211 votes

Giant City State Park

235 Giant City Road, Makanda, Illinois 62958-3207 USA

Independent
Credit Cards
Accepted
Pet Friendly
Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms

“Unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation”

With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park near Carbondale is sure to delight visitors of all ages. From camping and horseback riding to fishing and rappelling, it's an outdoor lover's paradise. Visitors will marvel at the many hiking trails. Especially popular is the Giant City Nature Trail, home of the "Giant City Streets" - huge bluffs of sandstone formed 12,000 years ago. Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park was named for the unique impressions made by its massive sandstone structures and a landscape like none other, with lush garments of fern, moss, flowering mints, hundreds of species of wild flowers and more than 75 varieties of towering trees. The Giant City Visitor Center provides interpretive displays on the geology, plants, animals and history of the park, and regional tourism information. The rustic beauty of the Giant City Lodge is the perfect fit for the natural splendor of the park, with three types of cabins, and the Bald Knob dining room, the lodge also features a gift shop, lounge, and outdoor swimming pool. Open from early February until early December, contact the lodge for reservation information at 618-457-4921 or visit the Giant City Lodge website. Giant City is also popular for a camping retreat, with 85 Class A campsites that can be reserved online at ReserveAmerica, a Class C camping area with 14 walk-in campsites, and a youth group camping area. Visitors can enjoy picturesque natural wonders along Giant City's hiking trails, and rock climbing/rappelling are permitted in two locations. Rock Climbing Information Horseback riding enthusiasts will find an equestrian campground and a 12-mile loop trail, and visitors without horses can stop by Giant City Stables. Ponds are located throughout the park for bank fishing. Fishing Map | Fishing Information Sheet For information on seasonal hunting programs at Giant City, view the site Hunter Fact Sheet.

Reviews of Giant City State Park

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Reviewed by
Greek_nomad

Road Warrior
401 Reviews
296 Helpful

September 18, 2014

Rated 5.0

If you visit Carbondale then you must go for a walk at the Giant City State Park. There is a great amount of things to do while you are there, so you never get bored.

Take a walk at the paths created and watch the nature welcome you to explore the park. The wooden bridges you come across will surely amaze you. They look as if they were constructed by the place itself and fit to the serene green and sandstone background.

Shelters are everywhere, benches, picnic areas, camping areas and even a lodge where you can stay overnight if you wish. The only thing you have to do is just go there and the place will lead you to the next step you have to follow.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
faithnett

3 Reviews
1 Helpful

March 19, 2018

Rated 4.0

Lots of trails from easy to challenging. Interesting landscapes and some points of historical interest. Some playgrounds for kids near shelters foe picnicking. A lot of other activities offered as well.

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