DNR Giant City SP Horse Stable Concession

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for operation of the Giant City Stable Concession located at Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois under IFB B-53328, with bids due September 15, 2026.

The vendor must operate guided trail rides, hand-led pony and horse rides, horseback riding lessons, and sell authorized items including Native Illinois firewood and bagged ice. The concession shall be open April 1 through October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with optional year-round hours available by written permission from the Site Superintendent. The vendor may not exceed 25 equines on park premises and must maintain the stable barn, indoor and outdoor arenas, two lean-to buildings, corral, pasture areas, and approximately 140 acres of trails. Vendor responsibilities include facility maintenance, trail management, animal care in compliance with the Illinois Equine Infectious Anemia Control Act, biosecurity measures, and monthly financial reporting. The vendor must post required liability waivers and safety signage.

The initial contract term runs April 1, 2027 through December 31, 2031, with renewal options available for up to 20 additional years, not to exceed 25 years total. Vendor compensation consists of a percentage of gross receipts deposited monthly into a Reserve Account with a 5 percent minimum requirement. Bids are awarded to the vendor submitting the highest percentages for all contract years. The estimated contract value exceeds $50,000.

The vendor must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence with $2 million annual aggregate, auto liability of $1 million per occurrence, and workers' compensation insurance as required by law, naming IDNR as an additional insured. IDNR provides water for the concession and mobile home and handles certain building and mechanical repairs; the vendor is responsible for all utilities, property taxes, employee wages, equine care, and facility maintenance including snow removal. Questions are due within 7 days after the Pre-Submission Meeting. A mandatory Pre-Submission Conference is required for bid responsiveness. All bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening.