Giant City State Park - State park in Makanda - 235 Giant City Rd, USA

Giant City State Park is AWESOME! Not much has changed since my first visit 35 yrs ago, and that is what makes it AMAZING. Its beautiful, hiking paths and everything else you would expect in a state park. But wait, there's more. The Lodge at Giant City State Park has amazing food, go there on Sunday for the all you can eat fried chicken with all of the fixings. It is delicious! If you wanted to get away for a few days or a week, they have cabins available for rent. Giant city state park is a must see/must visit.

We visit this State Park every year to RV camp and trail hike. We really enjoy the 80’ climbing and rappelling wall. I believe there are 12/13 climbing routes and the rappelling transition off the top is almost zero….easiest you could every have (perfect for new users) The only negative is there’s no water in the park to swim during the summer. The lodge has a small pool but it’s for lodge guest only. Camp ground is electric only with water spigots spaced throughout the campground.

This was my first experience exploring a Southern Illinois State Park. It was awesome! This park is beautiful. I especially enjoyed the Trillium trail.

Really great place in Southern Illinois to spend a weekend. There alot of easy trails to hike and nice cabins to stay in and a very restaurant. Horseback riding too.

Nice place to hike. Nice cabins reasonably price all with central heating and A/C!!! A pool to enjoy. The lodge is very cool and the staff there are Incredibly nice and welcoming!!!

All I can say is that I am not used to seeing state parks like this. The most difficult aspect is staying on the intended trail when there's so much to explore! My curiosity got the best of me as I ventured into some of the caves when I felt a cool breeze flowing out. All of them dead end into a small crevasse. The breeze that exits leads me to believe there has to be a larger cave system. Probably my curiosity getting the best of me. However, I continue to wonder! Keep a keen eye out. There are several trails that have wall anchors for rock climbing. Something I'll keep in mind the next time I visit.

We participated in Gnome Roam and it was so much fun! Its a great way to see all of Giant City and try the different trails they have to offer.

What a beautiful State Park. The hiking trails we did were wonderful. The visitors center staff were amazing. She gave us wonderful recommendations on the trails. I even had the honor of speaking with Mr. Kelley,the CEO of the lodge. What a delightful man who truly has a passion for this state park. Thanks Mr. Kelley for taking time from your Easter Sunday to share your passion for the lodge. I truly hope the next time I come down we can talk again