Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau

01/15/2025

🚨🚨🚨 Roads throughout the Shawnee National Forest remain hazardous with ice and fallen trees and branches from last week's ice storm.

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Camp Cadiz and Rim Rock gates are closed until roads and trees are cleared. Pine Hills Road in Union County is impassable at this time.

While other roads, trails, and general forest areas are open, 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞...𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭.

01/15/2025

The 16th Annual Southern Illinois Boat and Fishing Show is coming up fast! Visit The Pavilion in Marion on February 1st & 2nd to experience a great show packed with boats, trailers, campers, fishing tackle, educational sessions, family activities, and more! 🎣

Learn more at: https://southernmostillinois.com/event/southern-illinois-boat-fishing-show/

01/15/2025

Embrace adventure in 2025! Whether you're hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking, the Shawnee Challenge takes you on an epic journey through the Shawnee National Forest. 🥾

Check-in at challenge locations to rack up points for a Shawnee Challenge sticker and entries into prize drawings for Shawnee gear! Explore, reconnect with nature, and earn rewards in the heart of Southernmost Illinois.

Download your mobile passport by visiting: https://southernmostillinois.com/explore/

01/14/2025

Don't let winter weather slow your roll! From snow-covered trails to local food spots and antiquing, there's something for everyone in Shawnee Forest Country.

Plan your wintertime adventure by visiting https://southernmostillinois.com/

01/13/2025

There's 𝗚𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗘 such thing as having too much fun while hiking the trails at Giant City State Park, especially during their annual Gnome Roam! 😉

Hit the trails and try to spot all seven gnomes. Snap a photo of each, then return to the visitor center to get a cool patch! Check with the park visitor center for possible road and trail closures due to downed trees. The roam is extended until Feb. 15.

Discover the magic of Gnome Roam, a family-friendly treasure hunt through Giant City State Park’s beautiful trails in Southern Illinois.

01/13/2025

Breathe in the winter air... 😮‍💨❄️

What better way to spend a winter day than hiking, wine tasting, and discovering spectacular views? Check out this frosty adventure through Alto Pass:
https://shrpa.com/itinerary/5funplacestovisitinaltopassinwinter

Rather plan your own adventure? Visit southernmostillinois.com to find all that Southernmost Illinois has to offer!

01/11/2025

Flex your creativity and mingle with your neighbors during the Shawnee Hills Arts Council's Community Art Social on Tuesday, January 14th! 🎨

This is an open event where people can work on their individual art or collaborate with others, build friendships, network, and more.

Participants should plan to bring their own art supplies, but if they don't have supplies or can't afford any, the arts center has some available to use. Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/events/940424404218737

01/10/2025

Getting stir-crazy sitting inside? Don't let the cold keep you from connecting with nature. Wintertime hiking offers a quiet, peaceful, and, especially with a fresh layer of snow, magical experience. 🥾❄️

Giant City State Park offers a variety of programs to get you moving in the winter! Discover upcoming events and maintained trails at: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/event/park.giantcity.html

Hiking in slippery conditions isn't always easy. Check out this post by our friend, Hiking With Shawn for tips and tricks to navigating snowy trails: https://www.hikingwithshawn.com/shawnee-forest-winter-hiking-tips/

01/09/2025

Warm up in a hot tub after exploring the peaceful beauty of Southernmost Illinois in the winter with one of these cabin rentals. 🏠❤️

📍 Woodland Cabins
📍 Twin Maples
📍 Willowbrook Cabins

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, family retreat or solo recharge, a cabin stay lets you mix comfort with adventure. Explore cabins and other vacation rentals by visiting: https://southernmostillinois.com/cabins/

01/05/2025

Dreaming of a winter getaway? Southernmost Illinois is full of adventures waiting for you!

From cozy cabins and scenic hikes to charming shops and wineries, there’s something for everyone this season. 🌲🍷

Head over to https://southernmostillinois.com/ to plan your perfect winter escape and discover all the magic Southernmost Illinois has to offer.

01/04/2025

While we miss those warmer days, winter does bring its own magic to Southernmost Illinois. Experience frozen waters and snow-kissed trails this season. 🌲🏞️

📍Jackson Falls
📸 meghangarriott (IG)

01/03/2025

Ready for a magical adventure? Head to Giant City State Park for the Gnome Roam! 🌲❄️

Explore seven scenic trails, discover hidden gnomes, and soak in the wintertime peace of the forest. Snap a photo of each gnome and earn a fun patch for completing the challenge! Perfect for all ages and skill levels, it’s a whimsical way to enjoy the great outdoors this December and January.

Learn more at: https://southernmostillinois.com/2024/10/01/roam-for-gnomes-at-giant-city-state-park/

12/31/2024

Making resolutions to be more active in 2025? We're here to help! From fully-planned adventures to biking trails, hiking spots, paddling waters, and more, we're proud to showcase a variety of local opportunities to get you moving.

Visit https://southernmostillinois.com/ to explore all that Southernmost Illinois has to offer!

12/26/2024

End the year with adventure... Take the Shawnee Challenge! 🥾 Explore some of the most scenic trails and breathtaking views in the area, and get rewarded along the way!

Whether it’s hiking, biking, or horseback riding, the challenge is all about experiencing the best of the Shawnee Forest Country. Get your mobile passport today and start exploring!

Take the Shawnee Challenge, a self-supported, outdoor challenge allowing you to experience different parts of the Shawnee National Forest in the ways you

12/24/2024

Want to enjoy the outdoors but stay warm and cozy at the same time? Take a trip along the Cache River Auto Tour! 🚗💨

Ancient cypress-tupelo swamps, hardwood forests, and sandstone bluffs await! This auto tour can fill an entire weekend or be broken up into smaller mini-tours to give you a taste of southernmost Illinois.

Plan your trip and learn more about the Cache River Auto Tour at: https://www.friendsofthecache.org/projects

12/23/2024

Ring in the new year by flexing your creativity at Alto Vineyards New Year Paint & Sip on Saturday, December 28th! 🍷🎨

Hosted with Project Human X, you'll have the pleasure of indulging in wine and learning a new creative skill. Follow along with a local artist as they guide you through each step of a masterpiece for you to take home!

You must register in advance for this paint-and-sip experience. Purchase tickets online at https://projecthumanx.com/pages/all-events

12/20/2024

Trying to think of things to do with your visiting family next week? Consider a day (or two) trip along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail! 🍷

Travel from winery to winery, tasting local blends and exploring the small towns that surround them. With many local eateries, unique shops, and ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail has a little something for everyone!

Learn more and plan your adventure along the trail at: https://shawneewinetrail.com/