Giant City Park- Makanda, IL

After six years of full-time travel, we’ve only got seven states left to go. Our personal rule is simple: we have to spend at least seven nights in a state to earn that coveted sticker on our travel map. With a shorter travel season this year, we decided it was the perfect time to tackle a few of the midwestern states on our list: Illinois, Wisconsin, and Nebraska – the Midwest Trifecta

First up: Illinois, the “Land of Lincoln.” Our first stop was Giant City State Park, tucked away in the Shawnee National Forest. This place is a hiker’s dream. The park is named for its massive sandstone structures, which were formed over millions of years by glacial meltwater. We spent our time exploring the rock shelters and wandering through the unique geological formations. With more than 1,100 acres, there’s no shortage of trails to explore, and the rustic lodge offers three types of cabins for a cozy place to stay. The lodge is a sight in itself, with its original sandstone and white oak timbers still on display despite many years of expansion and remodeling.

Our first kayak trip of the year took us to Cedar Lake in Carbondale. The sun was shining, and we were ready for an adventure. We paddled toward the north access, a spot known for its stunning rock cliffs. What we didn’t realize was just how far it was or how strong the wind would be! The journey was a serious workout, but the views when we finally made it were absolutely worth it. We just hoped the wind would be on our side for the trip back.

Of course, no trip to the Shawnee National Forest would be complete without a visit to the Garden of the Gods. This is a popular spot for a reason. Wind and water have sculpted the rock formations into incredible shapes that overlook the forest. It’s impossible not to feel small as you explore the intricate details of the rocks. As with every hike, it was my unofficial job to keep an eye on Mitchell, who’s always willing to risk it all for the perfect video shot. The views are incredible, but they’re not worth leaning over the edge for! My job as “safety enforcer” is never dull.

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