Pere Marquette State Park
Illinois

Pere Marquette State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Rock Climbing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Picnicking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Cycling
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Pere Marquette State Park in Illinois features a historic CCC lodge with a 700-ton stone fireplace, bald eagle watching (peak: January-February), and 12+ miles of trails along the scenic Great River Road!

Historic Pere Marquette Lodge

Lodge FeatureDetails
🏨 Rooms50 guest rooms
🪨 Famous Feature700-ton stone fireplace!
🍷 WineryOn-site
🏊 PoolIndoor + hot tub + sauna

Cabin Options

Cabin TypeDetails
🏠 Lodge Cabins22 stone cabin rooms (3 rooms/cabin)
Rent-A-Cabins2 rustic cabins, sleep 6, electric only

Bald Eagle Watching

Eagle InfoDetails
🦅 SeasonDecember – March
📅 PeakJanuary – February
🎉 EventsBald Eagle Days 2026
🏨 SpecialLodge “Eagle Package”

12+ Miles Hiking + 20mi Bike Trail

Trail TypeMiles
🥾 Hiking12 miles
🐴 Equestrian20 miles
🚴 Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail20 miles to Alton
🧗 Rock ClimbingAvailable

Great River Road

Located on Illinois Route 100, part of the Great River Road and Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway—stunning views!

FAQ

When is the best time to see eagles?

January and February are peak! Bald eagles congregate along the Mississippi River. The park hosts Bald Eagle Days events with guided programs.

What’s the 700-ton fireplace?

The lodge lobby features a massive 700-ton stone fireplace built by the CCC in the 1930s. It’s an Instagram-worthy centerpiece of this historic lodge!

Is the lodge open year-round?

Yes! Pere Marquette Lodge operates year-round with restaurant, winery, indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. Winter is especially popular for eagle watching.

🦅 Illinois Eagle Capital

Visit Pere Marquette Lodge or Illinois DNR.

State Parks Team
Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The America's State Parks Editorial Team has collectively explored 800+ state parks across all 50 states. Our park profiles are carefully researched using official state park data, verified visitor information, and first-hand observations from our writers and contributors. Each article is fact-checked against official sources and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Our mission is to help every American discover the natural wonders in their own backyard.

Last updated: February 20, 2026

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