Giant City State Park is Illinois' best kept secret. This state park is nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, 12 miles south of Carbondale, IL. It is approximately 40 miles north of the very southern tip of the state. This 4,000 acre park encompasses a multitude of sandstone bluffs, oak-hickory woodlands, and the absolute best scenery in the Midwest. The massive sandstone bluffs and the narrow shaded areas between them resemble a city, thus the name "Giant City" was coined.

I have lived in Southern Illinois for over 25 years and visit Giant City several times a year. I first visited this park when I was a student at Southern Illinois University, then when dating, then with our family, and now again after my children have grown and left home. I can honestly say that this is a great area for anyone who loves the outdoors. I have MANY fond memories of this park. My favorite activity at this park is to hike on the trails surrounding the rock formations. I never was courageous enough to climb the formations but I LOVE to watch others scale up and down the sides of these cliffs. The absolute best time to visit the park is in the middle of October. The weather is typically less hot and humid then and the foilage is BEAUTIFUL.


VISITOR'S CENTER

The newly constructed Visitor's Center is located at the main entrance to the park. The 4,000 square foot stone and wood facility contains an exhibit hall with full-color displays of the natural, cultural, and geological features of the park. While parents are viewing the displays, children can spend time in the Discovery Corner where they can touch snake skins, deer antlers, or enjoying viewing nature activity books. There is also an informative free video that presents the highlights of the park and describes the development of the park via the Civilian Conservation Corps contributions. Of course, there is a gift shop where you can but t-shirts, post cards, and the like.


GIANT CITY LODGE

The Lodge

Whenever I visit Giant City, I ALWAYS visit the Lodge. This lodge is very interesting to me. It is located on the highest point in the park is Giant City Lodge, with sweeping vistas. The Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930's constructed it from the multi-hued sandstone and white oak timber native to the park. A few years ago, the Lodge was recently restored. The rustic beauty of this lodge reminds me of wilderness lodges in the West. The Balk Knob dining room with seating for 170 serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner serves EXCELLENT food at reasonable prices. On Sundays, this restaurant serves a family style chicken dinner that has surpassed all others I have ever had. People travel from miles around for the excellent food served here so plan to wait a while, unless you have reservations. The attire is casual so you will be welcome wearing shorts and t-shirts.

Adjacent Cabins

Overnight accommodations are provided in 34 cabins. Twelve of the cabins are the original ones. These "historic" cabins have one room. These original cabins have recently been renovated. Additionally, 18 newer cabins are two room units, and there are 2 newer cabins with enough space to accommodate 6 people. There is an outdoor pool and children's pool that are available solely for the use of cabin guests. The base price for the cabins ranges from $55 to $80 per night. There is a $5 a night surcharge for additional guests. For reservations call 618-457-4836.


NATURE TRAILS

There are at least eight nature trails through the park ranging from 1/3 of a mile to 16 miles, with a variety of difficulty levels. I will describe some of our favorite trails.

Giant City Nature Trail. If you only have time for one trail, this is the one I would recommend. Giant City Nature Trail is by far the most popular trail at Giant City. This 1 mile trail is through the famous "streets" of Giant City. The trail consists of both mulch and wooden walkways. We have found that small portions of this are fairly strenuous. However, I am basically a weakling so it my not be strenous for anyone else. Bird lovers will really enjoy this trail since they are likely to see the largest woodpecker in the United States, the pileated woodpecker.

Post Oak Nature Trail. This "accessible" 1/3 mile trail is perfect for elderly individuals, individuals with limited mobility, and young children. This paved trail winds along the perimeter of a sandstone bluff. There are several gorgeous overlooks and an amplitude of opportunities for viewing wildlife. This trail is probably about as accessible as any wilderness trail could be. However, I'd really recommend that anyone who uses a wheelchair be accompanied by someone who has the strength to push it, if necessary. There are places where the pavement is rather uneven. This is the trail that I took my children on when they were little.

Stonefort Nature Trail. "Stoneforts" are walls of heavy stones built by Native Americans between 600 and 900 AD. This strenuous 1/3 mile trail enables you to visit one of these stoneforts. I climbed this trail once and discovered that it was somewhat too difficult for me. However, I felt that it was worth doing ONCE to see the stonefort.

