The Makanda area offers a variety of unique lodgingoptions, a small sampling includes cabins in Giant City State Park, theMakanda Inn & Cottages, Oak and Walnut GroveCabins, as well as suites at Blue Sky Vineyards   With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park and the Makanda area offers loads of fun. From camping and horseback riding to fishing and rappelling, it’s an outdoor lover’s 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 by warmer temperatures.   Morels in the gourmet world are considered a delicacy. The Morel mushroom comes in several different varieties. The most common, seems to 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.   Shawnee Forest Country has some awesome spots to camp! Camping is a wonderful way to broaden your horizons and push yourself out of your comfort zone. There are several options in Shawnee Forest Country for large and small RVs, yurts, camping cabins, car camping 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 to Karnak, and includes a 2.5-mile spur through the Cache River State Nature Area from Karnak to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Cache River 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 week for a Downstate Illinois Road Trip Roundup on themed topics showcasing several destinations across the southern portion of the state. Since it is National Read more…