Garden of the Gods

Explore the dramatic rock formations, cliffs and trails of the most visited site in the Shawnee National Forest. Millions of years in the making, the Garden of the Gods provides spectacular views unlike anywhere in the Midwest. See Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, Devil's Smoke Stack and other magnificent rock formations in this hiker’s and photographer’s wonderland.

CITY: Karbers Ridge

Shawnee National Forest

The Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (the forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails). Hikers are greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss, and paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy. Nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the stunning Shawnee National Forest landscape features rolling hills, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs.

CITY: Harrisburg

Tunnel Hill State Trail

This scenic 45-mile-long hiking and biking trail runs along a converted rail bed through farmland, hills/bluffs and bottomland areas.The trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest and Cache River State Natural Area, with railroad trestles and an old train tunnel as picturesque markers along the way.

CITY: Vienna

Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins

Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Timber Ridge offers something for everyone, from families and honeymooners to outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy some Southern hospitality while staying in a real log cabin or one-of-a-kind treehouse. Each of the units, including the treehouse, is equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette, heating and air conditioning.

CITY: Elizabethtown

Mermet Springs

Scuba dive at this unique spring-fed stone quarry and marvel at underwater treasures such as a submerged airplane (actually used in the movie U.S. Marshals) and a cement petting zoo. Mermet Springs offers on-site instruction and equipment rental.

CITY: Belknap

Cache River State Natural Area

Nationally renowned for its ancient cypress-tupelo swamp, this natural area contains 100 threatened or endangered plant and animal species, and 11 state champion trees. Visitors enjoy birding, hunting, wildlife watching, and hiking. Bikers can access the Cache River via the Tunnel Hill State Trail.

CITY: Belknap

Egyptian Hills Resort

Egyptian Hills Resort is your passport to the Ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether you are into waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, sport fishing, or pleasure boating; the Lake of Egypt is a boater’s paradise. All within a stone’s throw of your cabin. Within minutes of your cabin, your family can enjoy guided expeditions such as; horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, geo-caching, wildlife photography and many other outdoor activities. Whether planning a single activity or multiple activities for your group, we at Egyptian Hills are your personal concierge in planning your ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether onsite or through one of our partner guides, all activities are tailored for all ages and experience levels.

CITY: Creal Springs

Southern Illinois Wine Trail

Illinois' newest wine trail connects six wineries dotted throughout the southeast corner of the state. Visitors can enjoy both breathtaking vistas and friendly rural communities, all while sampling excellent red and white wines.

CITY: Vienna

Cache River Wetlands Center

The Wetlands Center provides a one-stop shop for information about the Cache River Wetlands and its recreational and educational opportunities. The center has an extensive natural and cultural history exhibit, wildlife viewing, trails and a video.

CITY: Cypress

Ohio River Scenic Byway

The 188-mile scenic route begins at the Wabash Memorial Bridge in Gallatin County and ends at Fort Defiance Park in historic Cairo. Sights along the way include the Garden of the Gods, Cave-in-Rock, Elizabethtown, the quaint river town of Golconda, and Metropolis, the home of Superman.

CITY: Metropolis

River to River Trail

From Grand Tower on the Mississippi River to Battery Rock on the Ohio River, this 160-mile trail passes through wondrous landscapes, massive rock formations, wetlands, prairie grass, woodlands and creeks. Along the way view native wildlife, birds and rare plants.

CITY: Karbers Ridge

34 Ranch Horseman's Campground

34 Ranch offers the largest privately-owned horseman's campground in Southern Illinois. Located in Hardin and Pope Counties in the midst of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Open year round. One cabin is primitive without plumbing. The other two have both baths and kitchens. The ranch also has 250 modern campsites and can accommodate RV's. Rents out cabins and one trailer. Owner: Tom Luchies.

CITY: Herod

Egyptian Hills Marina Lodging

Egyptian Hills Resort is your passport to the Ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether you are into waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, sport fishing, or pleasure boating; the Lake of Egypt is a boater’s paradise. All within a stone’s throw of your cabin. Our cabins and chalets sit next to soothing, running streams and waterfalls – with breathtaking lake front views. Each cabin/chalet features a full kitchen, living room, large deck, full bedroom, 2 loft bedrooms and full bath.

CITY: Creal Springs

Gambit Golf Course

This championship par 71 golf course, designed by Richard Osborne, snakes through meadows and woodlands. The Gambit features the area's only indoor practice center, with two state-of-the-art golf simulators and a nine-hole practice green.

CITY: Vienna

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center

Wilderness area, wildlife viewing, walking trails, special events, gift shop, campgrounds, fishing, boating, sailing, fishing tournaments; must get a "user pass" at Visitors Center for these lakes.

CITY: Marion

War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the uplands of the Shawnee National Forest, supports mature oak-hickory woods, river bottom forests, young forests and old field habitats. More than 530 types of plants, including a rich variety of wildflowers and 20 types of ferns. 10 walking paths give access to the area.

CITY: Golconda

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

A wildlife refuge covering approximately 43,500 acres of forest, wetlands, and grasslands. Hunting, fishing & boating available.

CITY: Marion

Vertical Heartland Climbing School and Services

Technical rock climbing instruction for small groups and individuals. Vertical skills training for tactical response teams. Rock climbing experiences for small or large groups. Leasing of our cliff to film and video producers.

CITY: Buncombe

Cedar Ridge Whitetails, LLC

Trophy whitetail hunts in scenic Southernmost IL. Hunts are offered September 15th through December. The farm consists of mature timber, pine and cedar thickets, thick draws and open area food plots. All hunts are with an experienced guide.