Red Cedar Hiking Trail. This 16 mile trails circles the entire park, enabling one to experience a little of everything that Giant City has to offer. We did this trail once, mostly to say that we did it. There is a primitive tent camping area approximately 1/2 way through the trail with grills, picnic tables, and very primitive "facilities". No water is available so make sure to bring an adequate supply. Also, one must obtain a permit from the Visitor's Center before using this trail. This is CRITICALLY important because this trail is on a flood plain. There are creeks that have been known to be affected by flash floods. Be sure that you don't camp in one of these areas. Also, this trail is closed during hunting season.


ROCK CLIMBING

There are ample opportunities for rock climbing at Giant City State Park. The sandstone bluffs are perfect for this activity. This is one of the most popular activities at this park.


CAMPING

A wide variety of camping sites are available in the park.

Class A Sites

One campground provides water, electricity, showers and modern facilities. Tents and trailers are both welcome here. I have never stayed at this site but have used the showers and facilities. I found them to be as clean as those as any camp area. These sites rent for $11 a night.

Class C Sites

A Class C camping area, with vehicular access , is also available for youth groups. This site rents for $1 per person with a minimum of $10 per night.

Primitive Sites

If you prefer roughing it, there is a primitive camping facility adjacent to one of the other campsites. This area has walk-in sites. These sites rent for $6 per night.


EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES

Equestrian Stables

Horses and guides are available at the Giant City Stables. Our family had a blast being lead on a trail with an experienced guide. I had never road a horse before and was initially scared to death. However, our guide was very sensitive and readily helped me over my fear. Call the Giant City Stables for more information at 618-529-4110.
Giant City is proud to have a 12 mile equestrian trail around the park. This trail goes through forests, over rocky creeks, and along ancient sandstone bluffs.

Equestrian Camping

There is a separate Class A campground located off the horse trail in the southwest corner of the park with special facilities for equestrian campers and their horses. These sites rent for $11 a night.


PICNIC AREAS AND PLAYGROUNDS

Giant City State Park provides excellent picnic facilities and shelters. If you want a shelter, I suggest that you reserve one since these are taken quickly. Tables, water, grills, and playgrounds can be found throughout the park to help you enjoy your meal in the great outdoors. Dogs are allowed in the park so feel free to bring Rover. Dogs, however, are not allowed on the trails.


HUNTING

Hunting is allowed on approximately 2,000 acres of Giant City Park during the specific hunting seasons. Hunters strive to get deer, dove, quail, woodcock, squirrel, rabbit, and wild turkey.


INTERPRETATIVE PROGRAMS

Giant City offers a wide variety of free interpretative programs. Examples of these include: The Owls of Giant City; Special Archery Deer Hunt; Leaf, bark, and seek hikes; and Wondering Among the Wildflowers. Our family really got a kick out of the Owls of Giant City program.


BOATING, CANOEING, FISHING, & SWIMMING

Adjacent to Giant City are Little Grassy and Devil's Kitchen Lakes. These lakes provide an abundance of water activities including boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VISITING THE PARK

1. If you plan to stay in a cabin, rent it well in advance. These cabins are very popular and are almost impossible to obtain at the last minute.

2. If you prefer to visit the park when it is the least busy, visit during the week. The park can get rather busy on weekends and especially during holidays.

3. Plan to visit the Lodge. For a treat, have a meal there. The surroundings and food are great.

4. Bring everything you need for your picnic with you.

5. Do NOT drink and climb. Every year someone gets killed when they try this combination. Also, be realistic about your abilities and don't climb if you are not capable of safely doing it.

6. Get out of your car and walk on at least one of the trails.

7. Have fun and enjoy some of the best outdoor recreation that Illinois has to offer.

8. Realize that Southern Illinois is typically very hot and humid in the summer. The heat index can readily reach 115 to 120. So bring plenty of water and limit your activities on very hot days. Also, bring plenty of sunscreen.

Recommended: Yes

Best time to go: June-August
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Hiking & Trails