State of Illinois

08/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/24/2026 08:54

Giant City State Park invites public to share memories and photos for park's 100th anniversary in 2027

SPRINGFIELD - Giant City State Park in southern Illinois will celebrate its 100th anniversary as an Illinois state park in 2027, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to share their favorite memories of the park for a yearlong visitor center display.

"Giant City has been a special place for generations of Illinoisans, and we want to hear the stories that make this park meaningful to our visitors," said Jennifer Randolph-Bollinger, natural resources corridnator for Giant City State Park.

People can submit stories about Giant City, including funny anecdotes, significant life events or favorite memories. Stories should be no more than 100 words and should include a copy of an original photograph. Submitted stories and photographs will be featured in a yearlong display at the Giant City State Park visitor center throughout 2027.


Stories and photographs will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2026. Submissions may be emailed to [email protected] or delivered in person to the park's visitor center between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily. For more information, call 618-457-4836.
Giant City State Park
in Jackson County is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The park attracts about 895,000 visitors annually. Recreational opportunities include hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, hunting, rock climbing and more.

About IDNR


The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, its work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook , YouTube and LinkedIn .
State of Illinois published this content on August 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 24, 2026 at 14:54 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]