Dining in nature is not just for picnics and outdoor seating at the mall. Nestled right in the Shawnee National Forest, there is a charming lodge offering more than just room and board for the night.

This little-known Illinois restaurant will have you itching to go camping and to rediscover nature in one of the most beautiful pockets of the state. Keep scrolling for all the delicious details.

Giant City Lodge opened in 1939 on the west side of the Shawnee National Forest, and it currently features a restaurant, bar, and gift shop.
Facebook/Giant City Lodge
Visitors can stay overnight in cabins, allowing for easy access to the gorgeous trails and lovely scenery surrounding the lodge. It also allows you to eat at the restaurant more.
Facebook/Giant City Lodge
The restaurant is good for all your favorite home-style dishes, and the chicken was voted best fried chicken three years in a row. Thursday nights are for BBQ and Friday is a proper Midwest fish fry.
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They even offer a heap of breakfast options in the morning to get your day started in the best way possible.
Flickr/anokarina

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You'll need the fuel to discover the incredible forest that hides this restaurant away from it all.
Facebook/Giant City Lodge
When the day is done, you'll enjoy relaxing in the beautiful brick and natural wood interior.
Facebook/Giant City Lodge
You may even get a little southern hospitality from this guy.
Facebook/Giant City Lodge
Enjoy the great outdoors like never before at this awesome lodge and restaurant.
Facebook/Giant City Lodge

Giant City Lodge is located at 460 Giant City Lodge Rd. Makanda, Illinois, and you can get more information on the restaurant’s website or Facebook page.

If you’re looking for more to do in the forest, check out eight hikes you need to take through the Shawnee National Forest.

Have you dined at this unique restaurant? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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