
Pere Marquette State Park
Illinois' largest state park, offering stunning river views, historic lodge, and diverse outdoor activities year-round.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers and lush greenery

Pere Marquette State Park
Best Time
Wildflowers and lush greenery

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Illinois' largest state park, offering stunning river views, historic lodge, and diverse outdoor activities year-round.
"Breathtaking views and a grand historic lodge make this a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs."

🎯 Hike early for best views
Beat the heat and humidity, and enjoy clearer overlooks before summer foliage fully blooms.
🚗 Scenic Drive is a must
The drive offers stunning river views and access to multiple overlooks. Free to enter!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Overlooks
Along Scenic Drive
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Illinois River and surrounding bluffs. Best in spring or fall.

Pere Marquette Lodge
Grafton, IL
Historic and grand lodge with rustic charm, onsite dining, and a giant chessboard.

Hiking Trails
Various locations within the park
Diverse trails ranging from easy bike paths to challenging climbs with rewarding views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Lodge & Park Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hike early for best views
Beat the heat and humidity, and enjoy clearer overlooks before summer foliage fully blooms.
🚗 Scenic Drive is a must
The drive offers stunning river views and access to multiple overlooks. Free to enter!
🍽️ Lodge dining experience
Enjoy home-style meals at the lodge restaurant, but consider bringing your own food for picnics.
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Some trails have inclines and can be bumpy; good footwear is essential for comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hike early for best views
Beat the heat and humidity, and enjoy clearer overlooks before summer foliage fully blooms.
🚗 Scenic Drive is a must
The drive offers stunning river views and access to multiple overlooks. Free to enter!
🍽️ Lodge dining experience
Enjoy home-style meals at the lodge restaurant, but consider bringing your own food for picnics.
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Some trails have inclines and can be bumpy; good footwear is essential for comfort.
🦅 Winter eagle spotting
Late winter offers a chance to see migrating eagles along the Illinois River.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pere Marquette State Park for its stunning scenic overlooks, especially during fall, and the historic charm of the lodge. The variety of hiking trails and the free entry are significant draws. Some find the bike path bumpy and note that summer humidity can be intense, impacting outdoor activity comfort.
"While we were here, it was >90 degrees every day and >80% humidity. That meant we were active outside in the morning. The trails up around Scenic Road were mostly well maintained, and the hikes, enjoyable. The views from the lookouts were very pretty.
We stayed at the lodge. The rooms were comfortable and (thank heavens) well air conditioned. Nice place to host a gathering. The restaurant there serves tasty home-style meals in a kind of rustic atmosphere.
The lodge itself is historic and beautiful."
Da Si
"We stayed for 3 days when we arrived n the weekend campground was full. Sunday like most parks , empties out. We did the inner loop hike of 4 mile. Does have some incline but doable. The overlooks are good until the leaves are out. Wildflowers are starting. We also did the bike path, very bumpy. Not a fan. They have a nice campground host that’s quite helpful. We did have a situation they couldn’t help with but sent us to the right people. The supervisor and staff were more than helpful, can’t thank them enough. Did the scenic drive, lodge and visitor center. Enjoyed it."
Celeste Lewis-Bradley
"We like to hike the steep trails to train for mountain climbing. The museum is small but nice. Make sure to open the bee door to see the hive. The lodge is grand and beautiful! The river views are spectacular!"
Aaron Mclean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pere Marquette State Park is located in Grafton, Illinois, about an hour from St. Louis. The drive along the Great River Road is scenic. Many visitors drive their own vehicles, and parking is available throughout the park and at the lodge.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It is best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if coming from nearby cities like St. Louis, though availability within the park may vary.
The Great River Road (Illinois Route 100) offers a beautiful and direct route to Pere Marquette State Park, especially from the south. It provides stunning views of the Mississippi River.
The closest major airport is St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), approximately an hour's drive from the park. From the airport, you would typically rent a car to reach Pere Marquette.
The park has a main scenic drive with clearly marked overlooks and trailheads. The visitor center and lodge are central points for information and orientation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pere Marquette State Park is free to enter. You can drive the scenic loop and access most trails and overlooks without any admission cost.
The park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk. The Pere Marquette Lodge and its restaurant have specific operating hours, which are best checked on their official website.
You do not need to book tickets for park entry. However, if you plan to stay at the Pere Marquette Lodge or dine there, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
The park and lodge occasionally host special events, particularly during fall and winter. Check the Illinois DNR website or the lodge's event calendar for any scheduled activities or ranger-led programs.
The park's visitor center and the Pere Marquette Lodge are good sources of information. You can also check the Illinois DNR website for any alerts or closures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
