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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

Go on Adventure for Your Holiday Tree

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, a trip to the Shawnee forest to cut their own Christmas tree is the perfect opportunity to discover nature, while enjoying time together in search Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Porkin’ Around in Murphysboro

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, experience a booming craft beer movement that is vibrant and exciting.   Pat’s BBQ and Catering at 111 Tower Rock Lane in Murphysboro is a family Read more

By sitbadmin, ago
Village of Alto Pass, IL

Fruits, Flowers & Forest Fun

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 of the wineries of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail are in this area.    Enjoy the distinctive character of the wineries on the west side of Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Summer Adventures in Shawnee Forest Country

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 are located just off Karbers Ridge blacktop 30 minutes from Harrisburg.  Garden of the Gods consists of spectacular overlooks and views of unusual rock formations. Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Tunnel Hill State Trail

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 Karnak, and includes a 2.5-mile spur through the Cache River State Nature Area from Karnak to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Cache River Wetland Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

School Days Getaway

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, and step back in time in a one room school house. Enjoy a Schoolhouse stay, at the Davie School Inn, Anna, IL.   Stay in one Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Set Up Camp Here!

 Set up camp in the middle of Shawnee Forest County.  We have several options for you. Big rig friendly, Shawnee Forest Campground, Vienna, IL. is in the middle of Southernmost IL and the Shawnee National Forest. There are many activities for nature enthusiasts. Explore the Cache River Wetlands.  Hike or bike the 50 mile Tunnel Hill State Trail. If you drive east you will find Bell Smith Springs, the majestic Jackson Falls, and Garden of Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Boating and Fishing in Shawnee Forest Country

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 and removal of nuisance vegetation by water level manipulation and mechanical removal, maintain the stability of the dams through the removal of woody vegetation and Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

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