The most important thing about this place is the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The…read morepoint where the two great rivers meet and truly form the Mighty Mississippi from here on south. Historically, this was a very significant place. There has been an actual fort in place here during the Civil War. And the exploration of the Mississippi Purchase by Lewis and Clark famously stopped here for a week. Apparently, though, the confluence used to be quite a bit farther north and the rivers have just deposited so much sediment over the years that the point gradually drifts further and further south. The whole area feels a bit forgotten, much like the relics of old Route 66 in the American west. In this case, first the advent of automobiles, then air travel and interstates seem to have done it in over time. While it's a historically significant area, it's as if the constant flux of flooding and drought that wipes clean the surrounding area and perpetually re-maps the path of these rivers also keeps any more solid form of established tourism structures from sticking it out. There are no bathrooms here - just a porta-potty. The parking lot and roads are rough. The grass is overgrown and I was the only person visiting. The three-story old observation tower can be scaled, but I can't imagine it's long for this world in its current condition. The nearest permanent structure is a welcome center about a quarter mile back up the only road to the point. And that is completely shut down with a single worn-out info board in the parking lot. From the perspective of an individual seeking out even the finer points of American history, it's probably worth a stop assuming you're taking a tour of the Mississippi mounds or visiting the nearby New Madrid Fault. I wouldn't exactly suggest going out of your way to stop by here, however. It's been relegated to a blink in time.

I really liked the atmosphere and solitude of this location. I wished there was more information,…read moreat the sight, about Fort Defiance, it's purpose and it's demise. I had to go on line and read about it, rather than the usual "brown signs". I was there both late in the evening and the next morning, early and didn't see a living sole either time. This place has a neat vibe and if I lived closer I would be out on "the point" a lot.

I stopped here on a road trip. The visitor center was shut down due to COVID-19 but it was still…read moreeasy to find my way around. I went to the scenic overlook and got a great view of the muddy Mississippi River. we (me and my dogs) then hiked a mile, which wasn't bad. but it was hilly. there was also a lake where people were swimming. this a great park, if you are driving through the area be sure to stop by and enjoy the nature it has to offer.

A lot of sad but informative history at the visitors center, don't pass it by. The visitors center…read morealso features wildlife of the area, and the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Camping, swimming, picnic areas available. Couple of nice lookout points for photos.

I've visited multiple historical sites similar to this mound site, across the country. Of all the…read moreexperiences this one stands out for a very specific reason. All the others are just the mounds with their accompanying history explained. This is the first one I've been to that goes above and beyond just seeing a grassy mound and actually has a fully excavated, and protected site within it. I find this fascinating. This type of historical location is only as exciting as the person visiting it wants to make it. Having this extra layer of dirt removed to actually see what's under one of these mounds is much more gratifying. In any event, I think it's important to take a moment and imagine life at the time the mound was created almost 1000 years ago and how different it is from what we experience today, standing in the same spot. This is an excellent site with great documentation and a very friendly and helpful staff. Definitely worth taking an hour out of your day if you're in the area to stop by and experience this place.

Stopped here on our way to explore Cairo staff was wonderful learned a lot about the mystery of the…read morearea

Although short, I had a great time exploring the park. The trail that I really wanted to see was…read moreinaccessible because of construction. The visitors center is also wonderful and I highly recommend exploring this park especially in spring or Fall. There are several accessible trails.

Even though me and my wife were disappointed that we didn't have time to check out the Welcome…read moreCenter since it was closed down Memorial Day we were able to check out a few of the trails at Giant City state park. I enjoyed the mixed variety of Trail Lengths mainly just because I'm not much of a hiker myself. The state park is actually a solid place to check out if you're in the area or are coming to the area since there's many things to check out especially on this side of the Shawnee National Forest compared to the east side. There's plenty of parking spaces and amenities at most of these trailheads. The area is still a well-kept secret in my opinion that I don't feel like a lot of tourists still come and check out. Overall, the state park is actually worth checking out and thankfully the parking is free or you don't need a parking pass of any source

My wife and I wanted to check this place out since it was on her bucket list and apparently it…read morebecame on my bucket list as well since I love to see some other worldly things in my own home state of illinois. Thankfully we lucked out and we didn't get rained on but this place was still pretty busy. Depending on when you show up parking can be a bit Limited. The trails to the top is not too long either but the interaction is so long and breathtaking. I've never been to a park since I've been to Matheson State Park where you are able to climb on every little thing. The views here and the experience is unlike any other. It felt like I was back in the Smoky Mountains but with less tourists. They have public restrooms here as well though if there's a line it could take a while. Me and my wife spent a good few hours here and if you follow the trail it will take you right back to the parking lot. We also enjoyed that this place is also dog friendly too!

