Things To Do

  • Family Vacation St louis
    Tour the Lodge

    Built by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps in Grafton, Illinois , this Lodge is an impressive structure of limestone and massive timbers. Along with excellent accommodations, Pere Marquette Lodge also features a life size chess set, a 50ft fireplace, an indoor pool, a Restaurant, a Winery, a conference center, events and More…

  • Winery at Pere Marquette Lodge
    Relax in the Winery

    The Mary Michelle Winery is conveniently located in the historic Pere Marquette Lodge.  As a premier Grafton winery, the Mary Michelle Winery is proud to produce locally made, award winning Mary Michelle and Illinois Cellars wines.  More…

  • Pere Marquette Restaurant
    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.   More…

  • Nightlife in grafton and alton
    Enjoy the Nightlife

    Spice up your stay with these area hotspots featuring everything from live music & dancing to dueling pianos. More…

  • Marina Grafton Illinois
    Rent a Boat

    The Grafton Harbor offers a wide variety of water craft available for rent any day of the week.  More…

  • Events close to st louis
    Visit a Lodge Event

    Hundreds of events and activities are hosted at Pere Marquette Lodge, Park and in nearby Grafton, IL every year. Your adventure starts Here.

  • visitors_Center
    Check Out the Visitors Center

    The Visitor’s Center is located next to Pere Marquette Lodge and features enlightening exhibits and videos for guests to experience. More…

  • Lodge Gift Shop
    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.

  • beautiful driver close to st louis
    Enjoy the Scenic Drive

    The Scenic Drive is an enchanting adventure up into Pere Marquette State Park. Check out the beautiful outlooks and see if you can spot the St. Louis Arch! More…

  • Family Vacation St
    Hike the Trails

    The Pere Marquette State Park Trails are known for heart pounding hills and breathtaking views. Approximately 12 miles of marked trails provide hiking to beginners and experienced hikers alike. Lush forests, towering bluffs, and an abundance of wildlife provide the perfect backdrop for your outing. Maps are available at the Visitor Center.

  • Biking Grafton River Road
    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 for $10 per hour or $40 for the day.  Call the Front Desk at 618-786-2331 ext. 0 for more info.  Or you can bring your bike and take on the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail which runs 20 miles along the Great River Road. More…

  • picnic at Pere Marquette Park
    Picnic on the Grounds

    Plenty of picnic areas are available throughout the park, with tables, grills and trash containers provided. More…

  • horseback riding Grafton
    Take the Trails on Horseback

    Experience a Pere Marquette State Park adventure on horseback and see the park like never before. More…

  • Things to do in grafton illinois
    Play the Game

    The Lodge is famous for its life size chess set and also has a tennis court, volleyball net and a shuffle board court.  Board games and outdoor equipment can be checked out at the Front Desk.

  • indoor pool grafton il
    Splish Splash in Our Indoor Pool

    Our pool is located in an atrium style room which also has a sauna, hot tub, workout room, towel service, vaulted ceilings, and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the Illinois River. More…

  • Riverboat cruises st louis
    Cruise the Rivers

    Hop aboard the Hakuna Matata Tour Boat for a fun & educational 45 minute ramble up & down & all around the river! More…

  • Shopping in grafton illinois
    Shop Til You Drop

    The Pere Marquette Lodge Gift Shop is open every day of the year with more shopping available in nearby Grafton, IL.  More…

  • Ziplining in Grafton illinois
    Experience the Zipline

    This Zipline Adventure has 9 zips covering a total of 1 ¾ miles on a two hour tour.  More…

  • Raging Rivers Water Park Grafton
    Embrace Your Inner Kid at Raging Rivers Waterpark

    Stay at the Lodge and take advantage of a great value with our Raging Rivers Package. More…

  • Pick your own produce
    Pick Your Own Produce at Eckert’s

    Open mid July through October, Eckert’s encourages you to pick your own blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins. Check their website for dates when animals will be available for petting, feeding and even riding! More…

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Close to st louis
    Find Out Who Dun It at A Mystery Dinner

    These side-splitting comedy shows are an excellent way to unwind and tickle your funny bone.  See Jest Mysteries for more about the shows and check out our events page for upcoming dates. More…

  • ghost hunters st louis
    Find a Ghost at a Paranormal Investigation

    Step into a real paranormal investigation as we examine the claims of Pere Marquette Lodge. See the events page for upcoming dates. More…

  • Boat Rides near st louis
    Ride the Ferries

    Take the Brussels Ferry and enjoy a peaceful ride into Calhoun County, IL which is known for the beauty of its rolling hills and fresh produce. The ferry is located between Grafton and Pere Marquette State Park, is open 24 hours a day and is free to ride.

  • Barn Owl Grafton
    Meet the Residents of the Wildlife Center

    Take a self-guided tour and meet the resident birds of prey and other wildlife at Treehouse Wildlife Center.  More…

  • st louis golf getaway
    Golf Like a Pro

    Tee off just minutes from the Lodge at Wolves Crossing. If you want to play golf at a course that guarantees you use every club in your bag, this is the course for you.  More…

  • St Louis vacation
    Visit Lewis & Clark State Historic Site

    This site features a 55-foot full scale replica of the keel boat used by Lewis and Clark as well as many other educational exhibits and videos. More…

  • st louis historical getaway
    Enjoy the View at the Confluence Towers

    This guided tour features panoramic views and educational highlights just 30 minutes south of the Lodge. More…

  • st louis historic getaway
    Learn New Things at the Great Rivers Museum

    This museum, located at the lock and dam is just 30 minutes south of the Lodge, features historical, ecological and commercial exhibits. More…

  • historic stay at pere marquette
    Visit an Ancient Civilization at Cahokia Mounds

    Known as one of the greatest cities of the world, Cahokia was larger in 1250AD than London is today. More…

  • Fishing grafton illinois
    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.  Lodge guests can borrow a rod and reel from the Front Desk during their stay.  Bait and an Illinois Fishing License can be purchased at the bait shop in Grafton. Rent a boat

  • advernture near st louis
    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…

  • hunting close to st louis
    Hunt the Legend

    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…

  • camping close to st louis
    Enjoy Quality Time at the Group Camps

    If you prefer a more earthy experience, Pere Marquette Park has dozens of both electric and primitive camp sites to choose from. 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.

  • Pere Marquette fall
    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.

  • Bald Eagle head and feathers
    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 Watching Programs.  More…

  • morel hunting close to st louis
    Hunt for Morel Mushrooms

    This springtime delicacy is expertly camouflaged and is delicious when breaded and fried. More…

  • fun things to do with the family close to st louis
    Geocache With the Kids

    This form of modern day treasure hunting is a favorite with the young and the young at heart. More…

  • Piasa Bird and Pere Marquette
    Meet the Legendary Piasa Bird

    This local legend can still be found painted on the bluffs along the river road about twenty miles from the park towards Alton, IL. More…