Agencies
Services
- The Class A campground has 80 sites, two of which are handicap accessible. Sites have electrical hookups only, with a sanitary dump station, drinking water, and a shower building available on the grounds. Sites 2-30 are available for reservation from May through October. The nearby Class B tent camping area also has access to the shower building.
- Within the Class A campground, the park offers two Rent-A-Camp cabins.
- Popular among scout groups is the Youth Tent Camp Area, also known as Duncan Hill. This separate campground offers a picnic shelter and tables, pit-type toilets and drinking water.
- For large organized groups, Pere Marquette operates three Organized Group Camps. Camp Potawatomi accommodates 60 campers; Camp Piasa and Camp Ouatoga each accommodate 120. All three camps feature fully-equipped kitchens and dining rooms, lighted sleeping cabins with cots and mattresses, and restroom facilities with warm showers and flush toilets. Camps Piasa and Ouatoga also feature swimming pools, open seasonally.
Bike Trail
The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs from Pere Marquette State Park to the City of Alton, approximately 20 miles south of the park. The entire trail is paved. Visitors can use the trail for a variety of activities such as Biking, Hiking, Jogging, and pushing strollers. Horse riding and all other Equestrian activities are banned from this trail, if intrested go to the nearbye equestrain trails. This is the only trail for biking, it is illegal to bike on hiking trails.
Bird Watching
Pere Marquette State Park is located off of the Illinois River and near the Illinois River and Mississippi River confluence. This location allows ample opportunities for the visiting public to view our national bird. Have you ever seen our national bird, the bald eagle? Soaring on a 6 to 7 1/2 foot wing span, these birds are magnificent! It is not necessary to travel all the way to Canada to see these magnificent creatures because Pere Marquette is fortunate to play host to these seasonal visitors. Eagles may be spotted in the tree tops along the Illinois River from December to March.
About 230 species of birds have been identified within, at the boundaries of, or flying over Pere Marquette State Park. A checklist has been prepared by local birders, in cooperation with the IDNR, and is available at the Visitor Center. Popular locations for bird watching are Stump Lake, in the river bottoms, and McAdams Peak and other overlooks along the park's scenic roadway.
Eagle Watching
There are a few eagles in the area currently but the main eagle season starts in December and ends in March.
Did you know? That this area is a Bald Eagle Hotspot? Check out this link to learn more about Bald Eagles viewing in Our Area
Pere Marquette Winter 2024 Eagle Flyer
Boating and Fishing
A wide variety of fish such as bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, drum, largemouth bass and white bass, attract anglers to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Launching ramps and ample parking provide access to the river, with courtesy docks available when weather conditions and river levels permit. Future plans include a full-service marina. The Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair is an annual youth fishing fair in June, and is a popular way to hook youngsters into fishing.
Camping
For visitors who prefer a rustic experience, Pere Marquette offers a wide range of camping opportunities:
Reservations for campsites, cabins and picnic shelters, and group camps may be made at ExploreMoreIL™
Hiking
Approximately 12 miles of marked trails provide scenic hiking to beginners and experienced hikers alike. Lush forests, towering bluffs, and an abundance of wildlife provide the perfect backdrop for your outing. Trail maps are available in and outside the Visitor Center. Hiking trails are open from sun up to sundown. Dogs must be leased on the trails for both their safety and the safety of others. Any animal waste should be removed from the trails or public open areas. Biking is NOT allowed on hiking trails, it is illegal to have a bike on the hiking trails. For more information on trails or trail recommendations, you can come to the Visitor Center and ask a staff member for their help. If you have any interest in a guided hike, you can contact or come to the Visitor Center for more help and information.
Horseback Riding
The park offers about 20 miles of equestrian trails with a parking area for trailers on Graham Hollow Road. The trails to the west of Graham Hollow are open year-round. The trails east of Graham Hollow will be closed during certain seasons of the year. These areas will be posted when closed. To check to see if the trails are open call the phone line at 618-786-3323 extension 4.
Pere Marquette Riding Stables is open for trail rides every day except Tuesday, weather permitting, from May through October. Call 618-786-2156 for a reservation. You can also visit their website graftontrailrides.com
Dog Walking
Dogs are allowed in the park, both in the campgrounds and on the trails. All dogs must be kept on a leash and their waste must be picked up and removed.
Hunting
The 2,000-acre public hunting area located off Graham Hollow Road has good stands of mature oak and hickory timber, which provide excellent habitat for squirrel, deer and turkey. These game species may be hunted in accordance with statewide seasons and regulations, with the exception of squirrel season, which begins the day after Labor Day in the park. Another 1,344 acres is available for public hunting at Copperhead Hollow Wildlife Area, located on Nutwood Road, approximately 5 miles north of the park. The topography of this area varies from steep hills to bottomland floodplain (Otter Creek). The bottomland areas are mostly farm fields. The hills consist of mostly oak/hickory woodlands, with some areas becoming dominated by maple. Deer, turkey, squirrel, raccoon, coyote and waterfowl may be hunted in this area according to statewide regulations. All hunters using the Public Hunting Areas at Graham Hollow Road or Copperhead Hollow must obtain a free permit at the Visitor Center.
Archery deer hunting is offered on an additional 3,000 acres in the three Organized Group Camp areas by special permit. Four 8-day seasons are offered, beginning in late October, (when the group camps close for the season). By random drawing, five hunters are selected for each season in each area. Drawings are held annually the first working day in April. Applications will be available by March 1st. Follow the link below or contact the Visitor Center for applications and information.
Spring turkey hunting is also available in the Organized Group Camp areas by special permit. To be considered for this hunt, hunters must use the statewide firearm turkey permit application, and apply for Pere Marquette Group Camp Area.
Picnicking
Plenty of picnic areas are available throughout the park, with tables, grills and trash containers provided. Three picnic shelters are available, and may be reserved. A fee is required to reserve shelters. Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL™
Rock Climbing
Pere Marquette State Park offers highly featured limestone formations that experienced rock climbers find great for climbing. Rappelling and climbing at Pere Marquette State Park is permitted ONLY in the designated climbing area. A majority of the recreational rappelling and climbing routes at the park are bolted sport routes, with the exception of a few cracks, which are equipped with top anchors. Please Click Here for Specific Climbs.
