Giant City, IL - May 13-16, 2027

SAVE THE DATE!

When:             May 13-16, 2027

Where:            GIANT CITY STATE PARK

                        Makanda, Illinois

                        Less than 2 hours from St. Louis: 12 miles south of Carbondale

Hosts:              David & Mary Stjern

                        217/341-7487 or 217/652-9859

                        DStjernLaw@Sbcglobal.net

Rally fee:         $10.00 per head (no charge for torsos or extremities)

                        Children 5 & under free

Why Giant City? :  Never been to Giant City State Park? You’re in for a treat. 4,000 acres         

nestled within the Shawnee National Forest. There are numerous walking trails (including one accessible), a visiting center, three levels of cabins for GG members who no longer own a coach, a beautiful lodge with a restaurant (famous for fried chicken) and bar, stables, fishing ponds and more rock formations than you can shake a stick at.

If you’re interested in a cabin, reservations will be taken for 2027 dates beginning December 1. Pets are not allowed in the cabins. For those of us who will be camping, you need to make your own reservations which will be accepted beginning 180 days in advance of the anticipated arrival date. This is state park camping meaning that there is electricity at 85 class A sites but no water or dump facilities except at the campground entrance. There are only 9 50 amp sites so if you need to run 2 air conditioners in May, you will want to reserve early. Book your campsite through ExploreMoreIL.

Itinerary:        More to follow, but anticipate one night of lodge dining, one breakfast including omelets-in-a-bag and possibly Italian beef subs evening. Carbondale is home to SIU and like most college towns has some great pizza options including Pagliai’s, Quatro’s Deep Dish, Italian Village and a newcomer: Rip’s Brick Oven. Marion, just to the east of Carbondale, has a casino, a museum located in a 1913 jail and John Brown’s on the Square Tavern featuring 100 beers.