Reviews of Pere Marquette State Park (Park)

Suzanne Joiner

Great park. Very affordable. Nice staff. I would give them 5 stars but the fresh water pump didn't work and it would be nice if campers could use the pool in the lodge... especially since the river was flooded and you couldn't use it for much.

Mike

One of the finest walking parks in the midwest, views of the river are unequaled. With a little luck you can spot a Bald Eagle.. amazing. The Lodge is a great place to catch lunch.. relaxed atmosphere.

Allan Hagin

Great hikes, not too long but moderate to challenging. Lodge dining room has a good variety of sandwiches and entrees. Nothing exotic, but good tasting staples, including the pot roast and the fried chicken. Service was prompt and attentive when we were there for lunch.

Ellen McGrory

Unfortunately, when we visited, quite a bit of the park was washed out and therefore it kept visitors away. It was like an abandonment. What we did see was very nice. There was a beautiful lodge and restaurant as well as a small church and cemetary on the property. We did not have enough time to visit any hiking trails but we will try to come back during drier times.

Alyssa Nail

This was my first time hiking at Pere Marquette. The trails offer beautiful views, even on a cold January day. I was a little disappointed by the lack of markings indicating trail heads. We drove through the park and found a ton of scenic overlooks, but had a little trouble finding the trail we wanted. Once we got started and got out on the trails, they were pretty well marked and easy to navigate. I will definitely be back to do more exploring and see how the views change with the seasons. I love that this park can be explored year round!

Shawna Forrest

Nice place to take a great nature walk

D J

Some nice hiking trails and scenic drive. Great view of the river. Worth the drive.

ishwor marahatta

This is beautiful and peaceful place. They have very helpful staffs at visitor center. I enjoyed my trip. Highly recommend for anyone to visit this place.

benicetomeok

Pere Marquette is one of my all time favorites for hiking, and being able to get a nice meal with wine afterwards. The information center provides a nice historical, interpretative resource to see before heading out on the trails. I recommend the Goat's Trail for new hikers trying it out. It begins at the far Northern end of the visitors center parking lot. The trails are medium to high level of difficulty depending on your fitness level because of the hills. You may want to carry a bottle of water especially on warmer days. No facilities on the trail. The trails can be quite muddy after a rain. I have not stayed at the Lodge.

Mary

Comfortable large commons room with river view. Comfortable rooms,. Good food reasonably priced and great hiking trails.

Scott Grimes

Always a nice place to take family

Patty Tibbles

Such a well-kept park, trails are great!

Charles Turnbull

Great place to take the family on a hike. The restaurant also has great food. The lodge has plenty of activities.

Colin Cummings

Beautiful place for hiking and taking pictures. On site camping as well

Brian Manning

Nice park. Most trails all very hilly.

Jonathan Haverstick

Great area with many trails. Did the goat Cliff trail and was very pretty. Was flooded at the end but that just added to pretty it was really

PJ K

Great campgrounds, awesome hiking and scenic overlooks, even have a crag for rock climbing.

Constance Johnson

Great place to hike.

BTDT_Chino

Great little piece of history with outstanding views.

Sarah Sue Kasch

Pere Marquette State Park is aways a good place to visit. Even when The Great River Road is flooded. You just go in the back way.

Steven Pfettscher

While camping at the nearby campground we decided to try to lodge for dinner one evening. Great service...but do not order one of their beef steaks. Very poor quality of cut....mostly fat and bone on the T-bone and alot of gristle on the strip steak. Cook missed the doneness level by a long shot. Didn't return them for further cooking though. They best thing on the menu is the fried chicken.

Taylor Tipton

Fun outdoor environment. Not over crowded, super peaceful time!

Angela Bennett

Challenging trails. Decent food in the historic lodge. Worth the drive.

Kory Sepos

Nice place to camp

Greg Linscott

A favorite place of our family to enjoy the outdoors. The Goat Cliff trail is a highlight.

