Welcome To ShawneeForest.com
Embark on exhilarating solo and family escapades in the Shawnee National Forest! Picture a world where even mud and rocks add an unexpected twist to the adventure. Believe it or not, it happens here! Forget crowded amusement parks or dull museums; enter the National Park in Illinois, where kids revel in outdoor attractions while adults delve into American and pre-America history, untouched nature, and breathtaking views. It’s not just about family picnics; try rock climbing, indulge in top-notch fishing, or experience kayaking and canoeing. Ever dream of staying in a log cabin or sleeping in a real treehouse? Your chance is here; come explore a bit!
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Shawnee Forest
Explore any of these beautiful and majestic hikes in the Shawnee National Park in Illinois for incredible views and getting up close and personal with rock formations and indigenous history or enjoying family-oriented adventures with beautiful waterfalls, natural land bridges, and so much more.
Eastern Shawnee
Eastern Shawnee
Central Shawnee
Eastern Shawnee
Come and walk over or under the only natural land bridge found in Shawnee National Park in Illinois!
Cabins and Lodging in the Shawnee Forest
Bigfoot @ Shawnee Forest?
Be sure to check in with Sassy the Sasquatch when visiting Garden of the Gods at Shawnee Forest! Unlike her big brother, she is very social!Vineyards and Wine Here?
Shawnee National Forest Maps
GPS Map of the Shawnee (PDF/730k)
This map has GPS coordinates for many of the major attractions within the Shawnee National Forest. It is highly recommended for all tourist to the southern Illinois area.
Pre-Vacation Planning Map (PDF/1024K)
Interactive map listing many of the more popular attractions within the forest and linking to more detail. This map is great to use during the planning phase of vacation or hike to the Southern Illinois area or the Shawnee National Park in Illinois.
Latest From Our Blog
RV Camping vs Tent Camping in Shawnee Forest: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between RV camping and tent camping in Shawnee Forest really comes down to convenience versus immersion; one gets you comfort, the other gets you closer to the outdoors. Fall weekends fill up fast once the leaves start turning, and RV camping in Illinois is...
Planning a Trip to Shawnee Forest? Here’s When to Book a Hotel
You finally lock in your dates for Shawnee National Forest. You search for hotels, find a few decent options, and tell yourself you will sort it out later. A week passes, then another, and by the time you actually go to book, the best hotels near Shawnee National...
What Makes the Mississippi River a Fishing Hotspot in Southern Illinois
Most people who have driven through Southern Illinois have seen the Mississippi River at least once. They see the water, maybe slow down for a second, and then keep going. That is a shame, because what they do not realize is that this stretch of the river is one of...