Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois, United States

4.5 (132 reviews) Spent Ranking #3 in Grafton State Parks

Picturesque park with beautiful lodge

We went to Grafton for a day trip and heard this park was worth the short trip up Illinois 100 - Illinois River Road. We were able to see the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. The park itself is very pretty, several trails and pullouts for those driving. The lodge is a work of art... built in 1930s by CCC, it features beautiful stone fireplace and large cedar logs from Oregon. Visitors center is very informative, with several exhibits on local history and ecology. We saw the large campground and equine center while touring, and both looked nice. Plan to come back when we have more time - maybe in the winter during Bald Eagle season.

Address

13112 Visitor Center Ln, Grafton, IL 62037-2481

Current local date and time now

Sunday, May 12, 2024, 3:47

User Ratings

4.5 based on (132 reviews)

Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%

Reviews

  • 5Cryptic_Tourist 5:00 PM Aug 20, 2021
    Great Hiking!
    My husband and I finally got a chance to come out and hike here and we loved it. There’s some great elevation gains (for Illinois anyway) and you’ll get some nice views of the river from McAdam’s Peak. We picked a two mile trail and it took us just about an hour to complete with stopping to take photos and admire the nature. There’s lots of parking and it appears to be relatively empty on weeknights, we didn’t see any other hikers. Can’t wait to go back!
  • 41066Gee 5:00 PM Jan 12, 2020
    Wonderful scenic drive.
    Despite the snowy weather was able to safety drive along the clearly signposted Scenic Route. This offers wonderful views and a definite connection to nature no matter what time of year. Unfortunately the Park Information Lodge, I am reliably informed, is rarely open which is definitely a minus mark for the Park management but it doesn't detract from the benefits the Park provides. There are convenient raised viewing areas that you can access easily and drive upto with parking available off the Scenic Route. All in all a wonderful experience and one to be tried if you cone to visit. ??

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