Jenny Hoechst

Beautiful views. . Great hotel. Walking trails. I just had my wedding with Pere Marquette, they were amazing. Food was delicious! Bar was full! The staff helped in any ways they could. The fireplace is absolutely beautiful! Breakfast bar was delicious. Rooms upstairs are HUgE in the lodge. All around amazing...flooding sucked but there is always a way there , just follow the signs

logan thome

Lovely scenery and a good mix of long/short and beautiful trails!

Mark T

I have hiked the trails several times, a nice combination of distances with nice overlooks. Also, a senic drive with some overlooks. Restaurant is just OK, but worth checking out.

betsy stockstill

Beautiful area near the river. Great hiking trails.

Jack Lockwood

Pere Marquette State Park is a awesome and beautiful park, so much to do there and, it is always well kept

Terrance Pierce

This is a beautiful park. The lodge and restaurant are situated on the Illinois River with a wonderful view. The fried chicken is to die for and the cabins are very nice but usually book in advance espically in the fall. Great for large or small family or friend visits.

Mildred Rhodes

Very good food. Landscaping is beautiful . Scenic drive is great.

Jeff Giesegh

Some of the trails are underrated for walking but they have beautiful views

Jen Ulasiewicz

We have waited all summer for the flood waters to recede so we could come here. I can't believe how high the water got! Anyways, we had a great day here hiking and geocaching. Looking forward to coming back when the leaves change in the fall! :)

Faron Denbow

Always love it here

Gamer_ X

Great vistas and scenery

james frank

The park was extraordinarily clean and well maintained but it didn't seem nearly as big as it did when I was a kid. It was a great family day but the leaves hadn't really started to change colors so it was a little drab. We went at the end of September though so if you want to enjoy the beautiful colors of fall it would probably be best to wait until the end of October to go.

erickraisser1

A beautiful State park

Richard Warren

There are nice trails to walk through. Lots of nature. And if you just want to drive there's a scenic route or you can stop and take pictures or just look at the scenery. Very peaceful and spacious. You can spend a lot of time here as there's lots to see. If you leave disappointed from here then you didn't try hard enough.

Nicole Scantlin

Everything is so beautiful here. The drive there, the views from the overlooks, and the scenic drive through the park! The scenic drive is perfect if you do not want to do much walking. Unfortunately, I won't be going back because of the snakes. I almost stepped on a rattlesnake walking up the steps to the Flap Pole overlook! Totally my fault for not doing more research but didn't realize that there is three different types of venomous snakes found here.

Devlin McCoy

this is a nice park because there are views of the river and it is about 1 hour outside st louis the best trails are goat cliff trail and the hicory trail the best peak is mckadoms peak because it is a steep hike up from the visiter center and when you get to the peak you can see all the rivers the best thing is the lodge

Michelle Pawlowski

This is one of my favorite peak fall overlooks near the Mississippi River!

Robert Maldonado

We visit the lodge at Pete Marquette. It's a short drive from St Louis and the park is fantastic in the fall. The lodge has a great restaurant with is totally worth a try.

jim head

Beautiful park. Very small campground.

Scott Wyatt

Beautiful overlooks of the (currently quite flooded) Illinois River.

Scott Link

It is a wonderful park with plenty of trails to walk and see nature. The park is kept in tip top shape. Rarely see any trash. Very peaceful driving experience. Several areas to stop and enjoy the views high above the flood plain. We go back several times a year in different seasons.

Cori Summers

Beautiful! Walking/hiking trails are well kept and clearly marked. Extremely high at the peaks, you can see for miles on a clear day. Visitors center is full of information on the park and local area. The Lodge is gorgeous! Rooms are clean and comfortable. Very friendly, accommodating staff who are readily available. Pool, game room, dining room, great room all kept the kids entertained. Seating outside is magical, however the bugs are terrible.

