Giant City Park 235 Giant City Road Makanda, IL 62958 618.457.4836 |
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Nestled in the
Shawnee National Forest, just minutes south of Carbondale, the area was named
for the unique impressions made by its massive sandstone structures. Eons of
geological faulting and folding have molded a landscape like none other, which
is now clothed in lush garments of fern, moss, large flowering mints, hundreds
of species of wild flowers and 75-plus varieties of towering trees. The natural
splendor of Giant City has made it a renowned retreat that attracts more than
1.2 million visitors annually. Shelter bluffs, or rock shelters, worn into the sides of the cliffs have revealed evidence of human habitation in this region from as early as 10,000 years ago, and the blackened ceilings caused by their fires are still visible today. On an 80-foot sandstone cliff near the main entrance, one can see the remains of a Native American stone wall that was erected between A.D. 600-800. The first
European settlers moved into the area from Kentucky and Tennessee in the early
1800s, and by 1850, settlers were using the land to cultivate fruit trees.
During the Civil War, many of the cliffs and canyons were used as havens by
soldiers of both the Union and Confederate armies. In 1927, the State of Illinois acquired more than 1,100 acres of land in Union and Jackson counties and dedicated the area as Giant City State Park. In 1936, the Civilian Conservation Corps completed construction of a lodge and 12 overnight cabins on the highest point in the park. Today, the park has grown to encompass 4,000 acres of spectacular countryside and the 110-acre Fern Rocks Nature Preserve. An 82-foot,
100,000 gallon water tower was constructed in 1970 to feature a 50-foot
observation deck that provides panoramic views of large expanses of the
area. The rustic beauty
of the Giant City
Lodge creates an atmosphere that is unparalleled in southern Illinois.
Although the lodge has been expanded and remodeled, great care has been taken to
preserve the multi-hued sandstone and the white oak timber used in the initial
construction in the 1930s. Many original furnishings and decorations have been
restored and are still in use throughout the lodge. Three types of cabins offering forest views are available to accommodate overnight guests. All have unique features and have been restored. Twelve historic cabins are one-room units; 18 prairie cabins are two-room units; and four bluff cabins, the largest and most scenic, can conveniently house a family of six. The Bald Knob dining room, with seating for 170, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and has a reputation for excellent food at a reasonable price. It is especially well known for its family-style, home-fried chicken. The lodge also features a gift shop, cocktail lounge and bar, an outdoor swimming pool and a childrenīs pool. For lodge reservations, call (618) 457-4921, or write Giant City Lodge, 460 Giant City Lodge Road, Makanda, IL 62958. The Giant City Lodge is closed each year from early December to mid-February. The park is
filled with excellent picnic facilities and shelters. Tables, water, fire grills
and childrenīs playgrounds can be found throughout the facility. Shelter
Reservation Form Giant City is a popular weekend retreat because of its varied and well-kept campground facilities. Its Class A campgrounds provide water, electricity, showers and sanitary facilities for tent and trailer camping. There is a separate Class A equestrian campground located off the horse trail in the southwest corner of the park. A Class C camping area with 14 walk-in sites at the south end of the family campground is available for those who prefer a more primitive setting. Water, outdoor privies, and access to showers are provided. A Youth Group camping area is available on a first come, first served basis for organized groups with adult supervision. Exploration of the
picturesque natural wonders of Giant City State Park can be enjoyed along the
Post Oak, Devilīs Standtable, Giant City, Stonefort, Indian Creek, Trillium and
Arrowwood trails. The Post Oak Trail has been specially designed for disabled
visitors. The 12-mile Red Cedar Hiking Trail provides an invigorating challenge
to the truly dedicated backpacker. Hiking
trails Climbing and rappelling are
permitted at the park in two locations. The areas of Devil's Standtable cliff
and Shelter #1 bluff at the Makanda entrance are accessible to climbers, and
ropes are permitted on these cliffs. Climbers should bring their own equipment
and go directly to the bluff. No permanent anchors allowed. No check-in is
necessary. All climbing activities at the park are conducted at your own risk.
Cliffs are steep, sandstone can be slippery when wet, and protected venomous
copperhead snakes are found on sunny ledges, please use caution. Southern
Illinois sandstone bluff plant communties are fragile, so tread lightly in these
areas. Always carry out what you carry in! Horseback Riding For the equestrian, the park has two options. If youīre bringing your own horses we have a Class A Equestrian Campground and a 12-mile loop trail that are open from May 1 to October 31 each year. All 25 campsites have electricity, hitching posts, and access to water and showers. The fee is $15.00 per night per site. Use of the sewage dump station at the main campground is permitted. The camp is located on the south end of the park. Follow the signs found throughout the park and site personnel will write you a camping permit at your campsite. At the back of the campground is a trailer parking area for day users. There is no charge for day use of the horse trail. Trail maps and information are available at the Visitors Center from 8AM - 4PM daily. For horse enthusiasts
without their own horses, the park offers guided rides. Giant City Stables is
located in the park. They have an abundance of daily trail rides, in addition to
summer camps and lessons. Weather permitting, the stables are open from March 15
to October 31 each year. Please call 618-529-4110 for more information about the
stables, which is closed on Tuesdays. Ponds are located throughout
the park for bank fishing. Little Grassy Lake on the east side of the park,
owned by the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge, has a boat launching ramp and
provides anglers with opportunities to land largemouth bass, bluegill and
crappie. Boats are limited to 10 horsepower motors. The lake also is ideal for
canoeing. For further information, contact Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge, U.S.
Fish & Wildlife, at (618) 997-3344. Hunting for some wildlife
species is allowed at Giant City on a controlled basis. Contact the site
superintendent for details on season times and area rules. Proper registration
rules are strictly enforced. A highlight of Giant City State Park is the new Visitor Center. The Center provides interpretive displays on the geology, plants, animals, and history of the park. An audio-visual room with a running 10 minute film about the park guides visitors through the interesting features. Visitors can pick up information about other tourist destinations in southern Illinois at the Center also. From the north: From the east:
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Rock Climbing/Rappelling