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
What Makes Turkey Hunting in Shawnee a True Public Land Adventure?
If you've spent any time around turkey hunters in Illinois, you've probably heard about Shawnee. Not in a loud, over-hyped way, more like a quiet mention from someone who has been there and keeps going back. At over 280,000 acres of public hunting land in Illinois...
Sunrise vs. Sunset Hikes at Shawnee National Forest: Which One Wins?
There's no wrong time to hike, but there are better ones. Anyone who's spent time on hiking trails in Illinois knows that the experience can vary a lot depending on the season, the weather, and even the time of day. Sunrise and sunset in a place like Shawnee National...
Which Wineries Are Part of The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail?
If you’ve never been to Southern Illinois wine country, it might surprise you. The roads get a little curvier. The hills get a little greener. And suddenly you’re pulling into a vineyard that feels like it’s been there forever, even if it’s your first visit. The...