Netta Alysse

I've been hiking here every year since I was a child. My parents went on their first date there! It's a great drive to get there.. I have photographed a wedding there and it was BEAUTIFUL! My husband and I also went on a few dates there before we got married!!!! We love the look out points!!!!!!

Diane Crews

Took a drive thru the park. Enjoyed our day. Stepped out on top of bluff & enjoyed the gorgeous view.

Clifford Andrew

We have held our Annual Family Reunion at the Group Camp Sites: Potowatami, Ouatoga, and, this year, Piasa.

Jenni Niccum

We enjoyed seeing the leaves. Very pretty and romantic.

Brett Nejmanowski

This is gem of a park. I can only hope Illinois continues to keep this park as beautiful as it is

henry

Attended a wedding in the lodge. It was awesome. Great pool and hiked some trails Love it!

Bill Langton

My wife and I come here for a trail race each December. This is our 4th stay in the lodge. This place is all about the location overlooking the river and miles of great hiking trails. 3 stars for the restaurant and lodge rooms. 5 stars for the park, trails, and the Grand Room in the lodge. With a huge fireplace, exposed beam construction and views of the river, the Grand Room in the Lodge is a wonderful place to relax with a glass of wine in the evening or cup of coffee in the morning. The rooms are aging, but they are clean and comfortable. The restaurant serves decent fare. The staff are very friendly, but overall, the service is pretty mediocre. There are other dining options but all require a drive to Grafton. The reservation staff seem to totally ignore room requests. I booked in August for a stay in December. Requested a room on the river side. Got the only room in the wing on the back side, no view. 2 years in a row.

Jeff Stout

Nice drive in the fall.

Zachary Carter

Great park with several hiking paths for all levels of hikers. You can hike or drive to the top of the bluffs to a number of lookout points to get a great view of the Mississippi River valley. There is also a hotel, lodge, and visitors center as well as a number of picnic or event pavilions. Camp sites are also available. This is a must stop spot to take in Fall foliage. Then come back in the winter to catch the eagles once they've migrated to the area for the season.

Jere Wilmering, Jr.

Birthday brunch with my daughter. Rode up the Illinois River by pwc. Manager Mike runs a tight ship there. Buffet breakfast was abundant in hot fresh bacon..eggs..biscuits and fruit. Historic setting in the lodge.

Frank Jones

Nice place to spend a beautiful afternoon. I've been coming here since I was a kid and nothings changed.

Leroy Fryer

Really like camping there. The bathrooms could be better taken care of but besides that great place to hike and watch for eagles.

william conklin

Beautiful park anytime of the year! Hiking trails, river sights and grafton nearby!

Mark Koester

Well marked trails with good river views. The lodge is as beautiful as ever with the timeless CCC style. Always a pleasure to visit for a hike, a night in the lodge/cabin, or brunch!

Darlaine Donna Raley

Nice clean place

Customer Service Connoisseur

I love hiking here! Awesome to see the eagles during season.

Bruce York

Fantastic place to visit fantastic place to take your family lots of things to do lots of trails to hike

Carla Newton

A beautiful place to visit.

Bradley Taylor

Great place to enjoy the outdoors

Barbara Bradshaw

Pretty views and foliage

Seth Scarborough

Excellent park, lots to see and explore. Some of it currently under water.

Shaun McNett

Great camping and hiking trails! Close enough to head to Grafton for a couple hours for dinner or a snack if you don’t feel like cooking at the campsite.

cindy crowe

I love going hiking here

Stephen Roberts

Beautiful! We had lunch in the lodge. Very good service and food.

Kathy Martin

Beautiful scenery and overlooks. Plenty of shops and entertainment. Beautiful drive along the Great River Rd

Michael Cervantes

Beautiful scenic views on the walking trails above the lodge. Family dining available in the lodge as well as a place to overnight.

Jennifer O'Reilly

Great views. Especially pretty in the fall.

