mike Hansen: This is a wonderful place to spend time and reconnect with nature. Bird nerds will enjoy the variety of waterfowl, eagles, and migratory birds throughout the year. The viewing tower is great and we’re looking forward to kayaking this summer.
Alexandra Charlton: My great grandfather built the Stone House which is right next door to the Cohen house. The Crippen family was very good friends with the Cohens. I love going to see the houses every time I go to Chester.
Jim Holland: Segar Memorial Park is a great place to stop on the Illinois side of the Chester Bridge. There is a small visitor center that has information about the area and has nice restrooms. There is a wonderful deck that has a commanding view of the river and bridge. There is a lot of activity presently related to the construction of a new bridge across the Mississippi River. Make sure to take a photo in front of the Popeye statue.
If you want a bit of a challenge, get the list of the 19 popeye character statues in Chester. It’s a scavenger hunt with the map guiding you to all of the statues.
Aimée Robidoux: While I was staying in Cape Girardeau, a bartender mentioned that Chester Illinois was the home to the man who created Popeye and that there were statues erected all throughout the town of the various Popeye characters. Since I was on a road trip and I love stopping for random things.... I headed right to Chester. Had a great time at the little Popeye museum in town. The woman working was so very informative and helpful. Gave me a map of the statues and told me all about the museum. It was super cool to find all the statues then take pictures. Sort of like a little scavenger hunt.... But it took me almost 2 hours and I definitely didnt plan to spend that much time doing this. Certainly worth checking it out though if youre in town
