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Giant Goose Ranch










Giant Goose Ranch Overview
Rating
Phone (309) 338-4595
Address 25369 N Goose Ranch Rd, Canton, IL 61520, USA
Website http://www.giantgooseranch.com/
Hours
Monday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, Closed
Sunday, Closed
Giant Goose Ranch Location & Map
IllinoisFulton CountyCantonNorth Goose Ranch Road
Giant Goose Ranch About
For Illinois residents seeking an unparalleled outdoor adventure that truly has it all, look no further than Giant Goose Ranch in Canton. More than just a campground, this expansive 840-acre property is a hybrid destination, seamlessly blending the best attributes of a campground, a sportsman's club, a vacation resort, a working ranch, and a private recreational farm. Developed with creativity and a strong commitment to conservation by the Herman Brothers, Giant Goose Ranch offers an ultimate recipe for family fun, outdoor education, and adventure that will take a lifetime to explore.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll sense the dedication to creating a memorable experience. Visitors consistently rave about the friendly and accommodating family-run business, the well-maintained grounds, and the incredible array of amenities. Whether your passion is fishing, boating, swimming, or simply relaxing in a beautiful natural setting, Giant Goose Ranch delivers. Its 52 lakes and ponds are teeming with a diverse multi-species fishery, hailed by many as one of the best in the country, guaranteeing an amazing fishing trip for all skill levels.
This article will delve into the many facets that make Giant Goose Ranch a premier destination for locals in Illinois. We'll explore its convenient location, the extensive list of services and amenities available, its standout features, and why so many visitors can't wait to return. Get ready to discover a place where outdoor dreams come true and lasting family memories are made.
Giant Goose Ranch is ideally situated at 25369 N Goose Ranch Rd, Canton, IL 61520, USA. This address places it within Fulton County, just a short drive from the city of Canton, Illinois. The location offers a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility, providing a peaceful natural escape without being too far off the beaten path for Illinois residents.
The ranch's expansive 840 acres mean there's plenty of room to roam and explore. While the specific roads within the ranch are tailored for a smooth experience, visitors appreciate the ability to rent golf carts to navigate the vast property with ease. This allows campers to quickly access different lakes, the restaurant, the beach, or their preferred activity without needing to constantly move their vehicle.
For those traveling from various parts of Illinois, Giant Goose Ranch is a manageable drive. It's located within reasonable proximity to larger population centers, making it a convenient weekend getaway or extended vacation destination. Nearby attractions like Rice Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, and Jubilee College State Park offer additional opportunities for exploration within a short driving distance, complementing the myriad activities available directly on the ranch. This combination of a vast on-site playground and nearby points of interest makes Giant Goose Ranch a highly accessible and desirable destination for Illinois families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Giant Goose Ranch prides itself on offering a comprehensive range of services and amenities, designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and action-packed stay for all guests. It truly lives up to its "resort" designation with its diverse offerings:
- Campsites: The ranch offers a variety of camping options, including daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly (seasonal) RV and tent campsites. RV sites are spacious with 14x36 concrete pads, equipped with 30 and 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections.
- Cabin Rentals: For those seeking more comfort, there are numerous custom lakefront camping cabins available for rent. These typically include a bedroom, living room, kitchenette (with refrigerator, microwave, electric skillet, coffee maker), and bathroom, along with heating and air conditioning. Some larger cabins feature multiple bedrooms and full kitchens.
- The Hub Restaurant: An on-site restaurant, "The Hub," provides delicious dining options, including pizzas, wings, smash burgers, appetizers, salads, and ice creams. It offers ample seating both indoors and outdoors, catering to a wide range of tastes.
- Pontoon and Golf Cart Rentals: To enhance exploration of the large property and its numerous lakes, pontoons and golf carts are available for rent, making it easy to get around and enjoy the water.
- Swimming Beach: A stunning 500-foot swimming beach provides a perfect spot for relaxation and play, often equipped with toys for guests to use.
- Fishing: With 52 named lakes and ponds on the property, fishing is a major highlight. The ranch boasts having the "most diverse multi-species fishery" in the country, providing exceptional opportunities for both experienced anglers and beginners to catch multiple fish.
- Flush Toilets and Showers: Modern and clean restroom and shower facilities are available for all campers and guests, ensuring comfort.
- On-site Fish Hatchery: The presence of on-site fish hatchery ponds offers a unique educational experience, particularly for families.
