Lake Chautauqua was made in the late 1890's using man and mule power. This lake was created to water steam locomotives that stopped in Crystal Springs to pick up loads of locally-grown produce. The park was built at the lake to bring entertainment and recreation to the people living in the surrounding countryside. Chautauqua Park once featured cottages, a hotel, a restaurant and a grocery. You won't find any of these at the park today.
Today Chautaqua Park features 3 miles of nature trails, including the Tree Top Trail, an elevated walkway that brings you over streams and through the woods at bird level. Picnic areas, children's playground and restrooms are available to park visitors. The park is open sunrise to sunset.
Directions from Jackson: Go south on I-55 to Exit 72-Crystal Springs. Go east to Hwy 51 and turn south. Go approximately one mile to the park entrance, on the right.
