Pere Marquette State Park / Cahokia Mounds (June 2013)

[nate1714]

http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/landmgt/parks/R4/Peremarq.htm
http://www.cahokiamounds.org/

Started out at about 7am at Pere Marquette, eventually stopped by Cahokia Mounds on the way back to the St. Louis area.

There were some tornadoes that hit the previous days, so there was some "minor" flooding. The building is supposed to be the boat dock.

Due to recent weather the trail were not in the best of condition. Down trees and big branches were the common. I moved some out of the way and informed the rangers about the others.

Have some nice scenic overviews

I did a loop of the entire park, trails varied. Some were steep and rocky, others were washed out and muddy. I enjoyed the variations.

Also made a new friend on the trail

Of course have to have the knife porn shot.

Cahokia Mounds

Surprising how big this city was, especially given the time period

Stockade

Wood hedge

Can see the city in the background

View from the top of the big mound

Oh yea...Do NOT come here if you have issues with stairs...

Overall a very fun day.
If you want a place to eat on the way back hit up. http://fasteddiesbonair.com/ Cheap, however there typically is a line.

 

[M.FREEZE]

I'm from St. Louis too. Man I haven't been to Cahokia Mounds since about 5th grade. I forgot how many steps that place had. We went to Pere Margutte last year. It's a great place.

 

[Bob W]

I can remember camping at Pere Marquette in college (Western Illinois). The hiking trails were nice, especially a night hike to the river overlooks with the barges and their spotting lights scanning the river for hazards.

It was much more recently that I first visited Cahokia Mounds. The interpretive center is impressive and I definitely recommend it as a stop for anyone passing through St. Louis.

Those hazy humid skies though, I don't miss that.

 

[The Warrior]

Have been to Pere Marquette several times. Nice area.

 

[SubaruSTi]

Gotta go to pappys smokehouse!

 

[22-rimfire]

Nice little photo tour. Thanks for taking the time.