A hillside of red, orange and gold autumn trees above a wide river, blue sky

Plan Your Visit

Pere Marquette State Park is free to visit and open year round, with something for every season: spring and summer fishing and boating on the Illinois River, fall color on the bluffs, and bald eagles from December to March. Stop at the Visitor Center first for a trail map, then pick a trail, an overlook or a picnic spot. Call (618) 786-3323 before you go, because IDNR warns weather can close roads.

At a Glance

Planning at a Glance

EntryFree

Best for eaglesDecember to March

Best for colorFall, on the Scenic Drive

Boat rampOpen; courtesy docks when the river allows

Rock climbingDesignated area only

Picnic shelters3, reservable for a fee

First stopVisitor Center, (618) 786-3323

What to Do, Season by Season

Spring: IDNR's maple syrup festival in March (March 20, 2027 is the third one), with syrup tapped from the park's own trees.
Summer: fishing and boating on the Illinois River, the seasonal pools at Camps Piasa and Ouatoga for group campers, and the youth fishing fair in June.
Fall: IDNR calls fall color drives along the wooded ravines and riverside roads popular. Book campsites early; IDNR says they go early in the fall months.
Winter: eagle season, December to March. See eagle watching.

Fishing and Boating

IDNR lists bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, drum, largemouth bass and white bass in the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The park has launching ramps with ample parking, and courtesy docks when weather and river levels allow. IDNR lists the boat ramp and harbor as open. The Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, an annual youth fishing day in June, is a popular way to start kids fishing.

Rock Climbing

IDNR says the park's limestone formations suit experienced climbers, and Pere Marquette is one of only three Illinois state recreation areas that allow climbing. Rules:

Climb and rappel only in the designated climbing area.
Most routes are bolted sport routes; a few cracks have top anchors.
IDNR points climbers to Mountain Project for route details.
IDNR offers free beginner programs, such as an Intro to Bouldering on October 31, 2026; space is limited, so call to reserve.

Picnicking

Tables, grills and trash cans are spread through the park, first come, first served. Three picnic shelters can be reserved for a fee on ExploreMoreIL. Groups of 20 or more need advance written permission; see rules.

Hunting

Graham Hollow Road public hunting area: mature oak and hickory for squirrel, deer and turkey, by statewide seasons. Squirrel season in the park starts the day after Labor Day.
Copperhead Hollow Wildlife Area: 1,344 acres on Nutwood Road, about 5 miles north of the park.
Permit: free, from the Visitor Center, for both areas.
Archery deer and spring turkey in the group camp areas are by special permit and drawing.

IDNR Events

Guided weekend hikes: free, 11 a.m. from the Visitor Center on listed dates, no reservation.
Winter night hikes: 2.5 miles at 7 p.m., about 1.5 hours; reservations recommended.
Star party: December 12, 2026, 6 p.m., with the St. Louis Astronomical Society.
Off-trail adventure: a strenuous guided hike; reservations required.
Maple Syrup Festival: March 20, 2027.
Piasa Trail Races: 12.5K, 25K and 50K trail races in the park; check thepiasa.com for the date.

Where to Stay

Camping and Rent-A-Cabins in the state campground: see camping.
Pere Marquette Lodge, the private CCC-built lodge in the park: see the lodge.
Guest houses in Grafton, 5 miles away: see Grafton.

An angler seen from behind casting from a muddy riverbank into a wide brown river

A wooden picnic table and charcoal grill under large shade trees in a grassy picnic area

FAQ

Plan Your Visit FAQ

What is there to do at Pere Marquette State Park?

Hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, boating, rock climbing in a designated area, picnicking, hunting, biking on the paved trail and, in winter, bald eagle watching.

When is the best time to visit Pere Marquette State Park?

Fall for color and December to March for bald eagles. Campsites fill early in the fall.

Can you fish at Pere Marquette?

Yes, in the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, from launching ramps and courtesy docks when river levels allow.

Can you rock climb at Pere Marquette State Park?

Yes, but only in the designated climbing area. Most routes are bolted sport climbs.

Can you swim at Pere Marquette State Park?

IDNR lists no public swimming area. Two of the group camps, Piasa and Ouatoga, have seasonal pools for their campers, and the private lodge has an indoor pool.