Outdoor Science and Learning

The Shawnee NF has many unique resources; both natural and cultural. On these pages, we've compiled information on some of these resources to highlight the resource or our management of them. Please explore the links to the left: nature and science, history and culture, safety, etc to learn more about what the Shawnee has to offer! 

Viewing Wildlife

Birding Opportunities

Southern Illinois features the joining of 4 very different Natural Divisions: The Missouri Ozark Hills, the Mississippi River Bottomlands, the Shawnee Hills, and the Coastal Plain. Because of this, the Shawnee offers a variety of habitat types within a short distance of one another that have exceptional bird diversity. In addition to habitat diversity, the Shawnee National Forest is also located in the Mississippi Flyway, which is a prime location to observe bird migrations.

We know that the Shawnee National Forest is home and host to more than 200 species of breeding and migrating birds thanks to Citizen Scientists who collect data for local Christmas Bird Counts, Spring Bird Counts, and Breeding Bird Surveys annually.  An  international Citizen Science project called eBird allows individuals to submit their observations year-round. We would love your help in learning more about the birds that call this forest Home, and those that pass through on their journeys north and south.

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Recreation Opportunities

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits (7)

Viewing Plants (6)

Viewing Scenery (11)

Viewing Wildlife (9)

Visitor Programs (1)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 19 results

Bald Knob Wilderness

Site Open

Adjacent to the beautiful Bald Knob Cross landmark this rugged and remote wilderness offers the Bald Knob trail loop and the linear Godwin Trail which connects into Clear Springs wilderness. Along…

Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area

Site Open

Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone…

Cedar Lake

Site Open

The shores of this 1,750-acre lake is lined with forests and colorful bluffs. National forest land encompasses the south end of the lake and provides one of the most tranquil water settings in the…

Clear Springs Wilderness

Site Open

Located on the west side of the Shawnee National Forest, Clear Springs Wilderness is one of the largest designated wildernesses in Illinois.  With elevations ranging from 400 feet to over 900…

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

Site Open

One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods' scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic.The Observation Trail…

High Knob Lookout

Site Open

Once the site of a fire lookout tower, high knob was staffed by the Camp Cadiz Civilian Conservation Corpsmen (CCC) during the early days of the Shawnee National Forest.  The old tower's concrete…

Illinois Iron Furnace Historic Site

Site Open

The Illinois Iron Furnace is the only remaining iron furnace structure in the state of Illinois. Iron was manufactured at the Illinois Furnace by the charcoal blast method. The furnace was built on a…

Jackson Falls

Site Open

The bluffs and rock faces found at Jackson Falls offer excellent technical climbing surrounded by a beautifully scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest. Considered part of the general forest area…

Johnson Creek Recreation Area

Site Open

Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Here you will find something for everyone in the family, from camping…

LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area

Site Open

LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond RNA is one of the most unique areas in the world. As with many places in the Shawnee National Forest, the beauty we see today is rooted in geologic history.  LaRue-Pine…