Roam for Gnomes on a Winter Adventure at Giant City State Park, Makanda IL. Tucked in the stunning Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is a hidden gem offering a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and light adventure travelers. One of the park’s highlights is the annual wintertime Read more
Enjoying the fresh air while hiking the forest in search of the perfect Christmas tree, can be a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. Create special memories by bringing your family to the Shawnee National Forest to cut your own Christmas tree. For families interested in creating new traditions, Read more
Murphysboro is Illinois’ BBQ capital, and BBQ aficionados have long known the trip to Murphysboro, is more than worth it. The small town hosts a barbecue cook-off every September and is perhaps the only town in the country with two Barbecue Hall of Famers. In addition to the BBQ history, Read more
Enjoy exploring the village of Alto Pass, surrounded by rolling hills and the breathtaking scenery of the Shawnee National Forest. Area natural attractions include: Cedar Lake, Little Grand Canyon, Quetil Trail, Trail of Tears State Forest and Pomona Natural Bridge. As you travel the rolling hills of Hwy. 127, six Read more
With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to the Shawnee National Forest offers a variety of trails and attractions. Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow Recreational area are two must see locations on the eastern side of the Shawnee National Forest. Both Read more
Hike, bike and like the views along 50 miles of the Tunnel Hill Trail through Shawnee Forest Country. The Tunnel Hill State Trail offers bicyclists, hikers, walkers and runners with 50 miles of the most beautiful and peaceful miles in Illinois. The Trail stretches south from Harrisburg, through Vienna to Read more
School days, school days, Dear old golden rule days. ‘Readin’ and ‘ritin’ and ‘rithmetic………… Your school days can last a little longer with a visit to Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. Book a stay in a converted schoolhouse, or in a school bus.  Shop for pottery in a 1928 elementary school, Read more
Fishing opportunities within the Shawnee National Forest are numerous. There are 11 lakes and 52 ponds and about a dozen of these ponds are actively managed. By actively managing these waterbodies the angler’s fishing experience is greatly improved. Active management includes: Erosion control to reduce sedimentation and improve water quality, control Read more
Sign up for the Shawnee Challenge, it’s free and fun! It is a self-supported, complete at your own pace outdoor challenge to explore areas of the Shawnee National Forest. Experience different parts of the Shawnee National Forest in the ways you prefer: hiking, paddling, on horseback or mountain biking. This Read more
Travel the scenic roads across Shawnee Forest County in Southernmost Illinois to discover some unique shopping spots. Take a road trip to Murphysboro,  Illinois’ BBQ capital. BBQ aficionados have long known the trip to Murphysboro, is more than worth it. The small town hosts a barbecue cook-off every year and Read more