Get Your Free Passes!

Adventure awaits in Southernmost Illinois! Sign up below for a FREE pass to take the Shawnee Challenge and explore the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Check-In Challenge. Hike stunning trails, visit award-winning wineries, and earn rewards along the way!

Unique shopping more your style?  The Treasure Trail pass will help you find those fun local shops offering antiques, vintage, collectibles and unusual items. 

Are you ready for the shawnee challenge?

Take the Shawnee Challenge, a self-supported, outdoor challenge allowing you to 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 the locations have limited, or no services. Part of the challenge is to ‘pack it in and pack it out’ – a ‘leave no trace’ adventure.

Earn points by checking into challenge locations to redeem for a Shawnee Challenge sticker, a patch, and sweepstakes entries for a quarterly drawing of a Shawnee apparel prize package.

Find flavor in the restaurant round-up

Discover the tastiest spots in Southernmost Illinois with our new Restaurant Round-Up map: an easy, mobile-friendly guide to local restaurants across the region. This interactive map lets you explore dining options and find your next favorite spot from cozy hometown cafés and iconic BBQ joints to farm-fresh eateries and hidden gems.

Whether you’re a visitor planning your trip or a local looking to try something new, the Restaurant Round-Up puts the area’s local favorites right at your fingertips. Browse the map, bookmark your favorites, and enjoy a delicious way to experience Southernmost Illinois.

Visit all 11 Shawnee Hills Wineries

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is offering a Wine Trail Check-in Challenge again this year. What started with just three wineries in 1995 has grown to a trail of 11 individual wineries showcasing a variety of award-winning wine styles and unique experiences. Visit all 11 member wineries during the year.

Once you have checked in all 11 wineries, you can be rewarded with $5 in wine bucks to spend at the winery member of your choice. Get your Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Pass today!

Discover wonder along the Treasure Trail

Get ready to uncover hidden gems on the Treasure Trail in Southernmost Illinois! This exciting adventure invites you to explore charming local shops filled with antiques, vintage finds, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or just love discovering unique spots, the Trail offers a fun and memorable way to support small businesses while enjoying the rich history and character of Southern Illinois.

Grab a map, hit the road, and see what treasures you’ll find!

WE KNOW THE FOREST CAN HAVE CONNECTIVITY ISSUES, SO EACH LOCATION HAS A 1 MILE RADIUS FOR CHECK IN, SO TRY IN DIFFERENT AREAS. BUT, IF THAT DOESN’T WORK, PLEASE USE THE ‘REQUEST SUPPORT’ BUTTON WITHIN YOUR PASS TO LET US KNOW WHERE YOU NEED HELP CHECKING IN.  


Brought to you by Southern Illinois Local Media Group