Pere Marquette State Park

03/19/2026

Congratulations Stacy!

Meet 2025 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductee Stacy Iwanicki.

Also known as the "Bog Lady." For 38 years Stacy has served as the Natural Resources Education Coordinator and Naturalist at Volo Bog State Natural Area, inspiring generations of visitors through environmental education and citizen science.

Her work has helped thousands discover a lifelong appreciation for Illinois’ natural landscapes.

Join us in celebrating Stacy on March 19.
galabid.com/icfgala2026

03/18/2026

🎶 Musicians & Bands Wanted! 🎶

Pere Marquette State Park is looking for a local musician or band willing to volunteer their time to help create a fun, family-friendly musical evening in the park!

This is a great opportunity to share your talent in a beautiful outdoor setting while helping bring the community together.
If you or someone you know is interested, please contact:
Lev Smolianski
📞 240-463-2100

01/28/2026

Applications for the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant are due Jan. 31!

Grants are only available to teachers of grades prekindergarten through 12 in Illinois schools and home-schooling teachers in Illinois. The grants are awarded for the purpose of studying some aspect of Illinois’ biodiversity. “Biodiversity” refers to the variety of life in an area.

The field trip should support Illinois natural resources topics currently being taught in the applicant’s curriculum. At least 75% of the field trip must occur outdoors to be eligible for these grant funds.

Learn more: https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/grants/grantsibftg.html

01/21/2026

Due to forecasted snow, cold temperatures, and dense cloud cover, this Saturday’s Star Party has been canceled. The event will be rescheduled for early spring.

12/31/2025

First Day Hike at Pere Marquette State Park!
Start the new year off right by getting outdoors for a First Day Hike at Pere Marquette State Park! On January 1, 2026, join thousands of people across the country celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a healthy start to the new year. This year’s hike will be self-guided—stop by the Visitor Center check-in station to pick up hiking information, sign in, and receive your commemorative 2026 First Day Hike sticker (while supplies last). Then, enjoy exploring the park’s scenic trails at your own pace with friends, family, or solo. Share your adventure online and tag Pere Marquette State Park.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources

12/16/2025

Pere Marquette State Park is seeking a donation of a cotton candy machine to use during our Winter Maple Syrup festival. This fun addition would allow us to turn maple sugar into fresh maple cotton candy for visitors, helping make the program even more engaging and memorable for families.

If you or someone you know has a cotton candy machine they would be willing to donate, we would be very grateful. Donations directly support our interpretive programs and help us continue offering hands-on educational experiences at the park.

12/13/2025

We’ve just received news from the North Pole! Santa Claus and his buddy Smokey will be stopping by the Visitor Center at 11:00 a.m.

Join us for photos, hot cocoa, and a bit of holiday cheer. We hope to see you there!

12/05/2025

Friday’s Fast Fact!
Did you know that when it’s cold outside, you go outside, it’s cold?

11/29/2025

Due to the snow and ice, we unfortunately have to cancel tonight’s Night Hike. Pere Marquette State Park wants everyone to stay safe and off the icy roads.

An alternative date will be announced next Tuesday. If you’d like, you can also call the Visitor Center to schedule a private night hike at a time that works for you.

We hope to see you on our next adventure. Stay safe, and happy holidays!

11/26/2025

The Visitor Center will be closed November 27 & 28 for Thanksgiving. We will be open Saturday November 29 at 8am.

Happy Thanksgiving from Pere Marquette State Park staff!

11/21/2025

Attention Hunters and Park Visitors:

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be conducting aerial herbicide spraying throughout the park over the next week to help control invasive honeysuckle. Please use caution while in the area and remain aware of your surroundings.

10/24/2025

Take a look! New events happening at Pere Marquette this year!

November 1st 2025 | 11:00 AM | Voices of the Past: Native American History and Culture with Dr. Julie Zimmermann

Join us at Pere Marquette State Park for a special presentation by Dr. Julie Zimmermann, anthropologist from SIUE, as she explores the rich Native American history and culture of our region. Discover how Indigenous peoples lived, thrived, and shaped the landscape we know today. This engaging program is open to all ages and offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leading expert in the field. Space is limited, so RSVP is recommended. Call 618-786-3323 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot today!

November 29th 2025 | Feb. 21st 2026 | 7:00 PM | Fall / Winter Night Hikes

Join us for a guided 2.5-mile hike starting at 7 PM to explore fall ecology and park history. The hike will take approximately 1.5 hours. The Visitor Center will open at 7:00 PM, and a limited number of flashlights will bce available. It is recommended to bring your own flashlight. Reservations are recommended. (call 618-786-3323 to reserve your spot.)

December 13th 2025 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Santa and Smokey

Join us for a festive afternoon with Smokey Bear and Santa Claus at Pere Marquette State Park! Enjoy holiday fun with s’mores by the fire, meet Smokey Bear, take photos with Santa, The event will take place at the Visitor Center from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Don’t forget your camera and holiday spirit! This is a free, family-friendly event.

January 1st 2026 | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM | First Day Hike at Pere Marquette State Park

Start the new year off right by getting outdoors for a First Day Hike at Pere Marquette State Park! On January 1, 2026, join thousands of people across the country celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a healthy start to the new year. This year’s hike will be self-guided—stop by the Visitor Center check-in station to pick up hiking information, sign in, and receive your commemorative 2026 First Day Hike sticker (while supplies last). Then, enjoy exploring the park’s scenic trails at your own pace with friends, family, or solo. Share your adventure online and tag Pere Marquette State Park.

January 24th 2026 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Pere Marquette Star Party

Join us at Pere Marquette State Park for a Star Party hosted in partnership with the St. Louis Astronomical Society! Enjoy an evening under the stars as experts guide you through constellations, planets, and deep-sky wonders using high-powered telescopes. Perfect for all ages and experience levels—just bring your curiosity and a sense of wonder!

February 7th 2026 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Winter Watercolors

Celebrate the beauty of the season at Pere Marquette State Park with a Winter Watercolor Event! Join us at the Visitor Center for a cozy afternoon of painting our park’s natural winter landscapes. All materials will be provided, and participants of all skill levels are welcome to create their own watercolor interpretations of Pere Marquette’s scenic beauty. This is a free, family-friendly event. Reservations are recommended (call 618-786-3323 to reserve your spot). Come capture the colors of winter at Pere Marquette State Park!

March 6th 2026 | 10:00 AM | Off Trail Adventure

Join us for a strenuous off-trail hike at Pere Marquette State Park and explore areas of the park not typically seen on the main trails. Discover unique natural features, learn about local ecology, and enjoy a guided adventure through the park’s hidden landscapes. This hike is strenuous and not recommended for beginners. Reservations are required (call 618-786-3323 to reserve your spot).

March 14th 2026 | 11:00 AM | Maple Syrup Festival

Celebrate the sweetness of the season at Pere Marquette State Park’s Maple Syrup Festival! Discover the fascinating process of turning maple sap into syrup through live demonstrations and hands-on displays. Learn how trees are tapped, see sap boiling in action, and enjoy a maple syrup taste test to savor the flavors of this timeless tradition. A guided hike at 1:00 PM will take participants through the park’s maple trees, offering a closer look at how sap is collected and the ecology of these special trees.