Agencies
Services
- K-2 Teacher Resource Field Trip Packet
- 3rd-5th Grade Teacher Resource Field Trip Packet
- Program Request Form
- Trees
- Birds
- Insects
- Pollinators
- Fossils
- Mammals
- State Symbols
- Prairies
- Amphibians
- Field Trip Backpack
- Aquatic Resources
- Complete the Activity Permit at least 1-2 weeks before the scheduled visit and email the permit to Menachem.Smolianski@illinois.gov.
- Acquire Proof of Liability Insurance (business, school, or organization can ask their administrator or main office) or have each participant sign the Release of Liability Form ahead of time.
- Email, mail, or drop off the completed Activity Permit and Proof of Liability Insurance together (if you do not have proof of liability insurance you can complete the Release of Liability Waiver to turn in at the front desk of the Pere Marquette Visitor Center the day of your visit) to DNR.StarvedRock@illinois.gov at least 2-3 weeks before the scheduled visit.
Are you planning a guided hike for your school, scout, family, or private outing? We welcome participants year-round, Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Let us know your needs, and we’ll work with you to create an unforgettable experience! Please complete and email the Program Request Form below to Natural Resource Coordinator, Lev Smolianski at Menachem.Smolianski@illinois.gov.
Field Trip Information
IDNR Educational Resource Trunks
Educational trunks such as trees, birds, pollinators, and more are available at the Visitor Center for loan. Please view the IDNR Division of Education page to learn more!
Trunks may be reserved by emailing Menachem.Smolianski@illinois.gov. Trunks are an educational resource for educators to utilize on their own with their group or classroom either offsite or onsite at the park.
Activity Permits
(Required for all Groups of 20 or more People)
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Land Management requires any group of 20 or more persons who use Department facilities to have advance written permission from the Site Superintendent. Regardless of group size, the Department may require additional liability coverage to be provided through an Activity Permit. Release of Liability can be used if your organization, family, or school does not have liability insurance. Site managers may deny the request if the facilities are not adequate to handle the size of the group if public health or safety might be compromised, if the liability risk to the Department is too great, or if there would be adverse impacts on natural resources at the site.
All organized groups, family gatherings, and school field trips are required to follow the State of Illinois Administrative Rules including groups of 15 minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Activity Permits are to be used whenever a non-traditional use of any facility is requested (for example - a family reunion in the picnic area) and/or any activity that might increase potential liability to the Department (for example - search and rescue teams practicing on rock faces). These requests need to be made at least 21 days in advance of the activity and forwarded to the Regional Office for processing.
Guidelines for Completing Activity Permits
Pere Marquette State Park Visitor Center
13112 Visitors Center Ln,
Grafton, IL 62037
You will receive a response shortly via email or phone, notifying you of the approval or denial of your group visit request.
Pere Marquette State Park YouTube
Eagle Watching at Pere Marquette Video
Native People of Illinois Video
