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 adventure to the Shawnee National Forest in Southernmost Illinois.
Hiking
Take time to enjoy one of the many beautiful hikes in the forest which range in difficulty to accommodate hikers of all ages and experience. The most popular area for hiking, and the second most photographed site in the state is Garden of the Gods. A short 1/4-mile hike from the parking lot will put you on top of this unique geological structure and offers expansive views of the Illinois wilderness.
Pounds Hollow recreation area is the perfect place to spend a day with the family. The area has a large 25-acre lake, hiking and equestrian trails that take you up into the surrounding hills. Or, let the kids take a swim or fish from the convenient pier. There are also picnic tables available for a lunch in the trees.
Those looking for a longer hike can take on the 3-mile Little Grand Canyon Trail that winds through the base of the canyon along the towering, 300-foot bluffs.
Rim Rock, Millstone Bluff, Sand Cave, Burden Falls, and Jackson Falls are just a few of the other areas to hike and enjoy. Shawnee National Forest has a hike or natural wonder that any member of the family won’t soon forget.
Activities for the Whole Family
Hiking isn’t the only way to spend your spring break in Shawnee Forest. Families can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking on many of the lakes in the forest. Enjoy the miles of equestrian trails, or try your hand at mushroom hunting during what is sure to be a great season.
Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour offers a 3 hour adventure through the trees with 8 zip lines and 2 suspension bridges.
Learn about the ‘Giant Streets’ that gave Giant City park it’s name and get
maps and trail details. Open 8 – 3:30 daily. Giant City State Park Visitor’s Center contains an exhibit hall with displays of the natural, cultural, and geological features of the park. Don’t miss the 10 minute film about the park in the audio/visual room. There is a Discovery Corner that kids love to explore. Ask about the scavenger hunt for kids. Get a prize upon returning it at the end of the hike all filled out, remember, the center closes at 3:30 PM.
One fish, two fish, red fish blue fish! Well, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish anyway. Little Grassy Fish Hatchery produces about a million fish per year, on average, including channel catfish, blue catfish, largemouth bass, bluegills and redear sunfish. Most of the channel catfish produced by the state come from Little Grassy. Great place to take your children for a lesson on how our fisheries help stock our ponds and other needs to our Eco system. While prime viewing is in the summer months, visits are available spring to fall between 8:30 and 3:30 with an appointment: 618-529-4100.
Metropolis has the perfect place for you that just happens to be the 3rd most visited State Park inIllinois. Fort Massac State Park is steeped in rich history not just for the State of Illinois, but for the foundation of our country. In total 4 flags have flown over the grounds now known as Fort Massac State Park. The Spanish had ownership in the 1500’s. In 1702 the land became a French trading post and mission. In 1757, the French fortified the area to block British expansion into the Mississippi River. 1764 the French abandoned the Fort to the British. In 1778, George Rogers Clark stopped at the Fort on his way to Kaskaskia as the exploration of the west began. George Washington ordered the fort to be rebuilt and garrisoned in 1794 and in 1908 the site was designated the first State Park in Illinois. In the museum, beautiful exhibits will teach you about the history of the land as well as what life was like on the frontier in the early days of our country. As you explore the museum you will see many artifacts that were exhumed from the grounds by archeologists that have been able to explore the area. Beautiful panels with the full history of the area line the walls. Examples of Military Garb and artillery are also on display. There are even a few interactive exhibits that will allow to play a game of checkers or get a one of a kind selfie going down the Ohio River. In the lobby of the Welcome Center you will find one of the most fascinating collections of Indian artifacts from the Mallin and Richey Collections. This collection of arrowheads is sure to impress visitors. History doesn’t just exist inside the museum. You can explore land that was so highly desired by walking a cobblestone path to history. There you will find a replica of the 1802 American Fort. Marvel at the buildings and take the path to the George Rogers Clark statue overlooking the majestic Ohio River. The Welcome Center and Museum is open 7 days a week to the public. A site interpreter is onsite Thursday – Monday for tours and to answer any questions you may have. For more information about the fishing, biking, hiking, camping and disc golf offerings at the park, you may call the park from 8:00AM – 4:00PM daily at 618-524-4712
In Carbondale, there are plenty of ways to blend history and educational opportunities with leisure time and adventure. The Old Illinois Passenger Depot Railroad Museum symbolizes Carbondale’s rich history as a mining and transportation center. The old train passenger depot, built in 1903, serves as the museum’s current home. Visitors can view the museum’s collection of artifacts, ring the bell of an original train car and even take home a souvenir. Guided tours can be
arranged in advance for large groups. The Buckminster Fuller Dome, commonly referred to as “The Bucky Dome” by locals, this geodesic dome is Buckminster Fuller’s most enduring legacy. Buckminster Fuller is considered by many to be the father of the modern sustainability movement. He favored a systems approach to problem solving, and coined the term “synergy” to capture the principle that when one is engaged in cooperative action, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The geodesic dome, based on a natural pattern of interlocking triangles, is a structure that is considered one of the strongest and most efficient known to humankind. The dome was used as a prototype for all other dome homes that followed and is open for tours. The Science Center is a hands-on children’s museum with an array of exhibits to explore and a great place to spend the day with your curious toddler or school-aged child. With more that 50 interactive exhibits throughout the year, kids can learn about paleontology, weather, aircraft and more! There are several programs, educational events, camps, field trips and more! The African American Museum, founded in 1997, is located in Carbondale’s University Mall. Founded by The Southern Illinois Achievers who have aspired to educate the community in African American cultures, enlightening and enhancing the community’s knowledge of who, what, when and why their ancestors dedicated their lives in preserving their heritage. The museum is dedicated to identifying, preserving, and portraying the outstanding achievements of African American citizens. On Southern Illinois University’s campus, visitors can take a Green Tour to explore the sustainability projects of the school, including the Agricultural Building, or stop at the Plant Biology Greenhouse to witness the cultivation of several different plant species. Visitors can also stop in Faner Hall where they will find the nationally accredited University Museum full of exquisitely curated exhibits and an inventory of over 70,000 artifacts.