Pam Roberts

We stayed at Pere Marquette State Park for my folks 60th wedding anniversary. It was a lovely visit. While the hiking trails needs some better markers in the woods, the vista over the river is wonderful. The birds are prolific as well. What a great place.

Amol Patil

Nice quiet place

Paul Stork

The lodge and cabins are a great place for a weekend get away. I spent 4 days here for a family reunion. My biggest problem here is the restaurant in the lodge. Only eat here if you want food poisoning, which my cousin got and spent a couple days ill. I can't even begin to describe how horrendous the food and service is. You have a responsibility to keep people safe. I've worked in restaurants for over 20 years and I've never seen such blatent disregard for proper food handling and sanitary standards from an establishment. Not mention the utter disrespect from the FOH.

Bob Flores

This park is beautiful. Has gorgeous bluffs views. This park is huge. Over 8000 acres. There are climbing areas and nice trails. The campground is located on the south side of the park. If you're coming from the North, the Powerline Rd is hairy with steep climbs and dips. Only one car can fit in the lane with low hanging trees. If your pulling a trailer, skip this road and go around to the South side of the park to enter. There are signs that read 'state park', but I wouldn't pull my camper through this way again.This campground offers electric and fire pits you can cook on. There is no water hookup but fresh water is available at the dump station.

Kapil Maheshwari

This is a nice place to spend a weekend with family. There are lodges with ample rooms. You can enjoy mountains to shores, I mean there's a hill side as well as river shore. Decent and scenic place. Remember once you are on the scenic drive there are no public restrooms.

Lorie El Atlassi

Love this park!

John McClintock

Great place to see and stay at...

Aaron Butler

Beautiful photo opportunities all over this place. Took our bride and party out here she had a blast!

stephanie hutter

Loved the cabin!! So relaxing!!

Ted Meyer

The "Lodge" is 1930's style facility and has a very good restaurant. There is a comfortable Great Room with a very large fire place and a giant chessboard. There is a large porch facing West for viewing the beautiful sensets, or an evening social gathering.

Chris Sitton

Amazing camping ANF pool in the hill

Pati Jansen

We have been coming to Pere Marquette for 38 years. Each year we gather for a week with families in a very special quiet time. We have loved the cabins and the dining hall and pool and all of the beauty that surrounds us. The state of this Camp is more than distressing. It has nothing to do with the quality of those who are trying to take care of it. It has everything to do with the fact that it is being so poorly funded by the state. Our state needs to understand what a treasure it has in this remarkable place that was originally built by the Civil Conservation Corps in the thirties. It would be used to capacity every summer if it was well-maintained. The state of Illinois needs to get its act together as relates to its beautiful state parks that are State Treasures. Unless the facilities are brought up to acceptable standards this unfortunately maybe the last year our group comes here. It breaks our hearts to see state of this beautiful Campground. Please Illinois pay attention!

Mary Denise Kruger

Great trails and scenery.

Keith Norman

Love this park. Raised near the area and still like to explore. I always find more I haven't seen. Largest state park in IL I think.

Beth Glauber

Great memories and most beautiful in the Fall season!

Pete Zimmer

Cut out of the Illinois River Bluffs, this place has it all. Hiking, boating, bicycling, relaxing. The hotel is Marriott but this is the original 1939 Lodge build by the WPA. The food is the best! Try the Sunday evening Family style dinner. You will not be disappointed, and if you are, you must be defective.

Jacquie Bryan

Great historic place for a getaway. If you want quiet, go during the week, esp in October..

Clark Abrpi

Very clean and well kept. With beautiful scenery. The lodge is a place to visit with great food.

Brian Hall

love this place.... breathtaking

David O'Leary

Great views of the Mississippi river Valley from up on high bluffs. Lots of great trails sprinkled with historic structures. Beat in the peak of Fall colors.

Cliff Miller

Just a beautiful park with lots of scenic overlooks,makes a great roadtrip.

