Tour the Visitors Center
The Visitor’s Center is located next to Pere Marquette Lodge and features enlightening exhibits and videos for guests to experience. Stand inside a life-size replica of a bald eagle nest, learn the history of the park, plan your hike and more. More…
Check Out a Park Event
Hundreds of events and activities are hosted at Pere Marquette Lodge, Park and in nearby Grafton, IL every year. Look for evidence at a Paranormal Investigation, wet your appetite at a Wine Dinner or find out whodunit at a Dinner Theater! Your adventure starts Here.
Enjoy the Scenic Drive
The Scenic Drive is an enchanting adventure up into the Pere Marquette State Park. Wind your way through the park and discover all it has to offer. Check out the beautiful outlooks and see if you can spot the St. Louis Arch! More…
Hike the Trails
The Pere Marquette State Park Trails are known for heart pounding hills and breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for deer, birds, lizards, cliffs, valleys and wild flowers. More…
Dine in the Restaurant
The Restaurant is famous for its excellent fried chicken and features convenient American cuisine while surrounded by massive timbers and limestone details. Take a window seat and have lunch with the hummingbirds who call Pere Marquette their summer home. More…
Watch for Bald Eagles
Every winter, curious visitors and seasoned Bald Eagle watchers flock to the Pere Marquette to catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures. The majestic eagles flying overhead against the wintry scenic river backdrop is a breathtaking site not to be missed. Check the events page for Eagle Programs. More…
Enjoy the Fall Colors
One of the most spectacular times to visit the park is when the trees are turning and a myriad of gorgeous reds, oranges and yellows paints the trees. Take the scenic drive and discover just how beautiful Fall can be and then join us for our massive Sunday brunch in October. More…
Hunt for Morel Mushrooms
This delicacy is expertly camouflaged and is delicious when breaded and fried. Join us in the Spring and search for these little gems in moist places and around dead elm trees. More…
Rent a Bike
Pere Marquette Lodge is offering bike rental! Now you can tool around the park in style on our beautiful one-speed cruisers. Or you can bring your bike and take on the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail which runs 20 miles along the Great River Road from Pere Marquette State Park to Alton, IL. More…
Picnic on the Grounds
Plenty of picnic areas are available throughout the park, with tables, grills and trash containers provided. Choose to have your lunch on the beautiful front lawn or take the scenic drive for a more elevated dining experience. More…
Set Off on Horseback
Experience a Pere Marquette State Park adventure on Horseback! Make new memories as you meander through the trees with your new-found equine friend. More…
Relax in the Winery
The Mary Michelle Winery is conveniently located in Pere Marquette Lodge and features locally made, award winning Mary Michelle and Illinois Cellar wines. More…
Play a Game
The Lodge is famous for its life size chess set and also has a tennis court, volleyball nets and shuffle board courts. Board games and outdoor equipment can be checked out at the Front Desk.
Catch a Big One
A wide variety of fish attract anglers to the area and the Marina offers easy boat access for those looking to cast a line. Rent a boat
Scale the Bluffs
Experience the thrill of rock climbing in Pere Marquette State Park. Use your own equipment to scale the cliffs and enjoy the view. More…
Tour the Lodge
Built by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this Lodge is an impressive structure of limestone and massive timbers. Along with excellent accommodations, Pere Marquette Lodge also features alife size chess set, a 50ft fireplace, an indoor pool, a Restaurant, a Winery, a conference center, events and more. More…
Enjoy Some Hunting
With over 5,000 acres of public hunting areas, Pere Marquette Park is the ideal location to hunt deer, turkey, squirrel, raccoon, coyote and waterfowl. More…
Camp at Pere Marquette
If you prefer a more earthy experience, Pere Marquette Park has dozens of both electric and primitive camp sites to choose from. More…
Geocache With the Kids
This form of modern day treasure hunting is a favorite with the young and the young at heart. More…
Spy on Birds
Bird watching has become a popular activity in the park as many different species make their homes here. Bald Eagles are known to frequent the area in the winter and songbirds fill the air with their unique songs in the summer. Visitors can also spy thousands of other species of mammals, fish, reptiles, insects and plants.
Rent a Boat
Grafton Harbor offers a wide variety of water craft available for rent any day of the week. More…
Shop the Gift Shop
The Pere Marquette Lodge Gift Shop is open every day of the year and offers a variety of unique gift items for those you left behind.
Pere Marquette State Park
Welcome to the most beautiful park in Illinois with over 8,000-acres of picturesque beauty to explore. Take the Scenic Drive and see why this park near St. Louis, Missouri is famous for the magnificence of its fall colors, its hundreds of wintering bald eagles and its spectacular views of the Illinois River. See below for information concerning the park and it’s features. More …
