Pere Marquette State Park RV & Campground Guide

Inside Pere Marquette State Park

One of the most fascinating things to see at Pere Marquette would be to visit during the the Bald Eagle Days and try to spot the hundreds of nesting bald eagles. If bird-watching isn’t your thing, this park has no shortage of fantastic accessibility to outdoor activities. Here are few of the options you may have while visiting:

• Pere Marquette Bald Eagle Days: Eagles may be spotted in the treetops along the Illinois River from December to March and there is a guided tour!

• Bike Trail: The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs from Pere Marquette State Park to the City of Alton, approximately 20 miles south of the park. The entire trail is paved.

• Bird Watching: The location of this park allows many opportunities to view the national bird, the bald eagle. About 230 species of birds have been identified within, at the boundaries of, or flying over Pere Marquette State Park. A checklist has been prepared by local birders, in cooperation with the IDNR, and is available at the Visitor Center. Popular locations for bird watching are Stump Lake, in the river bottoms, and McAdams Peak and other overlooks along the park's scenic roadway.

• Boating and Fishing: Bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, drum, largemouth bass and white bass, attract anglers to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Launching ramps with courtesy docks available when weather conditions and river levels permit. 

• Camping: For visitors who prefer a rustic experience, Pere Marquette offers a wide range of camping opportunities.

• Hiking: Approximately 12 miles of marked trails provide scenic hiking to beginners and experienced hikers alike. Lush forests, towering bluffs, and an abundance of wildlife provide the perfect backdrop for your outing. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center.

• Horseback Riding: The park offers about 20 miles of equestrian trails with a parking area for trailers on Graham Hollow Road. The trails to the west of Graham Hollow are open year-round. The trails east of Graham Hollow will be closed during certain seasons of the year. These areas will be posted when closed. Pere Marquette Riding Stables is open for trail rides every day except Tuesday, weather permitting, from May through October but you should call for a reservation.

• Hunting: The 2,000-acre public hunting area located off Graham Hollow Road and another 1,344 acres is available for public hunting at Copperhead Hollow Wildlife Area, located on Nutwood Road, approximately 5 miles north of the park. All hunters using the Public Hunting Areas at Graham Hollow Road or Copperhead Hollow must obtain a free permit at the Visitor Center. 

• Picnicking: Plenty of picnic areas are available throughout the park, with tables, grills and trash containers provided. Three picnic shelters are available, and may be reserved for a fee.

• Rock Climbing: Pere Marquette State Park offers highly featured limestone formations that experienced rock climbers find great for climbing. Rappelling and climbing at Pere Marquette State Park is permitted ONLY in the designated climbing area. A majority of the recreational rappelling and climbing routes at the park are bolted sport routes, with the exception of a few cracks, which are equipped with top anchors.