Welcome to Shawnee National Forest
Nestled in southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, the Shawnee National Forest spans 289,000 acres featuring oak-hickory forests, flourishing wetlands, grassy open lands, lush canyons, sheer bluffs and unique geological features.
Recreation Opportunities
Spotlights
Jackson Falls Visitor Use Management Plan

The Shawnee National Forest is developing a Visitor Use Management Plan (VUMP) for the Jackson Falls area, and you are invited to be a part of the process.
Current Projects

Find information about ongoing land management projects happening on the Shawnee National Forest and view an archive of past projects.
Enjoying the Bounty of the Forest

Forest resources are abundant, but some items take special care. Permit and collection information are available for firewood, wild foods, and other forest plants.