Located in Herod Illinois within the Shawnee National Forest,this is a must stop if in the area…read more The views and scenery are absolutely breathtaking. You can hike,camp,pinic or nature watch. The Observation Trail features unique rock formations and scenic views. Make sure you have gas and essentials as there is nothing available in the area.

We happened upon this park coming from across the highway, at the Conservation Conservatory. We had…read morean 11year, 8, 7, and 14month old. This place was AMAZING! You could tell it was newer, clean bathrooms, and a water fountain to fill water bottles! The picnic tables were concrete and pavilions clean. I was super impressed with this park!

Great quaint park with picnics & scenery. Can fish, no swim. Little bridge and cabanas all overread more

Stayed in the campground, which is open year-round. They have a new bath house with 8…read moreseparate/private restroom/showers. 6 are locked up for the season. For the two that are open, the rooms are blazing hot but the showers are very cold. Not quite ice cold but the are not even "like warm". Totally unacceptable. They need to take the money wasted on overheating the rooms to heating the water to a reasonable temperature.

The highlight of this park is a reconstructed wooden fort, which overlooks the river and is fairly…read moreimpressive. I assume there is some more action during business hours as it wasn't the most happening place in the evening. There are a variety of trails and other facilities, as well as a disc golf course. Maps suggest that a road leads to another forest park, but the road does become unpaved dirt and gravel before the point of crossing under the main highway. The water fountains did not work for me. It is a free park with some interesting features and a variety of possible uses.

I was looking up things to do in the Carbondale area and this place caught my eye. I don't have any…read morekids nor am I one but I had to visit the park and I got to hear the story about how this park was built and how it came to be. This park is very well kept! I've never been to an active park that is so well maintained and the fact that it has no graffiti on it! This park is so Interactive and I thought it was convenient that it had porta potties next to it as well. Even the ice cream man came by to visit. Plenty of great Interactive things that check out that are one-of-a-kind like climbing got a dragon and even the playground is big enough for grown-ups to walk around without actually it's time to climb on stuff. This place was like walking into a Renaissance fair , I highly recommend checking this place out!

This is without a doubt one of the top parks that my kids have ever been to. When you step into the…read morepark you see sculptures of wizards, knights, dragons, and fantastical creatures. It is like stepping into a Dungeons & Dragons story. The highlight thought is without a doubt the castle. There are ramparts, hidden armories, gargoyles, coats of arms, statues and a whole menagerie of fantastical creatures. I had to tear my 5 and 3 year old away from it. It could have kept them busy for hours. There is also a touching backstory to the park. It was founding in memory of Jeremy "Boo" Rochman who died in a car crash nearby. He loved fantasy and his family set up the park in his honor. The park is privately funded, and can accept donations through its website. So if you do stop in and enjoy it, please make sure to support the park.

Depends on your style and tastes because it definitely is a little eerie! If you like weird,…read morethough, it'll be a good place to visit. It will definitely be something we will always remember, but not one we necessarily recommend.

This place is absolutely different. It's a super duper collection of "yard art" of all sorts. The…read morestuff in the collection is the stuff in the collection but the creators/owners of the place are what brings out the magic. With an endless stream of puns and plays on words and a clear passion for what they're doing, that's what makes this place even more special. There are all sorts of things in the collection put together in various art installations around the property. There are historical things, a lot of toys, and so many plays on words you can't count 'em all. We purposely stayed an additional day in the area just to visit the museum and it was well worth it.I think everybody will get a smile out of this place but the joy in the owners' eyes makes it especially great. And the puns, oh the puns!