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Makanda: Gateway to Giant City and Outdoor Adventure, can easily fill a 3 or 4 day getaway!

The Makanda area offers a variety of unique lodgingoptions, a small sampling includes cabins in Giant City State Park, theMakanda Inn & Cottages, Oak and Walnut Grove Cabins, as well as suites at Blue Sky Vineyards   With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park and the Makanda area offers loads of fun. From camping and horseback riding to fishing and rappelling, it’s an outdoor Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

ROMANTIC STAYS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Starscapes in the Shawnee National Forest are brilliant, breathtaking, and a new experience for many city dwellers. They are also very romantic, as are the canyons and flora that abound, which makes this a great place to fall in love. There are a number of cabins, bed & breakfast, and inns in the area now to choose from for a romantic weekend getaway. Celebrate your love, anniversary, engagement, or special day here. This is the Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

MOREL MUSHROOMS: THE HUNT & HARVEST IN SHAWNEE FOREST COUNTRY OF SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS

Have you ever wondered where Morel mushrooms grow? Morels grow throughout North America, and there are some fantastic hunting spots right here in Southernmost Illinois. They can be found around dead Elms, Poplar trees, Old Ash and Apple trees, and various other places. They love rain and cool nights followed by warmer temperatures.   Morels in the gourmet world are considered a delicacy. The Morel mushroom comes in several different varieties. The most common, seems to Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Set Up Camp Here!

Regional road trips are all the rage right now. Many folks feel most comfortable hopping in the car with their loved ones and exploring sights that are off the beaten path.   Shawnee Forest Country has some awesome spots to camp! Camping is a wonderful way to broaden your horizons and push yourself out of your comfort zone. There are several options in Shawnee Forest Country for large and small RVs, yurts, camping cabins, car camping Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

SHAWNEE ROAD TRIP!

Harrisburg is the gateway to the Shawnee National Forest.   Experience this drive in every season. Spring blooms, summer adventures, fall colors, even in winter when the trees are bare, allowing you to see much further into the forests. Bluffs hidden behind the summer foliage emerge dramatically into sight. Travel Rt. 13 East, then south on Rt. 142 to the small town of Equality, where you might want to try the popular eatery, the Red Onion. Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

River to River Trail Guide Available – Hike Shawnee Forest Country

The River-to-River Trail Society has an official online guide to the entire River-to-River Trail.  The Trail Guide is now available to all without charge on the Society’s website at rivertorivertrail.net, simply by going to the site and then clicking on “Trail Information.” Users will have the option of downloading and printing either the entire guidebook, or only those pages covering a particular section of the trail in which they are interested.  In addition, users may Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Celebratory Dinners

Regional road trips are all the rage. Hop in the car with your loved ones and exploring sights that are off the beaten path. Some of those sights may even be in your own backyard!    Shawnee Forest Country in Southernmost Illinois   If you’ve got something to celebrate or even if you don’t, be sure these restaurants are on your radar.    Located in Murphysboro, Cummare’s menu features authentic Italian cuisine featuring homemade sauces used Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

EXPLORE SHAWNEE FOREST COUNTRY

Vistas of cornfields and soybeans are plentiful in Illinois, but head south to the rolling hills of Shawnee Forest Country and you’ll find scenery that’s quite different. The Shawnee National Forest covers much of southernmost Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.  As a result, outdoor adventures are available any time of year. Nestled by the Ohio River, the extreme southeast corner of Illinois is dominated by these forested hills, many of them in the Shawnee National Forest. Here you’ll Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ROAD TRIP ROUNDUP – VETERANS MEMORIALS

There is no question that regional road trips have become extremely popular this year – with many folks focusing on what is right in their own backyard for ‘staycations.’ For plenty of regional travel ideas, check-in every Wednesday for a Downstate Illinois Road Trip Roundup on themed topics showcasing several destinations across the southern portion of the state. Few places offer such a powerful story of sacrifice and history as the Mound City National Cemetery.  Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024

Carbondale/Makanda is the centerline of the upcoming April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. This is the second solar eclipse for the region, following the one 7 years ago in Aug. of 2017.  The total solar eclipse will occur at 1:59 p.m. CST on April 8, 2024 with a totality of more than 4 minutes.   It will be like nighttime with bright stars visible in the sky and street lights lit. The black moon will be rimmed Read more

By sitbadmin, ago

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