Alexis Wagner

Very beautiful view, the whole area has crumby reception

lindsey white

Beautiful park and trails! There was quite a bit of trash along the trail. Please remember to take out whatever you brought in with you, and bring a bag to help pick up what you see! Trail going back to the visitor's center was a bit muddy, but nothing that can't be managed with a good pair of boots. I'd say the trail is pretty kid friendly, but not necessarily stroller friendly.

Rob Caraccio

Scenic views on top of bluffs overlooking oxbow lakes of the Illinois River

Micah Hamilton

One of the best state run areas. Such beauty can't be found anywhere else.

Maya Kefalov

One of the most pristine retreats in very ose proximity to St. Louis, yet embracing you in a completely different atmosphere. Overlooking the river ND offering miles of picturesque walking and biking trails, the lodge itself also has a great restaurant, po and fitness facilities. The main hall with a giant gas fireplace and plenty of tables is a peaceful spot during the day and a great gathering spotlight in the evening. The outside flagstone terrace/patio is fabulous for an afternoon teach or wine and cheese with good friends. The rooms are large with comfortable beds and immaculate bathrooms. Plenty of parking. Excellent for relaxation or health/business conferences.

Shiju K T

Such a lovely place to go in fall season.I had been there to see the falls in Oct 28 weekend.started from alton towards grafton.it was a scenic drive all through the side of Mississippi river enjoying the multi colored trees on the other side.once you reach the park,enter via the visitor center entry.there will be sign board for scenic drive.go through the scenic drive and you see the yellow and orange trees throughout. There are viewpoints on the way.you can pull off and take photos. For those who want to hike or trail, there are lot of trail.its a best destination for fall colors near st Louis area.

Wes Jansson

Had a great time hiking and checking out the local wildlife.

Timothy Sinclair

Nice place to visit. If it's not flooded. Pool hot tubs.bar food

Ruby Skinner

Eagle Roost overlook is the best, the other 2-3 is grown so you can't see nothing but trees

Tiffany Huggins

I really enjoyed staying here! It was beautiful and peaceful. The staff at was very accommodating and friendly as well. They had the cutest little gift shop and some unique decor that I've never seen anywhere else before like the huge life-size chess set in the middle of the lobby. It was overall a really nice stay!

Brad Thibault

Neat place.

Lawrence Leible

Always love taking a hike here

Michael Hutchins

Awesome hiking beautiful scenery

Roxanne Alexander

This is a picture perfect place nesting among the bluffs with a great lodge. Anytime you get the chance to go experence the beauty first hand. Great get away. Excellent venue.

Tim Thornton

I have been going there all my life and it never gets old After all the years.

Linda Walsh

Great restraunt. Rustic atmosphere.

Paul Catterton

Nice get away not very far from St. Louis. Has equestrian, bike and hiking trails. Lodge is nice and there are cabins you can rent. A water park and a zip line are nearby. Highly recommended!

Harry Lime

This is right in my wheelhouse.

Larry Porschen

Amazing views

Rakesh Sukumar

Nice park for fall colors. Must visit. This is particularly a very nice park to visit in the fall as the road leading to the park is also adorned with beautiful trees on one side and the river on the other side

WV Adventures

This place is sooo beautiful and quiet. We stayed at the B Campsites for throw up tents and they all had nice fire Rings and super nice soft green grass. The only downside is that if you came to fish the river at night, watch your step, there are so many snakes!

Jan Jett

One of Illinois' best state parks. Beautiful trails and the lodge is outstanding. The restaurant has great food and I highly recommend staying several nights in one of their cabins.

scott jones

This is one of the best place in il to go enjoy the natural beauty of the state. The view of the rivers from the over looks, the hiking trails, history of the area. Just a great vacation spot.

