Visitor Center

The Pere Marquette Visitor Center opened in 1997 on Route 100, just north of where the Illinois and Mississippi rivers meet, and IDNR calls it the first stop for any visit. Inside is a three-dimensional map of the park, exhibits on the river, wildlife, history and geology, and staff who will plan a hike with you. It is open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Hours

• Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Sundays: closed.
• Closed: Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, the Fourth of July, Columbus Day and Veterans Day.

IDNR's closures page has also listed the center as open daily, 8 to 3:30, so in summer a Sunday may be open. Call (618) 786-3323 to be sure.

What Is Inside

• A three-dimensional map of the park, the first thing you see as you walk in.
• Exhibits on the Illinois River, wildlife habitat, local history and geology.
• Films in the audio-visual room: IDNR lists "Pere Marquette: The Park by the River", "A Story of Hope: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Illinois", "Where Eagles Soar", "Dinky" (historic rail car footage) and "Resource Conservation".
• A bird checklist of about 230 species, prepared by local birders with IDNR.

Free Things to Pick Up

• Binoculars: free to borrow at the front desk with a state-issued ID. Bring them to the overlooks in eagle season.
• Trail maps: inside and outside the building. See the trail map.
• Hunting permits: free permits for the public hunting areas at Graham Hollow Road and Copperhead Hollow.
• Educational trunks on trees, birds, pollinators, fossils and more, on loan to teachers.

Guided Hikes and Programs

IDNR offers free guided hikes to the park's scenic areas for any group size; call to schedule. Schools and scout groups can book a history-and-geology hike to McAdams Peak and Twin Mounds. Public programs run from the center too: weekend guided hikes at 11 a.m., winter night hikes, and seasonal events such as a maple syrup festival and a star party. See plan your visit.

Other Reasons to Stop

• Tent campers without a reservation pay for a Class B site here, about a quarter mile west of the campground. See camping.
• Groups of 20 or more arrange their written permission and activity permit through the site office.
• Volunteers 16 and older (12 to 15 with an adult) can sign up as docents and program helpers.