Frequently Asked Questions
The quick answers about Pere Marquette State Park: it is free, dogs are welcome on a leash, the campground has 80 electric sites at $20 a night, and bald eagles winter here from December to March. The park covers 7,245 acres on the Illinois River near Grafton and is run by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Quick Answers
Visiting
Every answer below links to the page with the full detail and sources.
Pere Marquette State Park FAQ
Is Pere Marquette State Park free?
Yes. IDNR charges no entrance or parking fee. Camping, cabins, shelter reservations, the lodge and trail rides cost extra.
Where is Pere Marquette State Park?
At 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, Illinois, on Route 100 about 5 miles from Grafton and 20 miles from Alton, near where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi.
How big is Pere Marquette State Park?
7,245 acres, according to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.
What are the hours at Pere Marquette State Park?
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. There are 80 reservable Class A electric sites at $20 a night, a walk-up Class B tent area, two Rent-A-Cabins, a youth tent camp and three group camps.
Can you swim at Pere Marquette State Park?
IDNR lists no public swimming area or beach. Two of the group camps, Piasa and Ouatoga, have seasonal pools for their campers, and the lodge has an indoor pool.
Is Pere Marquette Lodge part of the state park?
It is inside the park and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, but it runs as a private concession. Book at pmlodge.net or (618) 786-2331.
When can you see bald 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 many miles of trails are at Pere Marquette?
About 12 miles of marked hiking trails and about 20 miles of equestrian trails, plus the paved 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail to Alton.
What is the best view at Pere Marquette?
McAdams Peak, a bluff-top overlook above the Illinois River, reached by trail or a short walk from the Scenic Drive.
Can you ride bikes at Pere Marquette?
Only on the paved Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail. Biking on the hiking trails is illegal.
Is there horseback riding at Pere Marquette?
Yes. Pere Marquette Stables runs guided rides May to October, closed Tuesdays, at (618) 786-2156.
Why is it called Pere Marquette?
It honors Father (Pere) Jacques Marquette, the French Jesuit who explored the Mississippi with Louis Jolliet in 1673. It was nearly named Piasa Bluffs.
How do you get to Pere Marquette from St. Louis?
Drive to Alton and follow Route 100, the Great River Road, through Grafton to the park, or take the Grafton Ferry from St. Charles County, Missouri.
Is Pere Marquette open in winter?
Yes. Winter is eagle season. The Visitor Center is closed on Sundays.