Blog

Peachy Keen Days

The heat of the summer brings peach time to Southernmost Illinois.   Peaches provide a bounty of sweetness all Summer long. There are several stops to consider when journeying through #ShawneeForestCounty.  the orchards, farmers markets, wineries, and restaurants are taking full advantage of what the in season fruit offers.  Ramble over and explore Southern Illinois through peach-inspired specialties, local flavors and stories that make this region special. Plan your Peach Ramble – Peak peach season in Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Spring Break and Educational Family Adventures

The flowers are blooming, the days are stretching, and the Shawnee Forest is alive. Spring is coming to Southernmost Illinois. With it comes a need to step outside and explore after being stuck inside allwinter. Spring break offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors. If you’retraveling with family, friends, or solo, Southernmost Illinois has something for everyone. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a full week of exploring, Southernmost Illinois invite visitors Read more

By sitbadmin, ago
bork falls

Chasing Waterfalls in Shawnee Forest Country

After heavy rains, Shawnee Forest Country transforms. Creeks begin to swell, and waterfalls, some gentle and subtle, others dramatic and roaring, start appearing across the forest. If you visit at the right time, it’s easy to spend an entire day, or even a full weekend, chasing waterfalls throughout Southernmost Illinois and Shawnee Forest Country. Some are just a short walk from the trailhead, while others require a little more effort. Either way, every waterfall you Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Sip & Savor along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Looking for a romantic escape?  Or maybe a girls getaway?   Come for the wine, and stay for the experience along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail!                 Take the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Challenge!Visit all 11 winery members of the Trail to earn $5 in wine bucks.  Once you have digitally checked in all 11 wineries, you can be rewarded with $5 in wine bucks to spend at the winery Read more

By sitbadmin, ago
kids enjoying the view at Garden of the Gods

Spring Break & Educational Field Trips with the Family

The days are growing longer, and the birds are starting to sing again, that means spring is on the way. It’s time to get the family back outside and take time to reconnect with nature and one another. There’s no better place to do that than with a spring break adventure to the Shawnee National Forest in Southernmost Illinois. Hiking Take time to enjoy one of the many beautiful hikes in the forest which range Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

WINTER ESCAPES AND SCENIC LANDSCAPES

Winter is a great time to enjoy the slower, quieter side of Shawnee Forest country. The cooler temperatures mean no bugs and the trees are bare, allowing you to see much further into the forests. Bluffs hidden behind the summer foliage emerge dramatically into sight. The cooler temperatures mean no bugs or snakes and the trees are bare, allowing you to see much further into the forests. Bluffs hidden behind the summer foliage emerge dramatically Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Roam for Gnomes at Giant City State Park

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 “Gnome Roam”, inviting visitors to explore seven different trails while searching for whimsical winter gnomes  scattered along the trails, just waiting to be discovered. The Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Southern Illinois Coffee Trail

The coffee trail is back by popular demand, and the trail runs even longer, starting in August andcontinuing through December, giving you more time to enjoy every flavorful stop along the way! There is nothing like a refreshing ice coffee after a scenic hike or sipping hot coffee on a chilly day.  Discover the Southern Illinois Coffee Trail,  featuring over 60 different coffee shops spread over 450 miles.  The trail is officially live from August 1st Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

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