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Overview – Named for a French missionary who, led by Joliet, explored the area in 1673, Pere Marquette State Park has a storied past. Archaeological studies have uncovered prehistoric habitation, and during Joliet's time, the area was home to the Illini confederacy of Native Americans. – – The Experience – At 8,000 acres, this state park is one of Illinois' largest. There are facilities for virtually any interest: 12 miles of marked hiking trails, a 20-mile paved bike trail, picnic areas, 80 class-A campsites, launching ramps and courtesy docks for boating and fishing,…