Pere Marquette State Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pere Marquette State Park is a popular outdoor destination located in Jersey County, Illinois, not Mississippi.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It covers over 8,000 acres of land and boasts several miles of scenic trails, stunning views of the Mississippi River, and a variety of recreational activities, making it an excellent place to visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Some of the top reasons to visit Pere Marquette State Park include hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, fishing, and camping. The park features several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, including the challenging 12.5-mile River Trail and the easy, family-friendly Pine Trail. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as deer, turkey, and bald eagles, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing.

One of the main highlights of the park is the scenic drive up the winding Great River Road, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding bluffs. Other points of interest to see include the Pere Marquette Lodge, which was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and features a rustic lodge, restaurant, and gift shop.

Interesting facts about Pere Marquette State Park include that it is named after a French Jesuit missionary who explored the region in the 17th century, and it is also home to one of the largest bald eagle wintering populations in the US.

The best time to visit Pere Marquette State Park is in the fall, when the leaves are changing and the temperatures are mild. Spring and summer are also great times to visit, as the park is bustling with activity and the weather is ideal for outdoor recreation. However, visitors should be aware of the occasional flooding that can occur in the park during the spring and summer months.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks