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 challenge is not a stroll in the park. It is for those looking to get off the beaten path, and reconnect with nature. Many of 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 is perhaps the only town in the country with two Barbecue Hall of Famers. You will enjoy shopping Oak Street Art, D&D Hemp Store, Think Vintage Read more
Hike more, worry less! Get the family back outside and take time to reconnect with nature and one another. The fresh air is good for your mind, body and soul. There’s no better place to do that than with an adventure to the Shawnee National Forest in Southernmost Illinois. Shawnee Forest Country Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow Recreational area are two must see locations on the eastern side of the Shawnee National Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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