Here is one of two Illinois state parks that are cake locations. This is located north of St. Louis, on the river road, near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. It's sad to say for an Illinoisan like me that I've never been here (besides getting the cake). But I know some people who love it up there....my nephews have camped with the Boy Scouts there and my distant cousin got married in a small, private ceremony up there. Here are the facts:
- It is Illinois' largest state park in area, which is 8,050 acres.
- Park is named after Father (or Pere) Jacques Marquette, who led a 17th century exploration of the Mississippi River.
- The park was founded in 1931 as the Piasa Bluffs State Park, but was later renamed to its current name.
- Besides the lodge (which was built in the 1930s and has since expanded), there are other rich parts of the park, including 12 miles of walking trails.
- Animals that are found at the park are several different species of birds, deer and many others. Bald eagles are often seen there as well.
- Several events are held here throughout the year, including some at the winery as well as small festivals, and parasailing.
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| The entrance sign |
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| Sign at the lodge |
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| The statue of Jacques 'Pere' Marquette |
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| Front of the lodge |
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| Statue of Mother Nature |
The 'landscape cake', as called by its artist Katherine Nelson:
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| Top of the cake |
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| Left side of the cake |
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| Right side of the cake |
Pere Marquette Lodge on Facebook
Pere Marquette State Park Wikipedia link
Official website
13653 Lodge Blvd., GRAFTON, IL, 62037
Cake artist: Katherine Nelson
UPDATE (9/4/2016): The cake is still there.
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