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| The view from Twin Mounds. |
When you say “Illinois,” most people get an image of flat cornfields, cows, and… more cornfields. However, Pere Marquette State Park, located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, offers a glimpse into a slice of Illinois most people overlook: the forested river bluffs.
Why you should go: This is the best hiking place I’ve found in the St. Louis area, featuring some challenging trails as well as some easier ones. You can also drive to a couple of lookouts, which give you great views of the rivers. My family has been visiting this park for as long as I can remember, and it is one of my favorite places in the world.
How to get there: There are many different ways to get there by car, depending on your starting point. If you type “Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton” into Googlemaps, you can find directions. (If you’re coming from St. Louis, consider spending the extra time and a few dollars to take the Golden Eagle ferry and the Brussels Ferry— it’s a fun ride!)
What to bring: Wear comfortable clothes and durable walking/hiking shoes. Bring a backpack with water, snacks, and bug spray. You might also want a camera or binoculars. Pack a picnic lunch or supper, and don’t forget to bring a frisbee!
What to do: First take a moment to look through the visitor’s center, which features some displays about the flora and fauna of the area. Then pick a trail to hike. Twin Mounds and McAdam’s Peak have the best views. After the hike, spend the evening at one of the picnic shelters, playing frisbee and watching the sunset on the river.
What else you need to know: The trails are all unpaved, so you have to be in pretty good shape to walk on them. When it rains, the trails can get treacherous. The picnic shelters are sometimes reserved, so it can be difficult to find a place with a grill on weekends.
Autumn is one of my favorite times in Pere Marquette because of the changing colors. If you get a chance, check out this park sometime soon!
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