Shawnee National Forest

In 1930, people in southern Illinois began to unite and promote the idea of establishing a national forest in what was known as Little Egypt or the Illinois Ozarks. The area had been farmed for more than 100 years. The soil was worn out, the timber areas were in need of reforestation, and the area’s wild game population was severely depleted. In 1933 the U.S. Forest Service began to acquire land and by 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the area as the Shawnee National Forest.

Today the forest covers nearly 300,000 acres of wilderness, wildlife, and recreation. There is an unusual combination of five natural ecological divisions within the boundaries of the Shawnee National Forest. These different divisions provide a variety of unique natural attractions that include rock formations, cypress swamps, caves, bluffs, spring-fed lakes, and forests.

In 1990, Congress designated seven wilderness areas within the forest. They include: Bald Knob, Bay Creek, Burden Falls, Clear Springs, Garden of the Gods, Lusk Creek, and Panther Den. The intent of the wilderness areas is to preserve the natural ecosystems and to protect the wilderness environment for future generations. The wilderness areas are open to the public but visitors must follow each wilderness area’s guidelines.

Shawnee National Forest is teeming with wildlife. Whitetail deer, vulture, quail, wild turkey, beaver, fox, bobcat, and muskrat are a few of the creatures you might find in the forest. Copperheads, rattlesnake, and water moccasins are also residents worthy of mention.

Camping is permitted and there are 15 developed campgrounds located throughout the forest. There are also hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Shawnee National Forest. The longest, the River to River Trail, spans 160 miles from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River. There are also multiple equestrian trails and campgrounds designated for horses and their riders.

Numerous lakes and ponds are located within the forest as well as four developed swimming areas. Other recreational activities include wildlife observation, fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, and picnicking.

For more information about the Shawnee National Forest, write or call:

Shawnee National Forest
50 Highway 145 South
Harrisburg, IL 62946
(618) 253-7114
(800) 699-6637

You may also visit Quincy Net’s Shawnee National Forest Daytrip at: http://www.quincynet.com/daytrips/shawnee/index.htm for more information on the Shawnee National Forest.

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