Having been raised in the Alton area, I know Pere Marquette Lodge (PML) pretty well. I was amazed by it's splendor as a kid. Pere Marquettte has an enduring allure, a storied history and a ""feel"" of being an old friend. As an adult I find myself staying there at least a few times a year and in fact my family does an annual reunion there once a year. While the lodge cannot be everything to everybody, it does have something to appeal to every individual and you will always leave with a warm feeling toward the place. \r
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As for lodging, I have stayed in both the cabins (if you want solitude) and in the newer wing of the main lodge. While I cannot speak for the original rooms in the lodge (though I'd like to try them sometime) you will find the in-lodge accommodations nice in the winter months as when it is bad outside, you never have to leave the building. Do not expect ""luxury"" rooms as this is a lodge, not the Waldorf. But what you will get a room that is nice sized, tastefully decorated and a darn comfortable bed. Like most, I don't do well with sleeping at hotels, but I never have that problem at PML. The cabins are just as nice (maybe even more appealing with the limestone walls) but weather does dictate choice of room location. I will add I have stayed national park lodges and these rooms are at least AS nice as any of those (my most recent experience was the Old Faithful Inn).\r
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The indoor swimming pool is clean, nice sized and a few years back they upgraded to the saline purification system, thus avoiding the damaging effects of chlorine. The building being nice and solid, affords more quiet rooms than most modern hotels can offer. You will enjoy strolling the halls and getting to know the place. \r
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The dining room is also appealing. Again, the food is not gourmet, but satisfying. The menu sticks to some key items but if you are there for an entire weekend you will not have to worry about eating the same thing twice. A good fried chicken dinner is increasingly hard to find these days and when you have the craving, PML is known for their fried chicken dinners with a ""special recipe"" and ample portions that make it worth the drive on any weekend afternoon. The chicken is always ( I have found) fresh, tasty and you will have more than the average person can eat on your plate. I'll also add that I recently had one of the best hamburgers I have eaten in a long time in the PML dining room. \r
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And, the park also boasts a nice campground (both developed and primiitve) which I have recommended numerous times as it is within walking distance to the lodge. \r
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If you choose to visit the Pere Marquette State Park/Grafton area, the PML remains the best choice for lodging. It really is a jewel of a place and you will do yourself (and your family) a favor by staying at least two nights. Even with the generous noon checkout time, one evening is not enough to take it all in. You really need a full day and two evenings to fully appreciate what the area, and the lodge, has to offer. \r
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I can ramble on, but hope I have made my point. Pere Marquette is not a dude ranch, but has great hiking trails and in season horseback riding. It is not a 5 star hotel, but a comfortable place which will not bust your budget. It is not a national park lodge, but you will think it could be. While not as big as Starved Rock State Park near LaSalle, Pere Marquette and it's lodge offer a wonderful opportunity to relax and get away as much as anyplace in Southern Illinois.
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