Giant City Lodge

This lodge is part of sylvan Giant City State Park in southern Illinois' Shawnee National Forest. The sandstone bluffs of the area provided shelter for Native Americans who inhabited the region as early as 10,000 B.C. The rustic lodge is named for the areas's unusual rock formations, which resemble the towering walls and streets of a mythical giant's city. The lodge, which contains many of the original oak furnishings, and the park are both listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The main building sits on a hill, the highest point in the park, and is surrounded by 34 newly renovated cabins with forest views, full bath, TV, mini refrigrator, and telephone. Amenities include three meeting rooms accommodating from 60 to 150 people, an outdoor swimming pool, a children's pool, stables, a gift shop, and a class A campground.