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Pere Marquette State Park is a nature lover's paradise. In addition to enjoying the spectacular views 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 has a 3-D map of the park and wealth of other displays and exhibits concerning the Illinois River, wildlife habitat, local history and geology.
Fall color drives are popular along the wooded ravines and riverside roadways at and near Pere Marquette. In January and February, the park is a hot-spot for bald eagle watching. For many years, the park has hosted tours of the river bluffs and woods for visitors to get an up-close look at wintering bald eagles in the hundreds along the Mississippi River and lower Illinois River near the park.
Campers will find plenty to like at Pere Marquette, from camp sites and cabins to the popular Youth Tent Camp and three group camps. Campground reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL.
The beautiful Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center is an ideal place to stay for a weekend or weekday getaway. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lodge has been expanded and updated in recent years. 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.
While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
Pere Marquette State Park is located on Ilinois Route 100 (The Great River Road), about 18 miles west of Alton, Illinois. From Chicago: Take I-55 South to Exit 52 at Litchfield, IL Rt 16. Take Rt 16 West approx 49 miles to Jct of IL Rt 100. Proceed south on Rt 100 approximately 10 miles to the park. From St. Louis: Take I-270 North to US Hwy 367 North to Alton. Turn left on IL 143, proceed to 3rd stop light at IL Rt 100 and turn left. Take Rt 100 approximately 18 miles to the park.
Great well marked trails, clean bathrooms, not too crowded, awesome information center with a live bee hive. Found a good trail for a family of 4 (6-8 yr old kids).
Great hike, light rain. Not too muddy and the leaves covered what mud there was. We did the outer look and a couple shorter trails. All exceptionally well marked. Some of the structures would use some maintenance (ridge trail), but it did not detract from the hike.
I came here this morning to check out this state park, and by the looks of it (I have not done any of its hiking trails, just the scenic views), it is a massive park with plenty of hiking trails to see and do. The next time I come here, I'll be hiking with my pup starting early in the morning. It's totally worth checking out and exploring.
This was so relaxing. We went to the Eagle Roost trail. Seen some nice things. The overlook was a little rubbish but still good. The sunset was nothing short of Amazing. Was going to camp but an emergency came up. I will be returning. Over 8,000 acres to explore...
Drove down for Eagle watch. The visitors center was very nice the staff were kind, helpful and happily answered all our questions. There is an active beehive in the building. There are maps of the extensive hiking trails. Found they have Eagle watch tours and will keep that in mind for next year. We had lunch at the lodge, and the meal was great. Our server Erica was kind and helpful with my dietary needs. The building is amazing and there are also cabins to rent. There is also a campground on-site. The drive to the park from Alton is beautiful with the river on one side and the bluffs on the other. You could see the eagles coming off the bluffs and flying overhead. Ample parking at the visitor center and lodge.
