Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest offers a stunning escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, the area offers breathtaking vistas, winding trails, and diverse wildlife. Just a short drive away, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail beckons, with its charming wineries and exquisite local vintages.
Whether you’re trekking through scenic landscapes or enjoying the view from afar with a glass of fine wine, this unique destination invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty and flavor of the great outdoors. Here are just a handful of the ways to experience the region.
Take the Shawnee Challenge
One fun way of exploring the arborous area: the Shawnee Challenge, a complimentary self-guided outdoor adventure, which invites you to explore Shawnee National Forest at your own pace. With the mobile passport, you can discover hidden gems through activities you love, whether it’s hiking, paddling, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
Earn points by checking in at challenge locations. The points can then be redeemed for an exclusive Shawnee Challenge sticker, as well as entries into a quarterly drawing for a coveted Shawnee apparel prize package.
Savor exquisite local wines on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is home to award-winning wineries nestled along a picturesque 35-mile route on highways 127 and 51, all within the scenic Shawnee National Forest. As you travel, be sure to pause and discover the charming small towns, delightful local eateries, unique boutiques, and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Many wineries host a range of special events on weekends, including live music, comedy shows, and wine and food pairings. For those looking to enhance their experience on the trail, check out the photo scavenger hunt and experience checklist on Shawnee Hills Wine Trail’s website to help make the most of your visit.
Explore the wonders of Garden of the Gods
To experience the highlights of Shawnee National Forest, a visit to Garden of the Gods is a must. There, you’ll find the intermediate Observation Trail, a 1/4-mile flagstone loop featuring distinctive sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the Gods wilderness. This interpretive trail educates hikers about the area’s history and geology. Among other trails for novice hikers and experts alike, the Garden of the Gods Trail offers a relatively easy 1.5-mile loop that leads to unique sandstone rock formations, making it a perfect hike for families and casual walkers.
After exploring the trails, visit the Garden of the Gods Outpost, where you’ll find a selection of souvenirs, including shirts, hats, mugs, shot glasses, and postcards, as well as snacks and soft drinks. It’s a refreshing stop after a day of hiking to stunning views.
More scenic spots in Shawnee National Forest
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area, off of Rim Rock Trail, meanders through arborous landscapes, showcasing rock formations that early settlers referred to as “the Pounds,” an old English term meaning “enclosure.” Hikers can explore remnants of a prehistoric Native American stone wall, an observation platform, and stone steps that lead through impressive rock passageways to the valley floor. At the base, Ox Lot Cave—a massive rock overhang—served as a shelter for 19th-century loggers’ oxen and horses, and it features a reliable natural spring at its back. The trail continues to the shimmering 28-acre Pounds Hollow Lake and back to the top of the escarpment.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Camp Ondessonk area offers a great location for birdwatching. Meanwhile, the scenic wooded trails of the Shawnee Hills serve as an ideal setting for discovering the diverse flora and fauna that flourish in this region.
Lodging options in Shawnee National Forest
When looking for a place to stay in the area, comfort is key. There are a range of options available, from hotels to cabins. Shawnee Hills offers options suitable for all budgets and group sizes.
It would be a missed opportunity not to enjoy a traditional bed and breakfast in a place like Shawnee National Forest, though. The area offers many B&Bs and inns with mesmerizing views, many of which are pet-friendly and have historical significance to the area, with some being within walking distance of wineries and breweries.
These sites highlight the natural beauty and rich biodiversity that make Shawnee National Forest a true treasure. To make the most of your visit, consider joining the Shawnee Challenge, and seize the chance to create lasting memories in one of the Midwest’s most beautiful destinations. Shawnee National Forest is ready to welcome you!
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. To learn more, visit southernmostillinois.com.
