Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park is a beautiful place for day trips and longer vacations. There are several cozy cabins including some that are big enough for a whole family. Whether guests stay for a day or for several days, the trails are a must for the vacation’s activities. There are trails leading down to Ceder Falls, trails leading into cave-like spaces, and trails near streams. Guests who are staying overnight may enjoy the meals offered in the restaurant located in the Petit Jean’s Mather Lodge. Near Mather Lodge there is a beautiful view. The lodge also includes a gift store, selling cute stuffed animals, Petit Jean shirts and sweatshirts, key chains, books, post cards, and other interesting items. The food in the restaurant is quality and the service is cheerful and well executed. There is a large fireplace in the lodge as one first enters. At Christmas time a grand Christmas tree is on display and a cute pair of Mr. and Mrs. Claus dolls add atmosphere. Some of the cabins (perhaps all) have fireplaces in them as well. Depending on which cabin a guest stays in, he or she may want to bring a few food items to cook in the cabin’s kitchen (if he or she stays in a cabin that includes a kitchen). Some cabins (or perhaps all) contain a kitchen table where families or groups can enjoy a meal together or set up a board game. A trip to Petit Jean offers the joys of walking in the woods, being a good distance from the city, and reveling in the peaceful, quiet, beauty of the natural surroundings so prevalent at Petit Jean state park. there are also other activities available at Petit Jean. The atmosphere is very family friendly. Kids can enjoy Petit Jean as much as adults. Guests can read about the history of Petit Jean mountain, and how the story involves a French girl who pretended to be a boy and was given the name “Petit Jean” and how this connects to the name of the park: Petit Jean. Any one who enjoys nature and a homey, camp-like environment will enjoy visiting Petit Jean. During the winter especially, Petit Jean is cozy and offers a great vacation experience. The vacation experience is stellar during the summer as well though, with the woods in full bloom and the weather being ripe for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.