Welcome to southernmost Illinois

Explore shawnee forest country

Spanning 289,000 acres, Shawnee National Forest is nestled in Southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. It features strikingly beautiful oak-hickory forests, flourishing wetlands, lush canyons, razorback ridges and unique geological features. All seasons bring a different experience.

upcoming events

activities and events around the region

Places to Stay

We have a lot of options from Air BnB's to campgrounds, cabins and motels.

Regions

Take a sneak peak of what southernmost Illinois has to offer!

Adventures

Half day and Full day adventures await you!

Did you hear...

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

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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

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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Get inspired and discover something new in Shawnee Forest Country. Check out our video library and plan your visit today!

Get our Visitor's Guide

OUR GUIDE IS FULL OF REASONS TO VISIT SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS! DISCOVER THE SCENIC SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST, OUR STATE PARKS, HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS, UNIQUE SHOPS, FABULOUS RESTAURANTS, AND CASINO ACTION!

THERE’S LODGING FOR EVERY TASTE: COZY BED AND BREAKFASTS, CONVENIENT AND COMFORTABLE MOTELS AND HOTELS, PLENTIFUL CAMPSITES AND DELUXE CABINS.

TO REQUEST A GUIDE of SHAWNEE FOREST COUNTRY BE MAILED TO YOU, CLICK HERE.

Find your Way

Around the forest with the map link!

Tour Shawnee forest in style

From weddings, to wine tours, these businesses can help you relax, unwind and enjoy all that the Shawnee National Forest area has to offer.

Regional Partners

Also known as bureau partners


Brought to you by Southern Illinois Local Media Group