We were invited to talk about the Festival on Fox 2 News. Click the image to view the segment. About the Mushroom Fest: Eyes glued to the ground, mushroom hunters will scan the woods in Pere Marquette Park and all around the area in search of the delectable treat known as the Morel Mushroom. […]
In the Media
Midwest Living Magazine Highlights Pere Marquette Lodge
Great State Park Stays: Illinois’ Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center Climb past the lush valley retreat to reach the Illinois River bluffs when you stay at Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center. Since the 1930s, the 50-foot limestone fireplace at Pere Marquette State Park’s lodge has stood as a source of warmth. A young […]
The Ghosts of Pere Marquette Lodge
Grafton Illinois is a quaint little river town where the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers meet. The beautiful lodge at Pere Marquette State Park is located just outside of Grafton. The park was named for one of the early explorers on the Mississippi River, Father Pere Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest. The limestone and timber lodge […]
Pumpkin Roll at the Apple Festival
By CORY DAVENPORT For The Telegraph GRAFTON — The 2013 Apple Festival at the Pere Marquette State Park lodge featured activities for the entire family. Starting at 11 a.m., lodge visitors were able to peruse a large selection of local vendors. Homemade mustard, dresses, popcorn and even apple-themed jewelry were offered next to booths owned […]
Winin’ and Dinin’ at Pere Marquette
By VICKI BENNINGTON For The Telegraphthetelegraph.com GRAFTON — For those who are not sure whether it’s a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Pinot Noir that goes best with a filet mignon, or a Chardonnay that brings out the flavor of pan-seared salmon, Pere Marquette Lodge’s Gourmet Wine Dinners offers a chance for a little education. Originally […]
POKIN AROUND: The adventure of a scenic drive
On Sunday afternoon the sun shone and the temperature hit the upper 40s. There was no pro football on TV. No Illini basketball to watch. No clothes to launder. With the adventurous spirit of Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, I laced my running shoes, fueled my Ford Escape and embarked on my first trip […]
Are River Bend Bigfoot on the prowl?
I was channel surfing on a Sunday night a while back and paused when our flatscreen suddenly displayed the Animal Planet logo in its lower right-hand corner. Viewing the antics of critters is always a safe choice when this writer-businessman wants to let his mind enjoy a brief respite from any heavy intellectual activity. I […]