Brazos Bend State Park – Horseshoe Lakes

Horseshoe or oxbow lakes are the remains of meanders of a nearby stream. They are cut off from the main flow of the stream, and they are left to fill with water, mud and organic debris. Horseshoe lakes are the home of frogs, turtles, alligators, fishes and birds.

Old Horseshoe Lake is a natural meander cut off from Big Creek several decades ago. The park staff today can regulate its water level if necessary. New Horseshoe Lake is an artificial meander cut off when Big Creek had to be channelized to carry the runoff of flood waters.