Get Lost In A Labyrinth Of Hiking Trails At Pere Marquette State Park In Illinois
By Liz Oliver|Published July 15, 2020
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River is Illinois’ largest state park. At Pere Marquette State Park you will find miles of trails to explore along the river bluffs. Whether you enjoy walking along gentle wooded paths or tackling steep climbs that lead to sweeping views, this park offers something for every hiker!
Pere Marquette State Park was established in 1931 and has been a top destination for nature lovers ever since. The park is the state's largest at 8,050 acres. Visitors can enjoy an overnight stay and great meals at the lodge, hike the many trails, rock climb, ride horses, hunt, fish, or camp all in one park!
Hiking to the top of the river bluffs to take in the views has always been one of the major attractions at the park. For decades visitors have enjoyed the views and the trails.
Today, hikers of all experience levels can find a trail to suit their needs. There are 10 distinctly marked trails and you can tackle one or combine trails for the perfect distance and difficulty level.
All the trails are well maintained and accessible year-round. The paths are nice and wide too, so you won't have to rub elbows with someone passing you along the trail.
A few of the trails can be difficult for those who are inexperienced hikers. There are challenging inclines and long sets of stairs to climb if you're wanting to get to any of the overlooks.
In many places throughout the park, visitors can look out from platforms and shelters across the Mississippi River valley. These vantage points are great places to catch your breath, stretch your legs, and relax among the beauty of nature.
With views like this it's easy to understand why people keep coming back to hike Pere Marquette State Park. On clear days you can see for miles! It's also a wonderful place to see changing leaves in the fall or Bald Eagles in the winter.
Pere Marquette State Park is open to hikers daily from dawn until dusk. Visit their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on events, lodging, dining, and more!
Have you hiked the trails at Pere Marquette State Park? What other activities does your family enjoy at this massive state park? Tell us all about your visit in the comments below!
If you decide to visit Pere Marquette State Park, be sure to save some time to check out the adorable riverfront town of Grafton. Dining on the Mississippi River is just one of the many unique experiences you can have in the Grafton area!
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