Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
Outdoor Experiences Forts LC Features
4372, Park Road
Ellis Grove Illinois 62241

Information

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.
618-859-3741
Please call the phone number provided to see about the park's prices and fees
lat: 37.96881 long: -89.9105616

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.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

Village of Kaskaskia & Garrison Hill Cemetery
Village of Kaskaskia & Garrison Hill Cemetery

Garrison Hill Cemetery, Park Road, Ellis Grove, IL, USA
Distance: 0.17 Away

Cultural Districts

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Pierre Menard Home
Pierre Menard Home

Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, Kaskaskia Street, Ellis Grove, IL, USA
Distance: 0.56 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Immaculate Conception Church
Immaculate Conception Church

203 1st St, Chester, IL 62233
Distance: 3.24 Away

Other

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The Liberty Bell of the West
The Liberty Bell of the West

Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site (Liberty Bell of the West), 1st Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 3.27 Away

General History

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Turkey Bluffs
Turkey Bluffs

Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area, South Lake Drive, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 5.80 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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Popeye Character Trail
Popeye Character Trail

Segar Memorial Park
Distance: 6.07 Away

General History Outdoor Experiences

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Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park
Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park

Chester Welcome Center, 10 Bridge Bypass Rd, Chester, IL 62233, USA
Distance: 6.08 Away

General History

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Chester Welcome Center
Chester Welcome Center

Chester Welcome Center, Bridge Bypass Road, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.08 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Chester, Illinois
Chester, Illinois

Chester Welcome Center, Bridge Bypass Road, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.08 Away

Cultural Districts

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Chester Bridge
Chester Bridge

Chester Bridge, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.09 Away

Viewpoints

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Old Fire Station
Old Fire Station

822 Swanwick St, Chester, IL 62233, USA
Distance: 6.10 Away

General History

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Spinach Can Collectibles
Spinach Can Collectibles

Spinach Can Collectibles, State Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 6.15 Away

Shopping

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