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Frank Holten State Recreation Area
Frank Holten State Recreation Area © Karla K Humphrey
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FRANK HOLTEN STATE RECREATION AREA
FRANK HOLTEN STATE RECREATION AREA
4500 Pocket Road
East St. Louis, Illinois   62205

Phone: 618-874-7920
Reservations: 618-874-7920
Email: park email button icon
Located within sight of St. Louis Gateway Arch, Frank Holten is an urban site almost entirely surrounded by East St. Louis. The 1,080-acre park features an 18-hole golf course and facilities for fishing, picnicking, and other outdoor recreational activities.

The park was established in 1964 and named Grand Marais. On May 1, 1967, the name was changed to Frank Holten, in honor of the late distinguished legislator from East St. Louis. First elected in 1916, Holten served 48 years in the Illinois General Assembly. He died in December, 1966 at the age of 98.
Nature of the Area
In addition to the lakes and facilities located at Frank Holten, the park features a diversity of plant and animal life. Shade and decorative trees include Scotch pine, maple, oak, poplar, sycamore, ginko, tulip, red bud, sweet gum, and wild cherry. Water lily, lilac, arrowhead, bridal wreath, honeysuckle bush, and mock orange are some of the blossoming flowers and bushes. Many common wildlife species may be viewed in the park, such as rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, fox, groundhog, muskrat, and mink.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
AccommodationsGolf Courseyes
Park Store
A variety of refreshments are offered, including sandwiches, snack items, and soft drinks. The stand is located in the golf clubhouse.
Boating
There are no boat rentals at Frank Holten. Boat launch ramps are available on Wispering Willow and Grand Marais lakes.
Fishing
Frank Holten has two lakes - Whispering Willow Lake and Grand Marais Lake - with a combined water surface of 208 acres and five miles of shoreline. Wispering Willow Lake was rehabilitated in 1983 and stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Boat and bank fishing is allowed, but boat anglers must use trolling motors or motors no large than 10 horsepower. Daily creel and length in limits are in effect for some sport species. Anglers are advised to check with the site superintendent for any special regulations before fishing.



Picnicking
Frank Holten has one of the largest day use areas in the surrounding area. The park area consists of picnic shelters, barbecue pits, sanitation facilities, and drinking fountains. The facility can accommodate up to 2,000 patrons per day with adequate parking for all.
Area Attractions
Frank Holten has an 18-hole golf course, named Grand Marais. The park also offers a combined football-soccer field, a cross-country track, basketball, and baseball diamonds.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 5 CAT-TAILS OVER-GROWN by Karla_K_H
park review stars; one to five I have been privy to this park from my porch for over 40 years and NEVER has the upkeep been this bad WE CAN NOT SEE THE WATER.
April 23 I love this Park by J. Mitchom
park review stars; one to five
March 7
park review stars; one to five Good fishing. Born in the area and have fished there for 50 years. Not kept up as well as other state facilities.
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Area Campgrounds
Casino Queen RV Park
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618-874-5000
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4060 Mississippi Avenue
Cahokia, IL
618-332-7700
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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