Pere Marquette State Park —
Your Complete Guide
7,245 acres of wooded bluffs above the Illinois River: about 12 miles of trails, a stone CCC lodge, an 80-site campground and wintering bald eagles. Free to enter.
What is Pere Marquette State Park?
Pere Marquette State Park is a 7,245-acre Illinois state park on the wooded bluffs above the Illinois River, near Grafton and the meeting of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. It is free to enter. It has about 12 miles of hiking trails, an 80-site campground, a 1930s stone lodge, and bald eagles in the treetops from December to March.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources runs the park from the Visitor Center on Route 100, at 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, IL 62037. The land was bought in 1931 and named for Father Jacques Marquette, who passed this way with Louis Jolliet in 1673 (history). It sits at the northern end of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, the stretch of the Great River Road that runs up from Alton.
Two things to know. Fall weekends book up early in the campground, so reserve well ahead (camping guide). And Pere Marquette Lodge is a private concession inside the park, booked through the lodge itself, not through IDNR.
Pere Marquette State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Pere Marquette State Park
IDNR lists hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, boating, hunting, rock climbing in a designated area, biking and bird watching.
Hiking & McAdams Peak
About 12 miles of marked trails through oak-hickory forest to bluff-top overlooks like McAdams Peak.
Trails →
Camping & Cabins
80 electric sites at $20 a night, walk-up tent sites, two Rent-A-Cabins and three group camps.
Sites & Prices →
Pere Marquette Lodge
The CCC's 1930s stone lodge, with a 700-ton fireplace, dining room and indoor pool. A private concession.
The Lodge →
Eagle Watching
Bald eagles roost along the Illinois River from December to March. About 230 bird species have been recorded.
When & Where →
Horseback Riding
About 20 miles of equestrian trails and guided rides from the park's stables, May to October.
Trail Rides →
The Bike Trail
The paved Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs about 20 miles from the park to Alton. No bikes on hiking trails.
Ride to Alton →Trails at Pere Marquette
IDNR describes about 12 miles of marked hiking trails. Its map names 10, each with its own color code.
The longest named trail on the IDNR map.
Runs out along the ridge near McAdams Peak.
One of the three Hickory trails.
The only trail the IDNR map rates easy.
How to Get to Pere Marquette State Park
On Route 100, the Great River Road, about 5 miles past Grafton.
Address
13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, IL 62037. About 20 miles from Alton. Directions.
Visitor Center
Open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Trail maps and free binoculars. Details.
Park Office
Phone (618) 786-3323. IDNR asks visitors to call ahead, since weather can close roads.
Nearby
Grafton, about 5 miles down Route 100, is the river town where the Illinois meets the Mississippi. The Grafton Ferry crosses to Missouri for a fare, and the Brussels Ferry crosses the Illinois River free, 24 hours a day. About 20 miles away at Alton, the Piasa Bird is painted on the river bluff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pere Marquette State Park free?
Yes. IDNR charges no entrance or parking fee at Illinois state parks. Camping, cabins, shelter reservations, the lodge and trail rides cost extra.
What are Pere Marquette's hours?
Hiking trails are open sunup to sundown. The Visitor Center is open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m..
Are dogs allowed at Pere Marquette?
Yes, on a leash, in the campgrounds and on the trails. Pick up after your dog. Dogs are not allowed in the campground cabins.
Can you camp at Pere Marquette State Park?
Yes. 80 reservable Class A electric sites cost $20 a night ($30 on holiday weekends), and there are walk-up tent sites and two Rent-A-Cabins.
When can you see eagles at Pere Marquette?
December to March, with January and February the best months, in the treetops along the Illinois River and from the overlooks.
How big is Pere Marquette State Park?
7,245 acres, according to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, part of IDNR.
Can you swim at Pere Marquette?
IDNR lists no public swimming area. Two of the group camps, Piasa and Ouatoga, have seasonal pools for their campers, and the lodge has an indoor pool.