Giant City State Park, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Giant City State Park, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Giant City State Park, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Giant City State Park
  2. Important essentials for Giant City State Park
  3. Activities for Giant City State Park
  4. Giant City State Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Giant City State Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Giant City State Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Giant City State Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Giant City State Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Giant City State Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Giant City State Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Giant City State Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Giant City State Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Giant City State Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Giant City State Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Giant City State Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Giant City State Park, Illinois, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Giant City State Park, Illinois, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Giant City State Park, Illinois, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Giant City State Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Giant City State Park, Illinois, United States of America by month

January

January here can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in Giant City State Park is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Giant City State Park can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

If you visit Giant City State Park during May, you may find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

June

June in Giant City State Park is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

July

July in Giant City State Park is hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

August

August in Giant City State Park is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

Traveling to Giant City State Park in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

If you are traveling to Giant City State Park in October, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

November

If you are traveling to Giant City State Park in November, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

In December, Giant City State Park is frigid. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Giant City State Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Giant City State Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

What to do in Giant City State Park, Illinois, United States of America

Giant City State Park is a hidden gem located in southern Illinois, United States of America. The park is known for its amazing geological features, stunning rock formations, and breathtaking views, making it a top tourist attraction.

1. Giant City Nature Trail

The Giant City Nature Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park, offering hikers a chance to see the majestic rock formations up close. The trail is 1.75 miles long and takes hikers through a forest landscape, past rock shelters, and even a waterfall.

2. Devil's Stand Table Trail

Devil's Stand Table Trail is another popular trail in the park, leading hikers to the top of Devil's Stand Table, a rock formation that offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. The trail is 3.5 miles long and is not considered as challenging as the Giant City Nature Trail.

3. Giant City Lodge

The Giant City Lodge is a historic lodge in the park that has been around since the 1930s. The lodge is a perfect place for visitors to rest and enjoy the majestic view of the forest from the comfort of their room. The lodge also has a restaurant that serves delicious meals, and a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs.

4. Stone Fort Trail

Stone Fort Trail is a one-of-a-kind trail that leads hiker through the rocky formations of Giant City State Park. The trail is 1.6 miles long and takes hikers to a rock formation with a small cave that provides shade and a perfect spot for a picnic.

5. Giant City Stables

Visitors can also explore the park on horseback by renting one of the horses from the Giant City Stables. The stables offer guided trail rides through the park, providing visitors with another perspective of the park's beauty.

In conclusion, Giant City State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of southern Illinois. From the amazing rock formations, the breathtaking views, and the incredible hiking trails, the park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. So, plan your visit today and discover the wonders of Giant City State Park.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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