News Release Giant City State Park
Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/14/2024 - 04/01/2024
12:00 am
Location
Giant City State Park
Categories
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02/14/2024
Giant City State Park will be a prime viewing location for the 2024 Solar Eclipse, due to its location within the
path of totality, 4 minutes and 8 seconds. However, the site does pose several challenges for visitors, and we
encourage visitors to consider the following facts about the site prior to their visit.
• Acreage: The park consists of 4,052 acres of public land. +/-95% of the site is forested, with a limited
view of the sky, so a scouting trip would be recommended prior to the eclipse to avoid surprises. The
wooded forest will provide a unique viewing experience for certain.
• Camping: 25 first-come first-served class A campsites are available in the main campground. 14 class C
campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis.
• Shelters: 5 shelters exist, however, all of them have been reserved. No overnight stays will be
permitted.
• Parking: No overnight parking will be permitted. A parking map will be provided at a later date. Parking
will be limited on the day of the event. Obey posted signs.
o 5 shelters will have additional parking spaces available.
o 6 Trailhead parking lots, identified by trail name.
o 18 misc. Parking lots are scattered throughout the site, each with varying degrees of space and
visibility.
▪ Viewing fields will be available at: Giant City Ball Diamond, North Bluff Field, Horse
Camp Circle Drive, the field area of “Red Bud Flats” (p-10) along Stonefort Road.
▪ All parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
o Once the park is full, we may close the entrances to avoid overcrowding. Plan to park and walk
to viewing fields.
• Events: Project Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast will have an informational booth in front of the Visitor
Center on the day of the eclipse.
o We will provide viewing opportunities but do not anticipate any events the day of the event
due to the scattered crowds and limited access to the site.
For more information please visit the IDNR Total Solar Eclipse Page Here:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/totalsolareclipse.html
Other questions may be directed to the park office at (618) 457-4836, between 8:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.