CITY: Karnak

Austin Acres Kamp Outback

Affordable family lodging, cabins, campers and primitive camping. One cabin has kitchenette, covered shelter, air, tv/vcr, wood burning stove, electric and water shower available. One cabin has sleeping for six or more, electric, water, grill and shaded area. We have excellent walking and riding trails, 40 acres. Horses welcome. Lots of shaded areas for tent camping and fishing pond. We are minutes away from Ohio River, Tower Rock Park boat ramp, Elizabethtown boat ramp, good eating places, LakeTucumseh and Woopie Cat, Iron Furnace, Stone Face, Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Cave-in-Rock and lots of scenic views. Children and pets welcome.

CITY: Elizabethtown

Kokopelli Golf Club

This 18-hole course, designed by renowned golf architect Steve Smyers, was named by Travel + Leisure as one of "America's 100 Best Courses for $100 or Less." Kokopelli offers a full-service pro shop, professionals who offer personal golf instruction and an eight-acre practice facility.

CITY: Marion

Lake Glendale Beach & Campground

Beautiful beach located on the shore of an 80 acres lake in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Beach open Memorial Day-Labor Day, 7 days a week. Concessions available

CITY: Glendale

Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

Centrally located in the Shawnee National forest, campgrounds have all the hookups; lodge has 6 rooms; beach, fishing, horseback riding at its best; box stalls for horses; hunters welcome; great hiking & mountain biking.

CITY: Stonefort

Shawnee Hills Country Club

This fun, challenging course includes nine, 36 par holes, and is open spring, summer and fall. The club offers a full pro shop and snack bar.

CITY: Harrisburg

Dixon Springs State Park

Dixon Springs State Park is one of several state parks in the Illinois Shawnee Hills. Park visitors may enjoy the varied wildlife, take a swim in the outdoor pool or simply soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the moss-covered boulders, craggy overhangs, and rushing brook.

CITY: Golconda

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Features fascinating plants and geologic formations of the scenic Shawnee Hills. Trails wind past interesting sites such as intermittent waterfalls and the largest shelter bluff in southern Illinois.

CITY: Goreville

Ohio River Recreational Area

RV campground with bathhouse, boat ramp and country store. Restaurant and lodge also on site.

CITY: Grand Chain

Egyptian Hills Campground & Marina

Eastern side of Lake of Egypt. Facility offers full service, boat rentals, restaurants, bait, tackle, guide service, launching and RV rentals.

CITY: Creal Springs

kokopelli Golf Club

18 holes, par 72, winter golf, full pro shop, no club rentals, restaurant

CITY: Marion

Mack's Lake of Egypt

They offer new and used boats, seasonal slip rental, boat lauch, boat dock and lift sales, rental pontoon boats, rental fishing boats, full line of boating accessories, full convenience store, package beer, liquor and wine.

CITY: Marion

Lake Glendale Stables

Trail ride in beautiful Southern Illinois. Hourly to full-day rates. Over night pack trips and lunch or dinner outings. Group rates and boarding available. Great horses for all riders, experienced or not. Professional guides, cool wooded trails.

CITY: Golconda

Lake of Egypt Marina

Open all year boatmotor sales and service. Full service facility with launching available. Located on the east side of the lake.

CITY: Marion

Crab Orchard Lake

Campground, fishing, boating, beach, picnic areas, country store, fishing tournaments.

CITY: Marion

Pikes Hunting Club

Located 1 mile south of Marion on Rt. 37 on west side of road. Hunt from heated pits over flooded corn, natural wetlands food plots, and over 2 miles of levee controlled water on 100 acres. 530 total acres devoted to waterfowl hunting, excellent duck hunting. Corporate rates and custom packages available.

CITY: Marion

Odum Stables

Offers private lessons on gaited horses, indoor and outdoor facilities, lessons for all ages and skill levels and lesson packages available. Beginners, refreshers, pleasure or show. Home of several world champion walking horses. Call for reservations.

CITY: Creal Springs

Golconda Marina

One of the finest fishing and boating areas in the nation, this marina is the gateway to the Ohio River's Smithland Pool, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The 619-acre full-service boat marina has more than 200 slips.

CITY: Golconda

Horseshoe Bend Campground

Located in ridge above creek, over two mile creek bank fishing, natural marina on three mile creek, peaceful, scenic beauty.

CITY: Rosiclare

Jake & Norb's Gun Club

Bordering the refuge on N.E. corner. Traditional hunting of the highest quality. Only 2 hunters per pit with experienced mandatory guides, two pits, 1-water access, 1000 decoys, free snacks. Over forty-two years as an experienced club.

CITY: Marion

Extreme Kids

Kids will enjoy three huge bouncers, two in-ground trampolines, and an awesome jungle gym with a ball pit and a 16-foot slide.

CITY: Marion

Ralls Grove Hunting Club

Duck and goose hunting, 1 blind, waterfront, decoys available. Lunch provided.

CITY: Creal Springs

Pirate Pete's Family Entertainment Center

Great food, snack bar, acrcade games, pool tables, laser tag, and redemption prizes.

CITY: Marion

A.E.C. Outfitters

Guided hunting on 2000 acres of land. Archery and shotgun deer hunting.

CITY: Marion

Little Egypt Public OHV Recreational Area

Little Egypt Off Road MC is a young club that aims to pursue, promote, and protect interest of motorcyclists in a social and athletic setting. They offer a public off road riding area.

CITY: Marion

Lake of Egypt Country Club

Include a golf course, swimming pool, and clubhouse. The dining room overlooks the pool and number nine green.

CITY: Marion

Glenn's Hunting Club

Clean, dry and heated pits. Yearly membership and day hunting available. Excellent hunting in fields. Plus hunting in 2 pits over water. 3/4 mile on refuge frontage. Guides available.

CITY: Marion