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A Traveler's Guide to

Pere Marquette State Park

First off, you might wonder where the state park gets its name. Well, that would come from one of the earliest European explorers by the name of Father (Pere) Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest. And there you have it, a park named after a French missionary.


Really, the vast park is a wonderful place to spend time outdoors and just appreciate nature. These days, when it feels like the world is all fear and chaos, Pere Marquette park is apart from all that. It’s a place of serenity. A place where you can feel peace, or engage in a vigorous activity. Whatever you choose to do, the park is ideal to recharge and reconnect with nature.

A man is walking a dog on a path in the woods.

why visit the park?

It is the largest state park in Illinois; it’s close to Grafton; and people love the park for its size and the number of activities you can do. This park has it all: 200+ campsites, a beach, a nature center with exhibits, hiking trails, two golf courses, and multiple campgrounds with fire pits where you can socialize with friends. It’s a favorite spot for people in Illinois who enjoy being outside.


Things to do at the Park

Reconnect with nature through Pere Marquette park. Covering 8, 050 acres of land, you can do just about any kind of outdoor activity you want. We don’t need to cite any studies proving the benefits nature has for us. People inherently know we should get outside more often to increase our mental and physical health.

So, when you stay in Grafton, Illinois, we highly recommend visiting Pere Marquette — even if it’s a leisurely walk near the river. You’ll feel recharged by all the natural beauty around you.


Here’s a list of outdoor activities you can enjoy at Pere Marquette State Park:


  • Biking Trails: The park has one dedicated trail to bike riding, the Sam Vadalabene trail, which is twenty 20 miles long and extends from Alto City to Pere Marquette park. The entire trail is paved, and it's located parallel to the Meeting of the Great River National Scenic Byway. The route for cyclists goes through places like Grafton and Elash, and there are plenty of stops for rest and refreshments.


  • Boating and Fishing: Boating is a popular activity on the Illinois River. There is ample parking and launching ramps along the river, with courtesy docks available during bad weather. Anglers also love fishing the river, with its wide variety of bluegill, carp, catfish, largemouth bass and white bass. The annual Family Fishing Fair in June attracts anglers of all levels and is a great way to introduce younger children to fishing.


  • Camping: The park has many campsites available, everything from primitive tent camping to full hookup sites with electricity and water. The park is a popular camping area. Find a nice, secluded spot and enjoy a day or two of natural wilderness.


  • Horseback Riding Trails: 20 miles of equestrian trails wind through Pere Marquette State Park. You don’t have to own a horse in order to ride the trails. Riding stables near the park gives anyone the chance to experience a horse ride through the lush park forests. Riders of all skill levels are welcome at the riding stables. Visit the stables >


  • Hiking: Twelve miles of hiking trails run through Pere Marquette park. Hiking is a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park. With hikes like McAdams Peak Trail, you can still enjoy a moderately challenging hike in solitude on the right days. Pets are welcome on the trail, but they must be leashed for safety reasons. Keep in mind you’re not limited to one trail, and you can easily access any of them.


  • Rock Climbing: The impressive limestone bluffs and formations of Pere Marquette attract many rock climbing enthusiasts. Designated areas are set aside for rappelling and climbing.


  • Eagle/Bird Watching: The park is a Bald Eagle hotspot. Once endangered, these magnificent birds have surged back to become one of the largest populations in the country. About 230 different bird species nest within the boundaries of the park, or fly over the region. Here’s your chance to view nature at its best.


  • Picnicking: Feel like a leisurely day at the park? A picnic is the answer. Pere Marquette has many areas available with tables, grills, and trash containers — simply throw out a blanket on a spot of grass and relax.


  • Pere Marquette Lodge: Built in the 1930s, much of the Pere Marquette Lodge is constructed from limestone and timber. The lodge contains 50 guest rooms, 22 stone guest cabin rooms, a cocktail lounge, gift shop, swimming pool and more. It’s an awe-inspiring structure worth visiting.



Is Pere Marquette Park Worth It?

For our guests at Spring Hollow, who want to see the beauty of the Illinois landscape, we highly recommend visiting Pere Marquette park. The state park is a quick jaunt from Grafton. You can easily spend a whole day or more exploring the park and all of its attractions. We know you’ll love the natural wonders of our state.


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