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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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USA Parks
Illinois
Southwestern Region
Pere Marquette State Park
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Pere Marquette State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Late August
Pere Marquette State Park Webb © Lisa Hinklin
Pere Marquette State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Pere Marquette State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Pere Marquette State Park © Lisa Hinklin
Pere Marquette State Park © Joseph C Tury
Pere Marquette State Park © Joseph C Tury
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PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK
PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK
Route 100, P.O. Box 158
Grafton, Illinois   62037

Phone: 618-786-3323
Reservations: 618-786-3323
Email: park email button icon
A nature-lover's paradise, this 8,000-acre park is famous for the exceptional beauty of its fall colors and for its bald eagles during the winter. In addition to enjoying the spectacular view of the Illinois River and its backwaters from several points atop the bluffs, visitors can take advantage of a variety of year-round recreational opportunities, including horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating.

Pere Marquette's Visitor Center, opened in October 1997, welcomes you with a three-dimensional map of the park, a 300-gallon aquarium, and wealth of other displays and exhibits concerning the Illinois River, wildlife habitat, local history, and geology.
History of the Area
The history of Pere Marquette State Park centers around that of the Illinois River. The forces that formed the river can be traced to ancient glaciers that pushed their way down over most of Illinois, but stopped just short of the park land. In the path of the glaciers and their meltwaters, a rich network of streams and rivers were formed, and tons of soil and bedrock were ground to dust which rose and blew up against the hillsides. These ancient layers of wind-blown soil, called Loess (pronounced "less") can be seen along the roads and trails of Pere Marquette.

Gradual climate changes over thousands of years made the region an ideal environment for prairie grasses and plants which eventually covered two-thirds of Illinois. Deciduous forest, dominated by oak and hickory, held their ground along rivers, streams and upland hills protected from prairie fires.

Throughout the hills, ravines, and prairies, native American people hunted game, gathered food, and later made homes. Archaeologists describe six native American cultures common to this region. Evidence of their presence here have been found in the form of fragments of pottery, spear points, and planting tools. Burial mounds also are distributed throughout the park, including one atop McAdams Peak.

When Europeans began to explore the Illinois country, most of the Native Americans they met were members of the Illini tribe. The first of these explorers, in 1673, was a group led by Louis Joliet, a cartographer, and Pere (Father) Jacques Marquette, a french Jesuit missionary. Marquette and Joliet, accompanied by French voyageurs, paddled down the Mississippi River in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean. On the Mississippi Bluffs, they encountered something which has become a local legend: "we saw . . two painted monsters which at first made us afraid and upon which the boldest savages dare not long rest their eyes." They learned that the creature was part bird, with the face of a man, scales like a fish, horns like a deer, a long black tail. The creature was called Piasa. A representation of the Piasa Bird is still maintained in paint on the bluffs about twenty miles from the park.

Learning from the Native Americans that the Mississippi River emptied into the Gulf of Mexico, Marquette and Joliet turned back, returning by way of the Illinois River and stopping near what is now Pere Marquette State Park. A large stone cross east of the park entrance commemorates their historic landing here.

Generations later, local civic groups sought to preserve this land by the river as a state park. They raised money and were successful in persuading the state to match their funds for the purchase of the land in 1931. The newly created state park was to be called Piasa Bluffs. By popular demand, it was soon renamed Pere Marquette State Park in honor of the adventurous French missionary.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
If you prefer a more rustic experience, Pere Marquette offers a wide range of camping opportunities:

Our Class A campground has 80 sites, two of which are handicap accessible. Sites have electrical hookups, with a sanitary dump station, drinking water, and a shower building available on the grounds. Sites 2-30 are available for reservation from May through October. The nearby Class B tent camping area also has access to the shower building.

Within the Class A campground, the park offers two Rent-A-Camp cabins Rent-A-Camp cabin.

Popular among scout groups is the Youth Tent Camp Area, also known as Duncan Hill. This separate campground offers a picnic shelter and tables, pit-type toilets, and drinking water.

For large organized groups, Pere Marquette operates three Organized Group Camps. Camp Potawatomi accommodates 68 campers; Camp Piasa and Camp Ouatoga will each accommodate 145. All three camps feature fully-equipped kitchens and dining rooms, lighted sleeping cabins with cots and mattresses, and restroom facilities with warm showers and flush toilets. Camps Piasa and Ouatoga also feature swimming pools.

