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Spring Break & Educational Field Trips with the Family

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 swamps, hardwood forests, limestone glades and sandstone bluff.  The Cache River Wetlands Center  offers a variety of interpretive exhibits and information.   The Wetlands center hosts...

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School Days Getaway

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, and step back in time in a one room school house. Enjoy a Schoolhouse stay, at the Davie School Inn, Anna, IL.   Stay in one...

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Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024

Carbondale/Makanda is the centerline of the upcoming April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. This is the second solar eclipse for the region, following the one 7 years ago in Aug. of 2017.  The total solar eclipse will occur at 1:59 p.m. CST on April 8, 2024 with a totality of more than 4 minutes.   It will be like nighttime with bright stars visible in the sky and street lights lit. The black moon will be rimmed...

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Winter passport along the shawnee Hills Wine Trail for Jan. & Feb.

WINTER ESCAPES AND SCENIC LANDSCAPES

Winter is a great time to enjoy the slower, quieter side of Shawnee Forest country.  The cooler temperatures mean no bugs and the trees are bare, allowing you to see much further into the forests. Bluffs hidden behind the summer foliage emerge dramatically into sight. Hiking is available year-round, and if you have visited in another season, winter can offer a very different experience.  The weather is generally mild, and you can pretty much have Read more…

By sitbadmin, ago

Southern Illinois Coffee Trail

There’s nothing like sipping hot coffee on a chilly day, or a refreshing ice coffee after a scenic fall hike.  Discover the Southern Illinois Coffee Trail,  featuring over 50 different coffee shops spread over 450 miles. The trail is officially live from September 1st until December 31st and features discounts and special perks for those who participate. To learn more about how to request your Coffee Trail passport, Click Here

By sitbadmin, ago

Take the Shawnee Challenge!

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…

By sitbadmin, ago

Summer Adventures in Shawnee Forest Country

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 are located just off Karbers Ridge blacktop 30 minutes from Harrisburg.  Garden of the Gods consists of spectacular overlooks and views of unusual rock formations. Read more…

By sitbadmin, ago

Sip & Savor along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

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 it, and is perhaps the only town in the country with two Barbecue Hall of Famers. In addition to the BBQ history, experience a booming Read more…

By sitbadmin, ago

Southern Illinois Unique Shopping

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…

By sitbadmin, ago

Take a hike!

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…

By sitbadmin, ago
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Shawnee Challenge?

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YOU’RE INVITED TO VISIT US ANYTIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. IT’S EASY TO GET HERE FROM INTERSTATES 57 OR 24. WE’RE LESS THAN THREE HOURS FROM ST. LOUIS, MEMPHIS, NASHVILLE, OR EVANSVILLE. WE ARE EAGER TO ASSIST YOU IN ANY WAY TO MAKE YOUR STAY IN SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS MEMORABLE.

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(618) 833-9928 or (800) 248-4373

P.O. Box 378 Anna, Illinois 62906

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