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 Read more
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 Read more
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 Read more
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 Read more
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 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
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