Shawnee National Forest

Shawnee National Forest is a large protected woodland spanning southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The landscape contains rolling hills, multiple lakes, streams, and dramatic rocky outcrops formed over millions of years.

The United States Forest Service established this forest preserve in 1939 as part of a nationwide effort to protect natural lands. This action helped safeguard ecosystems that had faced increasing pressure from development and resource extraction.

The name honors the Shawnee people who inhabited this region for generations. Walking through the forest, visitors can encounter sites and traces that reflect the long connection between the land and its indigenous residents.

Visitor information and detailed trail maps are available at the forest administration office in Harrisburg. Before visiting, check local conditions and access guidelines as some areas may have seasonal closures or restrictions.

The forest contains seven officially protected wilderness zones where plants and animals develop without human management or intervention. These untouched areas reveal how landscapes naturally evolve when left completely undisturbed.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1939

Operator: United States Forest Service

Website: https://fs.usda.gov/shawnee

GPS coordinates: 37.50000,-88.66670

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:13