Pere Marquette State Park

Visitor Center Winter Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–3:30 PM (Closed Sundays)
Effective until April 1st.

Notices

The following Areas of the park are OPEN:

• Equestrian concession 618-786-2156 (closed on Tuesdays)
• Boat Ramp and Harbor
•  Rappelling area
•  Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail
• Scenic Drive is open for drive through traffic outings

Trail Conditions

• Hiking Trails: Open
• Equestrian trails: Open 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 at the Visitor Center.
• Explore the natural beauty of Pere Marquette State Park with a guided hike led by our Natural Resource Coordinator. These hikes offer a unique opportunity to learn about the park's rich ecology, history, and wildlife while traversing its stunning landscapes. Tours can be scheduled by calling the Visitor Center at 618-786-3323.

Hiking at Pere Marquette

Camping

The Campground is open! Make your reservations by visiting the link below or calling us at 618-786-3323.

Campground Address:*Park Rd. Grafton IL. 62037 *

ExploreMoreIL™

It is best to use Google Crome when using the link.

Pere Marquette State Park is a nature lover's paradise. In addition to enjoying the spectacular views of the Illinois River and its backwaters from several points atop the bluffs, visitors can take advantage of a variety of year-round recreational opportunities, including horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and boating.

Pere Marquette's Visitor Center has a 3-D map of the park and wealth of other displays and exhibits concerning the Illinois River, wildlife habitat, local history and geology.

Fall color drives are popular along the wooded ravines and riverside roadways at and near Pere Marquette. In January and February, the park is a hot-spot for bald eagle watching. For many years, the park has hosted tours of the river bluffs and woods for visitors to get an up-close look at wintering bald eagles in the hundreds along the Mississippi River and lower Illinois River near the park.

Campers will find plenty to like at Pere Marquette, from camp sites and cabins to the popular Youth Tent Camp and three group camps. Campground reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL™.

The beautiful Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center is an ideal place to stay for a weekend or weekday getaway. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lodge has been expanded and updated in recent years. The mammoth stone fireplace in the lobby soars to a roof height of 50 feet, and is said to weigh 700 tons. There are 50 spacious guest rooms and 22 stone guest cabin rooms. For reservations, check the Pere Marquette Lodge Website.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
•  Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
   

Animals/Birds/Plants at Pere Marquette

• Animals of Pere Marquette

• Birds of Pere Marquette

• Pere Marquette plant list