Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant is nestled in the heart of Southern Illinois, offering a perfect retreat for nature lovers and travelers seeking a serene escape. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and lush landscapes, this charming lodge provides both comfortable lodging and a restaurant serving locally-inspired dishes. The property features cozy cabin rooms, ideal for those looking to unwind in a peaceful setting while exploring the great outdoors.
The lodge is part of Giant City State Park, known for its rugged bluffs and scenic trails. Guests can enjoy hiking opportunities nearby, though the main attractions like Garden of the Gods are a short 22-mile drive away. The restaurant at the lodge offers an all-you-can-eat chicken buffet, along with otherIllinois-inspired menu items, making it a great spot to refuel after a day of adventure.
Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant has received positive feedback from guests for its friendly staff and scenic surroundings. Many visitors praise the warm hospitality of employees like Mikey, Dylan, and Eli, who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The restaurant, while noted by some as having room for improvement in menu offerings, is still a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Customer Feedback: "The scenery and trails are beautiful. We prefer the bluff cabins... I recommend this place to my friends and to everyone else so they can have the same great experience as I do every time." - TripAdvisor Review
Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Southern Illinois' natural beauty while enjoying comfortable accommodations and deliciousIllinois cuisine.
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery
Fast service
Fireplace
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Serves local specialty
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Alcohol
All you can eat
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Private dining room
Small plates
Wine
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Casual
Cozy
Historic
Quiet
Romantic
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu
Free parking lot
Free street parking
This place has always been an amazing experience! The scenery and trails are beautiful. We prefer the bluff cabins. Mikey is too cool and is there to help out with whatever. Our server's at the restaurant, Dylan and Eli were incredible. And the food was delicious as always. I recommend this place to my friends and to everyone else so they can have the same great experience as I do every time.
Single cabin room was quite acceptable and cozy for the price, however as other reviews have noted the beds are unbelievably soft. Plenty of towels provided however some were threadbare and had frayed edges. Restaurant was mediocre. All you can eat chicken seemed left over from lunch, while sides seemed packaged, not homemade. Soup and side portions were extremely small for the price. Server was great, very cheery. Side note: main hiking attractions are NOT in or even near the park. Garden of the Gods is 22 mi away
We live about 40 minutes away and like to hike in the park. We always stop at this restaurant after hiking and come here often. My husband loves the all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner. It comes with TONS of sides. I always get the fried fish sandwich because I really like it. My sister-in-law loves their corn fitters. On our most recent trip, my best friend was with us. She's vegan and ordered the veggie wrap and liked it. They also have a full bar if you want to enjoy some adult beverages. Highly recommend stopping here if you're in the area!
The smoked chicken was dry. The bison burger was in no way worth $22. The prime rib had as much fat as it did beef. The staff was very nice and it's a neat looking place. They've got some cabins for rent and it's in a very pretty setting. I just wouldn't go there for the food.
I loved it. Setting is beautiful, historic lodge is well maintained. Food, cocktails and people were great. (They had me at white lightening peach tea.) Only negative, as mentioned in the other reviews, is that the mattresses are way too soft. Seriously they should just buy some firm memory foam. But I cant wait to go back!