Agencies
Services
Pere Marquette Bald Eagle Days
2024/2025 Eagle Tours:
December 26 - Janaury 30, 31 Febraury 4, 7, 11, 21, 24, 26, 28 - March 7
Pere Marquette State Park will be presenting informative programs about bald eagles this winter. Visitors will learn to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in the area, and much more. All programs will begin at the park’s visitor center at 8:30 A.M. (The program is free however, reservations are Required. Call 618-786-3323 to reserve your spot.)
December 13 - January 10 & 27 - Interpreter-Guided Winter Night Hikes
Join us for a guided 2.5-mile hike starting at 7 PM to explore winter ecology and park history. The hike will take approximately 1.5 hours. The Visitor Center will open at 6:30 PM, and a limited number of flashlights will be available. It is recommended to bring your own flashlight. Reservations are recommended. (call 618-786-3323 to reserve your spot.)
January 1st - 2025 - First Day Hike at Pere Marquette State Park
Start the New Year off right with a First Day Hike at Pere Marquette State Park, part of a national effort to welcome the new year in nature!
Join thousands of people across all 50 states taking part in the First Day Hikes, a tradition supported by the American Hiking Society. This is your chance to explore the beauty of Pere Marquette on a self-guided hike. Stop by the Visitor Center to check in, grab your map, and enjoy the park’s trails at your own pace.
Take lots of photos along the way and share your adventure! We’d love to see them! Start 2025 with a hike and celebrate the beauty of nature together. More information can be found here:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/calendar/page.first-day-hikes-at-illinois-state-parks.html
March 1st - 2025 - Star Party at Pere Marquette State Park
Join the St. Louis Astronomical Society for a star party at Pere Marquette State Park on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center (13112 Visitors Center Ln, Grafton, IL). Led by Simone Williams, this event offers views of the waxing crescent moon, planets like Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, and constellations such as the Big Dipper, Cassiopeia, and Orion. Telescopes will be provided for viewing opportunities.
Reservations are recommended. To reserve your spot, email Menachem Smolianski at menachem.smolianski@illinois.gov or call 618-786-3323. It’s a great opportunity for stargazing and learning about the night sky. More information can be found here:
St. Louis Astronomical Society | Pere Marquette Star Party | Night Sky Network
