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
Which Lakes In Southern Illinois Are Best For Combining Camping, Hiking, And Water Recreation?
Imagine this: You wake up in your tent, the smell of fresh pine in the air, a cup of coffee in hand, birds singing around you. You step outside, and there it is—the lake, calm and sparkling under the morning sun. That’s Southern Illinois. This isn’t a place where you...
Why Is The Smithland Pool Considered One Of The Best Fishing Areas On The Ohio River?
If you’ve ever been down in Southern Illinois, you know there’s something special about its rivers. They’re not just waterways—they’re destinations. And if you’re into fishing, the Smithland Pool on the Ohio River is one of those spots that sticks in your memory. On...
Why Plan a Horseback Riding Trip in Shawnee National Forest, Illinois?
Some places make you breathe differently — slower, deeper, easier. Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is one of them. The scenic horseback riding trails in Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, roll through quiet woods, open fields, and cliffs that seem to rise...