For great views, try the trails around Scenic Road. The 4-mile inner loop hike offers inclines and good overlooks, though they are best seen when leaves aren't out.
The park offers a variety of trails with different mileage and difficulty levels.Activities include hiking, horseback riding, birding, hunting, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. The scenic drive and overlooks are also popular.
Absolutely! The scenic overlooks offer stunning vistas, especially during spring and fall foliage. The lodge itself is also very photogenic.
Yes, the park offers easier trails and open spaces. The lodge's giant chessboard is a fun attraction for kids. However, some steeper trails may require closer supervision.
Amenities include campgrounds, picnic areas, a visitor center, and the Pere Marquette Lodge with its restaurant and amenities. Restrooms are available at various points.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Pere Marquette Lodge offers a restaurant serving home-style meals in a rustic atmosphere.
You can also find picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own food.While prices can vary, the lodge restaurant is generally considered reasonably priced for a park lodge, offering good value for its home-style meals.
Specific dietary options can vary. It's best to check the current menu or call the lodge directly to inquire about vegetarian or vegan choices.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas within the park where you can enjoy your own food. This is a great option for budget-conscious visitors.
The nearby town of Grafton offers additional dining options, ranging from casual eateries to more established restaurants, providing more variety.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and more dramatic colors. Golden hour is particularly stunning over the river.
The scenic overlooks along Scenic Drive are prime spots. The Pere Marquette Lodge itself, with its rustic architecture, is also a popular subject.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and general shots. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant details, and a wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive river views.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check with park management if you have specific professional photography plans.
Fall offers vibrant foliage, making it a favorite for many photographers. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery. Winter can provide dramatic, stark landscapes and opportunities for eagle photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some of the steeper trails might require extra supervision, the scenic drive offers plenty of opportunities for quick stops to enjoy the views without strenuous hiking. The lodge restaurant provides a family-friendly dining option, and the overall atmosphere of the park is welcoming for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the Pere Marquette Lodge offers lodging and dining, consider camping in the park's campground for a more economical stay. Alternatively, focus your visit on daytime activities like hiking and sightseeing, and explore dining options in the nearby town of Grafton for more variety and potentially lower prices than the lodge restaurant.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best light, aim for golden hour in the early morning or late afternoon. Consider bringing a versatile lens kit, perhaps a wide-angle for sweeping landscapes and a telephoto for capturing wildlife or distant details. Be aware that summer foliage can sometimes obscure the views from the overlooks, so spring and fall are often preferred for their clarity and color.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Pere Marquette
More adventurous hikers can tackle trails with steeper inclines, which are excellent for training and offer a rewarding sense of accomplishment. While some trails are well-maintained, others, like the bike path, can be quite bumpy, so wearing appropriate footwear is crucial. The park's website or visitor center can provide detailed trail maps and difficulty ratings to help you choose the perfect hike for your visit. Remember to carry water, especially during warmer months, and be aware of changing weather conditions.
Beyond traditional hiking, the park also offers opportunities for horseback riding, adding another dimension to exploring its natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, Pere Marquette's trails provide an immersive experience in nature.
The Historic Pere Marquette Lodge
One of the unique features of the lodge is its giant chessboard, a playful attraction that delights visitors of all ages. The lodge also houses a restaurant known for its tasty, home-style meals served in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. While the lodge provides a great dining option, some visitors suggest bringing your own food for picnics to enjoy amidst the park's natural beauty.
The lodge's proximity to the Illinois River offers spectacular views, and in late winter, it's a prime location for spotting migrating eagles. Its historical significance and picturesque setting make it a must-visit, whether you're staying overnight or just stopping by for a meal or a photo opportunity.
Seasonal Wonders: Fall Colors and Winter Eagles
While fall is a visual feast, winter brings its own unique magic. From late winter, the park becomes a haven for migrating bald eagles. The Illinois River provides a crucial wintering ground for these majestic birds, and spotting them soaring overhead or perched in trees is an unforgettable experience. The stark winter landscape can also be quite beautiful, offering a different perspective on the park's natural grandeur.
Spring offers a gentler beauty with blooming wildflowers and the fresh green of new growth, while summer provides lush scenery, though the heat and humidity can be intense. Each season offers a distinct charm, encouraging repeat visits to experience the park's ever-changing natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit