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Giant City
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235 Giant City Road
Makanda, IL 62958
618.457.4836
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
wilderness trails, and a sure treat awaits anyone hiking the Giant City Nature
Trail, home of the “Giant City Streets” formed 12,000 years ago by huge bluffs
of sandstone.
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.
History
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.
By the early 1900s, many biologists, geologists and visitors had become
intrigued with the region for study and relaxation. It provided ample
opportunity for both.
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.
In 1999, a 4,725-square-foot Visitor Center was completed. The new facility
houses exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the park, as well as a
gift shop, audio-visual room, and a discovery corner for children.
Lodging
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 children’s 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.
Picnicking
The park is filled with excellent picnic facilities and shelters. Tables, water,
fire grills and children’s playgrounds can be found throughout the facility.
Shelter Reservation Form
Camping
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.
Hiking
Exploration of the picturesque natural wonders of Giant City State Park can be
enjoyed along the Post Oak, Devil’s 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
Rock Climbing/Rappelling
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
Giant City Stables
For the equestrian, the park has two options. If you’re 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.
Fishing and Boating
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
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.
Visitor Center
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.
* While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's
facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to
avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
* At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
* Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
* Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call
ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
* We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only
footprints.
* For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
* Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources
Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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