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

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.

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.

It is a very nice playground and it is also nice for kids that are on the spectrum since it is…read morepartially fenced in. My grandkids loved it!

What a fun park for kids! I love that the play structure is different. The area for littler kids…read morewas perfect for my toddler. Lots of shaded picnic tables. The bathrooms were clean. My kids had a fantastic time and we will be back!

Great Park! So many beautiful trees. It's a great workout with many wonderful trails. My…read moretwo-year-old daughter loved it and the little cute play area. Go to this park if you have not been there. It's so pretty and well kept.

So this place is literally hidden. Actually, that might be one of the best things about it! Plenty…read moreof parking and a perfect place to take your four legged friends. They've got the poop bags at the beginning of the trail (always a good sign). You can go either of two directions to start. It's not crazy big but it's a nice place go come back to once in a while. There's a bit of water, and a few benches around. You could even have lunch if you so desired. Enjoy your visit! I know your doggie will appreciate it!! :)

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.

This hike is a long time favorite. I remember coming here as a kid having so much fun climbing on…read morethe rocks, it used to take us all day. Now we still go; but just on the full hike so it takes much less time Good for a beginner not too steep or challenging, a modest hike I'd say. You can do this in tennis shoes. It's also a loop, so hard to get lost which is also a plus!

One of my favorite hikes in the area. A little over 2 miles long loop. There are no bathrooms on…read moresite so be sure to use before. The landscape and rock features make it feel like you're a long way from Missouri. Not too crowded and far enough away from the highway to where you can be immersed in the woods. Pets on a leash are welcomed. Leisurely hike with some beautiful scenery.

Great National Wildlife Refugee! An oasis down the road from Marion which was awful because it is…read morefull of semi trucks and fast food and rushing cars. If you are in the area seek this place out. It is beautiful. Lots of grasslands with birds such as wild turkeys! There is a large expanse of water that can drive through on a narrow gravel road.

Freeburg, Park is a great place to visit with the children. There are seats and plenty of grassy…read moreareas for them to play in. During the summer concerts come to the park live on Sundays! Be sure to make plans to attend one of these concerts.

My favorite location in the southern Illinois area. The park is very quite and clean. The rangers…read moreare all friendly and willing to help. I also feel safe at the state lake! Beautiful views

This is a great place to go for some nice weekend camping. It's about 45 minutes away from the…read moremetro east, so it is much closer than driving the couple of hours down to the Ozarks. The price is fine, eight bucks for the class c camping. A great little bait shop on the property, and great places to fish. You can even rent boats for a reasonable price. If you want a bit of camping, it's a great, close place!

We did a one night stay in O'fallon for a family event with our toddler. This park was a PERFECT…read moreway to get out some energy before heading back on the road home. Plenty of options for younger kiddos and older kids alike. Well kept- someone was there cleaning the park early on a Sunday morning. Lots of picnic tables as well!