Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant
Experience Southern Illinois hospitality at Giant City Lodge, nestled in a state park known for stunning sandstone formations and outdoor adventures.
Nestled within Giant City State Park, the Giant City Lodge & Restaurant offers a rustic retreat with historic charm. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the lodge features cozy cabins, a restaurant known for its family-style fried chicken, and access to the park's stunning natural beauty, including unique sandstone formations and hiking trails.
A brief summary to Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant
- 460 Giant City Lodge Rd, Makanda, Illinois, 62958, US
- +1618-457-4921
- Visit website
Local tips
- Try the famous all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner at the Bald Knob Dining Room, a long-standing tradition at Giant City Lodge.
- Explore the Giant City Nature Trail to witness the unique sandstone formations known as the "Giant City Streets".
- Book cabins in advance, especially during peak season (February to December), to secure your stay at the historic lodge.
- Visit the Giant City Visitor Center to learn about the park's geology, history, and diverse plant and animal life.
Getting There
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Driving
From Carbondale, head south on US-51. Turn onto Giant City Road and follow it for approximately 7 miles to reach the park entrance. Parking is available at the lodge and near the main trailheads. Be aware that roads in and around the park can be narrow and curvy.
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Taxi/Ride-Sharing
From Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU), a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft will take approximately 20 minutes to reach Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant. The estimated cost is $25-$31.
Discover more about Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant
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