
Shawnee National Forest: Illinois at its wildest
FREE Catholic Classes
Chicago Tribune (MCT) - You leave the traditional corn and soybean fields behind when you venture this far south in Illinois, and before you know it you might think you're out West or in the bayous of Louisiana. This is an area blessed with a landscape of rocky hills that beg to be hiked and biked, and sloughs and swamps waiting to be explored by canoe or kayak. Add down-home cooking and a smattering of antiques and collectibles shops and you have the makings of a place to kick back and relax.
Highlights
Location: Southern Illinois, about 350 miles south of Chicago's Loop, depending on areas visited.
Recommended for: Nature lovers, adventurers, families, singles.
When to go: Year-round, though winter's a good time to have it pretty much all to yourself, and the weather's generally mild.
___
8 REASONS TO GO
1. Garden of the Gods
Located in the northeastern part of the nearly 300,000-acre Shawnee National Forest, this iconic area with its huge rock formations will have you asking, "Are we still in Illinois?" www.enjoyillinois.com/topspots/southern.aspx#gardengods
2. Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Starting at Kite Hill Vineyards southwest of Carbondale and meandering south and east to its end at Blue Sky Vineyard near Anna, this route leads wine lovers to nine vineyards and wineries out to prove Napa isn't the only place to find quality wine. www.shawneewinetrail.com
3. Ohio River Scenic Byway
This drive, wandering roughly 190 miles from New Haven to Cairo, lives up to the word "scenic" in its name. Take it all in or explore bits and pieces. www.byways.org/explore/byways/2286
4. Cache River State Natural Area
Another area that'll have you asking, "Are we still in Illinois?" More than 14,000 acres populated with sloughs and swamps are a magnet for wildlife and a great place to lace up your hiking boots or paddle a pirogue.
5. Lock and Dam 51 Homes
The lockmasters who operated the locks in Golconda really lived in these pleasant houses on the banks of the Ohio River. You can, too, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. (And you won't have to work on the locks either.) www.golcondalockmasterhomes.com
6. Tunnel Hill State Trail
The hilly, scenic back roads down here are good for lung-busting, thigh-burning bike roads, but for something more sedate, this 45-mile rails-to-trails route from Harrisburg to Karnak is hard to beat. And a spur will take you to #4 above.
7. Ghost Canyon, Dixon Spring State Park
It doesn't have the scale of its big brothers in Wyoming or Colorado or Utah, but this is a good one if you're feeling the need for a dose of rugged beauty.
8. Metropolis
"Look! Up in the Sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's ..." Yes, this is the home of the Man of Steel _ or so they say. The Super Museum, on Superman Square, is home to what they also say is the world's largest privately owned Superman collection. www.metropolistourism.com
___
© 2008, Chicago Tribune.
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.

Novena for Pope Francis | FREE PDF Download
-
- Easter / Lent
- Ascension Day
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary

How a New Pope Is Elected

Pope Francis’ Final Message to Young People

Pope Francis’ Final Journey Through Rome: A Farewell Full of Symbols and Grace
Daily Catholic
Daily Readings for Wednesday, April 30, 2025
St. Pius V, Pope: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Prayer to Saint Joseph for Success in Work: Prayer of the Day for Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Daily Readings for Tuesday, April 29, 2025
St. Catherine of Siena: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- Prayer for the Dead # 3: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.