- Interactive Animal Farm: Families with children will enjoy the interactive animal farm, adding another layer of fun and learning.
- Snack Shop: "The Hub" also serves as a coffee, ice cream, and snack shop for quick refreshments.
- Outdoor Sports Facilities: Guests can enjoy activities like sand volleyball, pickleball courts, and basketball hoops.
- General Store/Camp Store: A camp store is available for purchasing charcoal and other basic camping necessities.
Giant Goose Ranch stands out as a premier outdoor destination in Illinois due to its exceptional features and commitment to a comprehensive guest experience:
- Unrivaled Fishing Experience: The sheer number (52!) and diversity of stocked lakes and ponds are a major draw. Reviews consistently highlight "amazing fishing" with "multiple people caught multiple fish" across every lake, making it a true angler's paradise.
- Exceptional Staff and Management: The family-run business is repeatedly praised for its "super friendly and accommodating" staff. Their helpfulness and politeness contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere and overall guest satisfaction.
- Diverse Accommodation Options: From spacious RV sites with full hookups to cute, clean, and well-stocked cabins, Giant Goose Ranch caters to a wide range of preferences and comfort levels, making it accessible for all types of travelers.
- Extensive Recreational Activities: Beyond fishing and camping, the ranch offers a plethora of activities including swimming at the 500-foot beach (with toys provided), hiking on miles of trails, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, archery, cycling, sand volleyball, pickleball, and basketball.
- On-site Dining: The convenience of "The Hub" restaurant with its delicious menu and ample seating means guests don't have to leave the ranch for quality meals, enhancing the resort-like feel.
- Family-Friendly Environment: With an interactive animal farm, playground equipment, and activities designed for all ages, the ranch is truly geared towards family fun and outdoor education.
- Convenient Rentals: The availability of pontoon boats and golf carts for rent makes exploring the vast property and its lakes incredibly easy and enjoyable, adding significant value to the experience.
- Beautiful Scenery: The property's history as a strip mine has created deep lakes and idyllic scenery, providing a unique and beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventures.
- Cleanliness and Maintenance: Visitors often commend the cleanliness of the cabins and the overall well-maintained nature of the campground and facilities.
Giant Goose Ranch, being a large-scale recreational resort, often features various pricing structures and might offer seasonal deals or packages to attract visitors. While specific, active promotions are best confirmed directly with the ranch, here's what prospective guests can generally expect regarding special offers:
- Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Rates: The ranch provides flexible booking options, with tiered pricing that often offers better value for longer stays. Yearly (seasonal) campsites are available for those looking for a consistent vacation spot.
- Package Deals: For fishing trips or family vacations, Giant Goose Ranch may offer bundled packages that include cabin rentals, pontoon usage, or golf cart rentals at a combined, reduced rate.
- Seasonal Specials: Like many resorts, there might be unadvertised or limited-time seasonal promotions, especially during off-peak times, to encourage visits. These could include discounts on lodging or amenity rentals.
- Group Rates: For large groups, family reunions, or corporate retreats, it's advisable to inquire about potential group discounts or special arrangements for facility usage.
Given the family-run and accommodating nature of Giant Goose Ranch, contacting them directly is the most reliable way to learn about any current promotions, package deals, or pricing for specific needs. Their helpful staff can provide personalized information to ensure you get the best value for your outdoor adventure.
To plan your unforgettable outdoor adventure at Giant Goose Ranch, inquire about reservations, or learn more about their extensive offerings, please use the following contact details:
- Address: 25369 N Goose Ranch Rd, Canton, IL 61520, USA
- Phone: (309) 338-4595
- Mobile Phone: +1 309-338-4595
- Email: ericacgiantgooseranch@gmail.com (as listed on some public directories)
Given the comprehensive nature of the amenities and the popularity of the ranch, it is highly recommended to call or email in advance, especially for cabin rentals, pontoon rentals, or specific campsite availability, to ensure your desired dates and accommodations are secured.
For residents of Illinois, Giant Goose Ranch offers an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination that stands out as a true gem in the state's outdoor recreation landscape. Its multifaceted approach, combining elements of a campground, resort, and sportsman's club, means there's genuinely something for everyone, making it perfect for diverse family needs and interests.
The core appeal for locals lies in the ranch's unparalleled fishing opportunities. With 52 stocked lakes and a reputation for being one of the most diverse fisheries, it's a dream come true for anglers, providing consistent and exciting catches right here in Illinois. This eliminates the need for extensive travel to find quality fishing, offering a convenient and productive option for local enthusiasts.
