News from Southern Illinois & the Shawnee National Forest

Filter by tags
Arcadiaacres Bellsmithsprings Cabingetaway Dogwoodseason Naturelovers Outdoorescape Redbudbloom Shawneenationalforest Southernillinois Springblooms Staysouthernillinois

Spring is in Bloom: Discover the Most Beautiful Flowering Trees in the Eastern Shawnee National Forest

By Elizabeth Canfarelli

Welcome to Spring in the Shawnee National Forest Spring in Southern Illinois is nothing short of spectacular. As the forest awakens, rolling hills and sandstone bluffs come alive with soft whites, vibrant pinks, and golden...
Adventureillinois Arcadiaacresrentals Bellsmithsprings Exploreillinois Gardenofthegods Illinoishiking Naturalillinois Shawneenationalforest Southernillinois Staysouthernillinois

Spring Wildflowers to Watch for in the Eastern Shawnee National Forest

By Elizabeth Canfarelli

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Southern Illinois. From Virginia bluebells and bloodroot to trout lilies and early daffodils, the eastern Shawnee National Forest comes alive with color. Here are some...
Adventureillinois Arcadiaacresrentals Bellsmithsprings Burdenfalls Exploreillinois Gardenofthegods Illinoishiking Jacksonfalls Naturalillinois Shawnee national forest Southernillinois Staysouthernillinois Waterfallchasing

The Best Waterfalls in Southern Illinois (2026 Guide)

By Elizabeth Canfarelli

See Jackson Falls, Bell Smith Springs, and Burden Falls When the Water Is Flowing Southern Illinois is famous for sandstone bluffs, wooded canyons, and hiking trails throughout Shawnee National Forest—and when we get active weather,...
Arcadia acres rentals Illinois ozarks merchandising Morel mushroom hunting in southern illinois Morel season illinois Shawnee national forest Shawnee national forest morels Southern illinois Southern illinois spring foraging Where to find morels Where to find morels in illinois

Morel Mushroom Hunting Southern Illinois: When & Where to Find Morels Near Shawnee National Forest (2026 Guide)

By Elizabeth Canfarelli

Morel Mushroom Hunting In Southern Illinois: Why Spring Is Prime Time Morel mushroom hunting in Southern Illinois is one of the most anticipated outdoor traditions of the year. Each spring, the hardwood forests surrounding the...
Dead zoning Digital detoxing Garden of the gods Illinois ozarks merchandising Shawnee national forest Southern illinois

The Silence of the Shawnee: A Guide to Digital Detoxing in Southern Illinois

By Elizabeth Canfarelli

The Silence of the Shawnee: A Guide to Digital Detoxing in Southern Illinois You don’t realize how loud life has become until it finally goes quiet. ·         The notifications stop. ·         The signal fades. ·        ...
Illinois ozarks merchandising

Hiking in Southern Illinois: Embracing the Spectacular Fall Colors of the Shawnee National Forest

By Elizabeth Canfarelli

As the calendar turns the page on September, nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers eagerly await the breathtaking spectacle that is fall foliage. For those seeking a unique and captivating experience, Southern Illinois emerges as an...