Explore the natural beauty of Pere Marquette State Park with a guided hike led by our Natural Resource Coordinator. These hikes offer a unique opportunity to learn about the park's rich ecology, history, and wildlife while traversing its stunning landscapes.

Located on Beach Street and Lakeshore Drive (Bluffton) at 3510 Channel Drive, Pere Marquette Park is the northern-most end of 2.5 miles of City-owned Lake Michigan frontage. The 27.5-acre park is bordered on the north by Muskegon Channel.

Learning from the Native Americans that the Mississippi River emptied into the Gulf of Mexico, Marquette and Joliet turned back, returning by way of the Illinois River and stopping near what now is Pere Marquette State Park.

Pere Marquette State Park is an 8,050-acre (3,260 ha) protected area in southwestern Jersey County, Illinois, United States. [2] It is located near the city of Grafton, Illinois, at the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Illinois River.

Pere Marquette State Park offers a plethora of exciting activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Immerse yourself in nature as you explore miles of scenic hiking trails, go horseback riding through lush forests, or embark on a thrilling biking adventure.

Enjoy lakeside fun at Pere Marquette Park, a popular destination on Muskegon’s Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach boasts soft, white sugar sand perfect for sunbathing, relaxation, and sandcastle building, with crystal-clear water ideal for swimming.

Jul 18, 2024 · Pere Marquette Park is a 27.5 acre park with 2.3 miles of public beach on Lake Michigan. Located in Muskegon, it’s less than one hour northwest of Grand Rapids. With the excellent beach and trails and playground, visitors can easily spend all day here.

With nearly 8,000 acres of scenic beauty, Pere Marquette State Park is one of the most picturesque and beautiful locations on the Illinois River. As it is the largest state park in Illinois, visitors love coming to the park for hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and scenic drives.

Pere Marquette: The Park by the River, A story of Hope: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Illinois, Where Eagles Soar, Dinky (historic rail car footage), and Resource Conservation. Free guided hikes to the different scenic areas on the park …

Parking for 24 hours cost us $10 at the kiosk, but lots of parking spaces and right at the beach. The Deck BBQ & Beer is next to this beach for good lunch or dinner and drinks. Highly recommend driving here and seeing the beauty, and we have gorgeous water and beachfront where we live up north!