The 8000-Acre State Park In Illinois That Stands Out From The Rest
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published November 01, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Though it is the largest state park in Illinois, not everyone is familiar with Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton. Its size and vast amenities make it a cut above the rest, and it’s about time you found out what all it has to offer.
There’s more to do at this natural oasis than you can fit in one day. Scroll on to learn all about it.
Pere Marqette State Park spans 8,050 acres of Southern Illinois at the convergence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. This park is nestled in the final curve of the Illinois River before it becomes a part of the largest river in the nation.
Located north of Grafton, the Land of Lincoln's largest state park is a fabulous place to visit anytime of year. Activities like horseback riding, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, biking, and hiking can be enjoyed here.
If you love amazing views and wildlife, this will be your favorite state park. Visitors can spot bald eagles in late winter as well as 230 other species of bird. While much of the park is protected, there is a 2,000-acre area for hunting wild turkey, deer, and squirrels.
The best way to enjoy the sights at Pere Marquette State Park is to explore the 12 miles of marked trails. Especially during autumn, everywhere your eyes land, they'll find beauty and wonder.
Founded in 1931, the park was named for a Jesuit priest who explored the Mississippi River in 1673 and who is known as the first European to map this southern section of the Illinois River. He used the river to travel between the Mississippi and the Great Lakes.
If you wish to spend more time in this park, there are several ways to enjoy an extended stay. In addition to camping, there is a lodge and surrounding cabins that were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Built by the Civilian Conservative Corps in the 1930s, the absolute best place to stay in Illinois' largest state park is the Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center, which you can learn more about from previous coverage here.
Pere Marquette State Park is located where the Great River Road and the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway come together. Stop by this one-of-a-kind park anytime the sun is up for a full day of nature you won't soon forget.
Pere Marquette State Park is located at 13112 Visitor Center Ln., Grafton, IL 62037, and you can learn more about it on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
If you’ve ever been to the largest state park in Illinois, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
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