Shawnee Challenge is a self-supported, no time limit, complete at your own pace outdoor endurance challenge consisting of hiking and mountain biking or solely hiking or solely mountain biking. Participants sign up for the challenge for free at ShawneeChallenge.com, record the challenge with their favorite activity recording app (such as 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. Read more…
Looking for a girls getaway? Or maybe a romantic escape? Come for the wine, and stay for the experience along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail! Murphysboro is Illinois’ BBQ capital, and on the northern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. BBQ aficionados have long known the trip to Murphysboro, is more than worth Read more…
Join in the tradition of Pumpkin Town this year at the Anna City Park. See the displays from October 21 to Oct. 31, 2021. This year’s theme is Let’s Play A Game. You can enjoy the displays from your car, or park and take a walk. Play ground is available Read more…
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. Since June is National Camping Month, take note – Southern Illinois has some awesome spots to camp! Camping is 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 and other outdoor recreationists with over 50 miles of the most beautiful and peaceful miles in Illinois. The Trail stretches south from Harrisburg, through Vienna 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…
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. Some of those sights may even be in your own backyard! For plenty of regional travel ideas, check-in every Read more…
Over the river and through the woods to the cypress swamp we go! Cache River Wetlands – Illinois’s Hidden Bayou is one of nature’s masterpieces. Stroll the boardwalks, hike or take a canoe or kayak through the mysterious Cache River Wetlands, a “Wetlands of International Importance.” Learn about our tupelo-cypress 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 Read more…