FUGGINA

Beautiful Park nice location will maintain you can dig through the woods for your own firewood or buy it there and they do allow alcohol in very clean place quiet after 10 no hassles everyone School good restrooms nearby and a cool Town 8 miles down the road

Adam W

Went there last week at around 8pm. There are some overlooks make nice ideal for taking star photos. Just remember to bring mosquito spray.

Natalie Dailey

A lovely park! The lodge and cabins are beautiful, and the campground is great!

Caitlin Lehn

Beautiful venue for a wedding! Cute town near the Mississippi with lots of local shops and food options. The hotel was clean an larger enough for multiple guests. There was a breathtaking view of the city from the balcony. Not sure when I'll be back because this was for a wedding, but I'd love to stop in again.

Jim Marshik

Great place for family and friends. It can be very romantic

Donna Davis

Beautiful setting. Came here for a wedding and it was wonderful. Do NOT stay at the campground though. It is poorly kept, expensive, sites are too close together, no privacy and some aren't even useable. But the lodge and it's surroundings are just gorgeous. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Would like to come back here again for a day trip and to do lunch at the lodge's restaurant. Had an omelet there. It was to die for!

Cathy Lovins

Beautiful trails. Nice visitor center. Great lodge. Amazing drive from the city. Will be back for sure!

Rod Blackwell

Drove by. Have used park a long time ago. Nice place to camp. Except for the Lodge anything else is a medium drive away. Horse stables were fantastic. Rode up on the bluff

Christina Hammann

I L❤VE Pere Marquette State Park, it's so beautiful and peaceful there. Nature's Therapy There's Always something new to see, as the environment changes with the Seasons. I highly suggest loading up a camera and heading out for some great photos.

Michael Wooff

One of the most serene, and beautiful spots to visit in the Alton/Grafton area. Definitely worth a trip!

Carrie Magerl

The hiking trails were well-marked and provided a great afternoon outing for the family. The visitors center closed earlier than expected on a Saturday; but it was a very enjoyable experience and we will be back.

Rachel Porter

Beautiful park and a great place to take family.

Nicholas S

I love Pere Marquette State park. I've walked it's trails for many years. The only complaint is the state has cut back on funding the upkeep of the trails, etc., the lodge itself is immaculately taken care of as well as the rental cabins. Over all a great place to stay awhile. Friendly atmosphere and a laid back feel.

Jenna Farmer

Park is amazing - clean, accessible and great food in their restaurant! Camp sites are nice and trails are beautiful.

Hannah Jeffers

Beautiful park. Spectacular views

Gene Stone

The park is nice and green still, no leaves changing color yet. We came today to oil and chip Mailbox road.

Chris Sotraidis

Really beautiful park and setting. Great trails to walk, albeit a tad unkempt in some sections. The scenery is worth it all. The camp grounds aren't as well maintained as they should be. That said, worth many trips for bike rides, or hiking, or just walking around. Can't speak to anything inside, since it was the weekend.

J. Blake Cowle-Healy

Beautiful grounds. Nice trails!

Inderpal Dhami

Great Natural Beauty. Visit it in Fall, around October end... mesmerizing!!!

Denese Fuller

The midgy were bad, a long detour because of the flooding. Camping was very peaceful. Lots of bees.

Chris Short

Great hiking trails

Shawn Stangler

A beautiful scenic park overlooking the Illinois river and valley. Their department of conservation is always working on projects for the community and region to help folks understand nature, fishing, hunting and conservation.

Christie Rutherford

Beautiful place lotta history

Christina Rosinski

We love camping here, lots of trails and camp sites!

Jeff Lofink

Beautiful park scenic views

Balakumar Krishnaswamy

Great place for fall colors. Very scenic drive to the park

Captain Tom

Very cool place. The Lodge was great. Stayed 2 nights and enjoyed the area.

Andrew Smith

Great way to spend a Saturday

John Loza

Good campground, fine trails, attractive historic Lodge and restaurant

Andrea Compton

It was a place my daughter loved, especially the gift shop!