Pere Marquette State Park

10/14/2026

Drawings for trapping permits at Grafton-area sites to take place November 4th

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a public lottery drawing on Wednesday, November 4th, for the allocation of trapping permits for Copperhead Hollow Wildlife Area, Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Areas, and Pere Marquette State Park.

The drawing will take place at the Mississippi River Area site office, 17836 State Highway 100 North in Grafton. Registration will begin at 11 a.m., and the drawings will be conducted at 11:30 a.m.

Each area will have permits available (one trapper and one helper may be listed on a permit). Each person entering the drawing must have a valid 2025 or 2026 Illinois trapping license in their possession. Anyone wishing to draw must be present at the time of the drawing.

As a reminder, anyone who has not had an Illinois trapping license in the prior three years must complete the Illinois Trapper Education Course. Mississippi River Area does not have the ability to sell licenses at the time of the lottery.

Site-specific regulations for all sites will be made available and discussed at the time of the drawing.

09/10/2026

Ag-lease Bid Notice

08/05/2026

Join the Pere Marquette Interpretive Volunteer Program
Share Your Passion. Inspire Others. Protect Our Natural Heritage.

The Pere Marquette Interpretive Volunteer Program offers individuals of all ages the opportunity to connect visitors with the natural and cultural history of Pere Marquette State Park. Whether you enjoy working with people, teaching, or simply giving back to your community, there's a place for you on our team.

Volunteer Opportunities
Welcome visitors at the Visitor Center
Serve as a Visitor Center Docent
Assist with interpretive programs and special events
Help with school field trips and educational activities
Support conservation education and community outreach
Assist staff with exhibits and visitor engagement

Volunteer Requirements
Ages 16 and older may volunteer with parent or guardian permission.
Ages 12–15 may volunteer with direct adult supervision.
All volunteers must successfully complete a background check before beginning service.

Volunteer Benefits
Earn Student Service Learning Credit (SSLC) hours (where applicable).
Gain valuable experience for college, scholarships, and future careers.
Eligible volunteers may receive letters of recommendation recognizing outstanding service.
Learn about Illinois' wildlife, ecology, geology, and history from park staff.
Meet new people while making a meaningful impact in your community.
Become a Steward of Pere Marquette State Park

Help educate, inspire, and create unforgettable experiences for the thousands of visitors who explore Pere Marquette each year.

06/20/2026

WHOS COMING TONIGHT??!!

Jun 20th 2026 | 8:00 PM - 11:00 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!

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.