The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has issued a warning regarding the viewing of the April 8 total solar eclipse at Giant City State Park. Despite being a prime location, the park presents several challenges for visitors, The Paducah Sun reported.
Giant City State Park, encompassing over 4,000 acres, is predominantly forested, offering limited sky visibility. Approximately 95% of the park is covered with trees, prompting IDNR to advise visitors to scout the location before the eclipse day to avoid unexpected viewing obstacles.
The park offers camping facilities, with 25 class A campsites in the main campground and 14 class C sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, while there are five shelters within the park, they have been fully reserved, and no overnight stays will be accommodated in these areas.
Parking is also on a first-come, first-served basis, with no overnight parking permitted. On the day of the eclipse, parking will be notably restricted. The park features five shelters with parking, six trailhead parking lots, and 18 miscellaneous lots, each varying in space and visibility.
For eclipse viewing, IDNR has designated fields at the Giant City Ball Diamond, North Bluff Field, Horse Camp Circle Drive, and Red Bud Flats along Stonefront Road. The department also warned that park entrances might close upon reaching full capacity to prevent overcrowding.
An informational booth by the Project Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast will be set up in front of the visitor center on the eclipse day. However, IDNR has announced no planned events for the day due to the expected dispersed crowds and limited site access.
Giant City State Park, located near Carbondale and nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, is celebrated for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. The park offers camping, horseback riding, fishing, rappelling, and numerous hiking trails, including the popular Giant City Nature Trail with its “Giant City Streets” – massive sandstone bluffs formed 12,000 years ago.
Giant City Lodge, known for its rustic beauty, complements the natural surroundings of the park. It offers various cabin accommodations, a dining room, gift shop, lounge, and an outdoor swimming pool, enhancing the visitor experience at Giant City State Park.
Featured image by Giant City State Park (2017) via Illinois Department of Natural Resources