Looking for a fall adventure but not sure where to go or what to do? We’re here to help! We have mapped out the perfect fall day here at Pere Marquette Lodge. Of course, you can substitute activities and change times to best fit your needs! Are you ready for beautiful, memorable day?
by Sierra Voss
6:45 a.m.
Watch the Sunrise
Fall mornings are always beautiful, but watching the sun rise through the colorful trees and seeing the reflection on the Mississippi River is the perfect start to the day.
7:30 a.m.
Breakfast
On Sundays, you might want to wait until our all-you-can-eat brunch starts at 10:00 a.m., but any other day of the week, enjoy a delicious exploration themed breakfast in the restaurant.
8:30 a.m.
Hiking
There’s nothing better than an early morning hike through the woods. There are miles and miles of different hikes for beginners or experts. Each trail offers a different experience, some showcasing rock outcroppings or loess usually hidden in the forest. Sometimes on clear days, you can even see St. Louis from the outlooks that showcase the beautiful river valley.
Alternatively, if it is raining or especially chilly outside, you can take a drive along the River Road, allowing you to still enjoy nature while shielded from the elements.
11:30 a.m.
Lunch
For lunch, you can eat the Lodge’s delicious cuisine again or go for a picnic in the park. There are various picnic tables and pavilions to eat under as well as beautiful sunny patches of grass to spread a picnic blanket and enjoy your lunch.
1 p.m.
Afternoon Activities
There’s so many wonderful activities that you could try, but I’ll highlight just a few.
Biking
There is a beautiful biking trail along the Great River Road. If you don’t want to bring a bicycle, Pere Marquette Lodge offers bike rental by the hour or for the whole day. It’s a beautiful adventure for active nature lovers.
Mary Michelle Winery
For a more relaxing afternoon, you can drink our locally crafted wines by the fireplace or on the terrace.
Boat Rides
Take the Hakuna Matata boat tour on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers! This trip lasts 45 minutes and allows you to truly take in the breathtaking nature and wildlife surrounding the water.
Chess
If you are looking for a fun game, Pere Marquette has a life-size chess set that can bring out the competitive side in anyone.
Horseback Rides
Pere Marquette Stable offers a beautiful ride on 2½ miles of trail. This is the perfect event for nature and animal lovers as the path through the park often passes wildlife in their natural habitat.
5:00 p.m.
Dinner
Whether having some of our delicious fried chicken, partaking in a dinner theatre event, or even venturing outside the Lodge to one of the local hotspots, there are plenty of choices for whatever you are in the mood for. If you want to come for one of our hilarious dinner shows, make sure to check our Events page for when the next one will be!
6:30 p.m.
Watching the Sunset
Regardless of where you are, the sunset is always gorgeous, especially in the fall. It is usually the most beautiful fifteen minutes before and after it slips below the horizon.
7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Whether this means sitting on the terrace, playing chess with your kids, exploring the rest of Grafton, or even heading down to the Argosy casino, there are plenty of wonderful ways to spend your evening.
Whenever the evening is over for you, your room is waiting for you at Pere Marquette Lodge.
