Pere Marquette State Park

Welcome to Pere Marquette State Park located on the banks of the Illinois River near Grafton.

Park History: The park's unique history is centered around the Illinois River as well as the ancient glacial activity that helped to form the river, it's tributaries, and the surrounding landscape of hills, prairies, and deciduous forest. Before the arrival of European settlers this land was the home to over six Native American tribes and archeologists have discovered ancient tools, works of pottery, and burial mounds. One of the first European settlers to arrive in this region was a group of people led by Louis Joliet and father Pere Marquette (Hence the park's name). Joliet, Marquette, and their group were exploring the Mississippi River in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean when they noticed on the riverbanks what they described as two painted monsters which at first made us afraid and upon which the boldest savages dare not long rest their eyes." They learned that what they saw was a creature known as the Piasa, which was part bird with the face of a man, scales of a fish, horns of a deer, and a long black tail. A representation of the Piasa can still be found on the riverbanks not far from the park. After learning form the local tribe that the Mississippi River went to the Gulf of Mexico and nowhere near the Pacific Ocean, Jolet, Marquette, and their team turned back up the Illinois River and landed at what is now Pere Marquette State Park.

Several generations later local efforts were made to raise money in order to purchase this land for use as a State Park. The purchase was made in 1931 and the park was named Piasa Bluffs State Park and later renamed Pere Marquette State Park.

Plants and Animals: This park boasts numerous species of plants and animals. Some of the park's plants include hickories and oaks. Some of the park's animals include deer, raccoons, squirrels, wild turkeys, and over 230 species of birds. Please treat their home with respect.

This park boats numerous recreational opportunities for the lover of the outdoors. It has over 20 miles of multipurpose trails, boat ramps, hundreds of campsites (80 developed sites), and several picnic areas. Come on out and explore!

To contact the office call 618-786-3323. This park was RecPlanet place of the day on November 19, 2014.