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Southern Illinois Natural Wonders: Parks, Forests and Fish & Wildlife Areas
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items With towering bluffs, winding trails, serene lakes, and lush forests, these hidden gems offer something for everyone. Whether you're a hiker, nature enthusiast, or just seeking a peaceful escape, explore scenic vistas, encounter wildlife, and enjoy e...
Shawnee National Forest is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning 280,000 acres in southern Illinois, it features stunning landscapes, from rugged bluffs to lush woodlands. Explore iconic spots like Garden of the Gods, hike ...
Shawnee National Forest
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in southern Illinois is a top spot for nature lovers. With diverse landscapes, it’s perfect for birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Over 200 bird species, including migratory waterfowl, call ...
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The Cache River State Natural Area is a must-visit for nature lovers. With its stunning wetlands, swamps, and diverse wildlife, it’s perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking. Explore peaceful trails, boardwalks, and enjoy the beauty of this uni...
Cache River State Natural Area – Illinois’ Hidden Bayou
Cave-in-Rock State Park is a must-visit for stunning views of the Ohio River and the historic limestone cave. Enjoy scenic hiking, picnicking by the river, and exploring the natural beauty of this Southern Illinois gem.
Cave in Rock State Park - Shawnee Forest
Giant City State Park is a must-visit for outdoor lovers. Known for its impressive sandstone bluffs and towering rock formations, it offers scenic hiking trails, horseback riding, and great opportunities for wildlife spotting. With its beautiful picn...
Giant City State Park
Trail of Tears State Forest is a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Offering serene hiking trails, scenic views, and rich historical significance, this forest is a great place to connect with nature while learning about ...
Trail of Tears State Forest
Ferne Clyffe State Park is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers. Known for its beautiful waterfalls, peaceful forested trails, and stunning rock formations, it’s perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature’s tranquility.
Ferne Clyffe State Park - A Secret Oasis in Southern Illinois
Dixon Springs State Park features scenic landscapes, lush woodlands, and a tranquil atmosphere. With its rich history and natural beauty, it’s the perfect place to enjoy hiking along the park’s beautiful trails.
Dixon Springs State Park
Known for its scenic lake, Mermet Lake is ideal for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The peaceful surroundings and diverse wildlife make it a great spot for nature walks and photography.
Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Garden of the Gods (Illinois) is a must-visit in Shawnee National Forest, offering stunning rock formations and breathtaking views. The Observation Trail provides easy access to panoramic scenery, including iconic spots like Camel Rock.
Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest
Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area is a top spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts in southern Illinois. Spanning over 6,000 acres, it features wetlands, forests, and lakes, making it a prime habitat for wildlife.
Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a 16,000-acre haven for wildlife in southern Illinois. Explore wetlands, forests, and floodplains by hiking, kayaking, or birdwatching. Spot bald eagles, otters, and migratory birds in this peaceful escape.
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
LaRue-Pine Hills is a stunning natural area in southern Illinois, known for its towering bluffs, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems. Overlooking the Mississippi floodplain, it offers breathtaking views and incredible biodiversity.
LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area
Lake Murphysboro State Park is a peaceful retreat in southern Illinois, perfect for fishing, hiking, and camping. The 145-acre lake is great for boating and angling, while scenic trails wind through rolling forests.
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Bell Smith Springs in Shawnee National Forest is a must-visit for outdoor lovers, featuring crystal-clear streams, sandstone cliffs, and scenic trails.
Bell Smith Springs
Tunnel Hill State Trail is a scenic 45-mile biking and hiking trail in southern Illinois, built on a former railroad line. It winds through forests, farmland, and historic railroad tunnels, offering a peaceful outdoor adventure.
Ride Tunnel Hill State Trail
Millstone Bluff is a fascinating archaeological and natural site in Shawnee National Forest, featuring remnants of a prehistoric Native American village atop a scenic bluff. This hidden gem offers a mix of history, hiking, and breathtaking views.
Millstone Bluff in Shawnee National Forest
Fort Massac State Park in southern Illinois is a great destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. This 100-acre park features the reconstructed Fort Massac, once a key military outpost, and offers plenty of recreational opportunities.
Fort Massac State Park (U.S. National Park Service)