Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia rivers, Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site is an ideal place for campers along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. Dating back to French settlements in the 1700s, Fort Kaskaskia later served as the site where, in 1803, the Corps of Discovery picked up an additional eleven men for its expedition. The Corps also took time to brush up on scientific readings around the region and gather supplies.
Today, visitors will find scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River and can visit the earthwork remains of Fort Kaskaskia. Garrison Hill Cemetery, established in 1891, is also within the site grounds. This special cemetery was established for the gravesites of early settlers whose original resting places were under threat from floodwaters in the late 19th century. The Mississippi River overlook includes nearby tables and a pavilion for picnics. At the bottom of the bluff is a path that takes visitors to the historic Pierre Menard Home, built around 1815. This well preserved and beautiful site is named in honor of its builder, Pierre Menard, who served in the Illinois legislature and was a fur trader and businessman.
For tent campers, there are both primitive and 32 electric-hookup campsites. Water is also available at select locations. Fire pits are located at each site. Two playgrounds are also available in the day-use area.
The site is open from sunrise to sunset on all day use areas.The campground is open 24-7 for camping with quiet hours from 10pm to 7am.
Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, Kaskaskia Street, Ellis Grove, IL, USA
Distance: 0.49 mi (straight line)
203 1st St, Chester, IL 62233
Distance: 3.20 mi (straight line)
Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site (Liberty Bell of the West), 1st Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 3.23 mi (straight line)
Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area, South Lake Drive, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 5.74 mi (straight line)
Chester Welcome Center, 10 Bridge Bypass Rd, Chester, IL 62233, USA
Distance: 6.00 mi (straight line)
Chester Welcome Center, Bridge Bypass Road, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.00 mi (straight line)
Chester Welcome Center, Bridge Bypass Road, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.00 mi (straight line)
822 Swanwick St, Chester, IL 62233, USA
Distance: 6.03 mi (straight line)
Spinach Can Collectibles, State Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.07 mi (straight line)
217 Opdyke Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.21 mi (straight line)
Frederick Weistar House Historic Site, Chestnut Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.22 mi (straight line)
174 MO-51, Perryville, MO 63775, USA
Distance: 6.22 mi (straight line)
Randolph County IL Courthouse, West Taylor Street, Chester, Illinois, USA
Distance: 6.27 mi (straight line)
St. Nicholas Landmark, Ferry Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.41 mi (straight line)
Cohen Memorial Home, Harrison Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.59 mi (straight line)
Bequette-Ribault House, St Marys Rd, Ste. Genevieve, MO, USA
Distance: 7.14 mi (straight line)
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.