Reservations for all types of camping are accepted by mail only beginning on the first working day in January. Reservations may be made by telephone or in person beginning February 1st. We accept MasterCard and Visa for all fees. Contact our Visitor Center for more information.
Lodge
Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center was originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, but has been expanded and updated in recent years. Today, native stone and rustic timbers of the original Lodge blend with the new to provide first class accommodations in an historical setting. The mammoth stone fireplace in the lobby soars to a roof height of 50 feet, and is said to weigh 700 tons.

There are 50 spacious guest rooms and 22 stone guest cabin rooms. Among the facilities available are a cocktail lounge, gift shop, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, saunas, game room and tennis court.

Pere Marquette Lodge provides elegant dining, with a Sunday brunch that draws people from Missouri as well as Illinois. The dining room seats 150 people and offers a choice of family style dining or selections from the menu.

The 2,900 square-foot conference center has banquet facilities to accommodate 300, and a comprehensive selection of audio/visual equipment. The center breaks into four separate meeting rooms.

For more information or reservations, write Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center, Route 100, PO Box 429, Grafton, IL 62037, or call (618) 786-2331, fax (618) 786-3498.
Boating
Launching ramps and ample parking provide access to the river, with courtesy docks available when weather conditions and river levels permit. Future plans include a full-service marina.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy river fishing, with species like catfish, carp and drum. Smallmouth bass is also a popular catch.

The park's waters are home to bluegill and crappie too.

Fishing from the shoreline or boat ramps is permitted year-round for avid fishermen.

Remember that Illinois state law requires all anglers over 16 years old must have valid licenses.



Picnicking
Plenty of picnic areas are available throughout the park, with tables, grills and trash containers provided. Three picnic shelters are available, and may be reserved. A fee is required to reserve shelters.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, a 20-mile path along the scenic Illinois River. However, be aware that this trail is shared with pedestrians and motorists.

The park's terrain varies from flat to hilly; cyclists should exercise caution on steep inclines or rough surfaces.

Mountain bikers might find limited options as off-road biking isn't allowed within the area due to conservation efforts.

While there are no bike rentals available onsite, nearby towns offer rental services for visitors without their own equipment.

Remember: safety gear such as helmets and reflective clothing is highly recommended when cycling in any public space.

Lastly, always respect wildlife by keeping your distance and not disturbing animals you may encounter during your ride.
Trails
Hiking:

Approximately 12 miles of marked trails provide scenic hiking to beginners and experienced hikers alike. Lush forests, towering bluffs, and an abundance of wildlife provide the perfect backdrop for your outing. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center.

Horseback Riding

Pere Marquette Riding Stables are open for trail rides from April through October, weather permitting, and by reservation only from November through March. For more information or to make a reservation, call (618) 786-2156.

If you have a horse of your own, the park offers about 20 miles of equestrian trails with a parking area for your trailers on Graham Hollow Road. The trails to the west of Graham Hollow are open year-round. The trails east of Graham Hollow will be closed during certain seasons of the year. These areas will be posted when closed.

Bike Trail

The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs from Pere Marquette State Park to the City of Alton, approximately 20 miles. The entire trail is paved, and a map is available showing the location of historic sites, restaurants, and other local attractions.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities, with over 230 species recorded. It's known for winter eagle watching. Birders can also spot songbirds and waterfowl during migration seasons in spring and fall.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 9 A hikers paradise. by mark
park review stars; one to five The most beautiful area in the park is on the east side of Graham Hollow Road.It is truly a hikers paradise.I have visited this area in the park hundreds of times since the early 1980s.It is a challenging area with lofty ridges and deep narrow valleys hiding crystal clear little streams that empty into the Illinois river.It is a beautiful wilderness.
February 2 Great day eagle watching by Mary
park review stars; one to five Eagle watching trip. Was great! Very informative, and our guide drove around the back roads places that you never would think of being able to go, it made eagle watching so much fun. We seen so many eagles. Our group came from many states and I know that they will take the day back with them and spread what a wonderful time they had at Pere Marquette. A big THANKS to the wonderful staff.
July 25 a great place to spend a day
park review stars; one to five
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