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’s It Like to Go Horseback Riding in Shawnee for the First Time?
For a lot of first-time horse riders, the biggest surprise isn't the horse; it's how quiet everything gets. Traffic and notifications fade into hoofbeats, pine trees, and dirt trails underfoot, and that shift is exactly what makes horseback riding in Shawnee National...
Why Choose Dog-Friendly Cabins in Southern Illinois?
Cabins that are dog-friendly are great because they let the whole family travel together instead of leaving a pet behind at a boarding facility. Dog-friendly cabins in Southern Illinois solve that, giving the whole family room to roam that a hotel room never could....
Chasing Waterfalls: Best Hiking Trails in Shawnee National Forest
The Shawnee National Forest has some of the best waterfall hikes found on trails that meander through wooded valleys, sandstone canyons, and scenic overlooks. Many of these routes are some of the most popular hiking trails in Illinois, attracting both first-time...