Beyond fishing, the sheer breadth of amenities and activities ensures that families will never run out of things to do. From swimming at the sandy beach to exploring trails, interacting with farm animals, and engaging in various sports, the ranch provides a vibrant and engaging environment for all ages. The availability of on-site dining at "The Hub" adds a significant layer of convenience and comfort, transforming a typical camping trip into a resort-style vacation.
Crucially, the consistently praised "super friendly and accommodating" family-run management fosters a welcoming and stress-free atmosphere. This personal touch, coupled with well-maintained facilities and clean cabins, contributes to an overall positive experience that encourages repeat visits. The availability of rentals like pontoons and golf carts further enhances the ease of enjoyment, allowing locals to fully experience the expansive property without hassle. Giant Goose Ranch isn't just a place to visit; it's an investment in creating cherished family memories and experiencing the best of Illinois's outdoor offerings, making it an ideal choice for any local looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Customer Reviews
Stayed here in September for a fishing trip with family and friends. We can not recommend Giant Goose Ranch enough! The cabins were cute, clean and stocked with everything you need. The restaurant was delicious with plenty of options. We rented pontoons and golf carts to get around, which was awesome. This family run business was super friendly and accommodating. The beach had toys all ready set up for guests to use. And, the fishing was amazing! Every lake we went to, and there were plenty, multiple people caught multiple fish. If you're looking for a fun place for a fishing trip, this place is the best. We can't wait to go back.
I’ve camped at Giant Goose Ranch four times in 2024. I really enjoy setting up the camper close to one of the lakes so I have easy access to my stuff. The staff is always helpful and polite. The amenities are very good!!
We were visitors for a fishing derby my boss was hosting, I have not fished in years and found myself solo parenting with my two year old boy. I didn’t realize the man who helped me get him set up, and helped him catch his first fish ever was actually the owner. That alone tells me all I need to about this place, not only was it beautiful but the character of those running it really made our event even better. Highly recommend to anyone that finds themselves in the area. The bathrooms are also stunning! The real deal friends. Go enjoy everything Giant Goose Ranch has to offer.
Very upsetting this place has no customer service at all don’t waste your time and money on it. It’s just a glorified trailer park completely over priced for what it is I drove 200 miles round trip got there with reservations after trying to get in for well over 2 1/2 hours we gave up and went back home because the sign on the gate said you must register at guard house or trespassors will be prosecuted! when they finally called us back they wouldn’t return our deposit of 100 dollars they said if we came back they’ll let us in I’m not going to wait 2 1/2 hours for service from anyone then drive back for 1/2 hour to get in. When I said I was going home and wanted refunded for my already charged credit card for the whole stay, she(the general manager) hung up on me. Incredibly rude and terrible customer service. One gentleman was very pleasant and apologetic but the manager just made excuses for why she ignored my multiple calls and texts trying to get someone to let us check in. She made the statement that she is a one person office. She said she was helping a customer and then another to justify ignoring all my calls and texts, when I mentioned I understood that rental customers are not as important as seasonal customers she again made an excuse. Again not my problem but if she can not handle the stress of the job or learn some phone manners and customer service maybe the owner should find better help. If I were her boss she would be fired for hanging up on an upset customer. My credit card was refunded for my multiple days of rental but not my deposit! I work for a very large company and have talked about this place because I had every intention to check it out, rebook for whole family, and consider looking at buying a cabin- because the website makes it look incredible for family fun. I will make sure I let my family, friends, and coworkers ( who were excited to hear my thoughts of the place so they can book) know what terrible customer service they have and to NOT waste their money! Also they didn’t tell us that the place is basically closed for the off season until next week never mentioned that to us when we made reservations I give them one star because that’s as low as they will let you but they should get a minus 10 I have never been treated like this before and when I said I wanted my deposit back they wanted to know why unbelievable total waste of time and money THEY GOT ME DON’T LET THEM GET YOU. PS. 200 miles with boat in tow $3.50 gas 14 miles per gallon that’s about 50 dollars so I’m out one hundred fifty dollars plus wear a tear on my truck and trailer.
Giant Goose Ranch is by far the best place to come for fishing and camping! Brandi helped work some magic to be able to allow us a longer stay which was unavailable at the time of our reservation. Me, my husband and 2 boys had an amazing time and can’t wait to come back to make some more memories that will surely last a lifetime. Thanks again Brandi for all you’ve done we appreciate you so much!
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