I love the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. It just has so much to offer. I decided to check […]
Archive for ‘Illinois’
Matthiessen State Park – Illinois
Matthiessen State Park is a hidden wonder nestled among the rolling farm fields of Northern Illinois. It is often overlooked by […]
Cache River – Illinois
The Cache River State Natural Area spans a pretty large portion of Southern Illinois. This area is very unique and […]
Rendleman Orchards – Illinois
While exploring Southern Illinois for a couple days during the summer, we took a drive to Rendleman Orchards located in […]
Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area – Illinois
While vacationing in the Shawnee National Forest in October, we took a drive to Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area near Simpson, […]
Bell Smith Springs – Illinois
Bell Smith Springs is an extraordinary area located deep in the Shawnee National Forest. I recommend parking at the main […]
Panther Den Wilderness – Illinois
While vacationing in the Shawnee National Forest, we decided to check out Panther Den Wilderness. This area is actually not […]
Trigg Observation Tower – Illinois
While staying in the Shawnee National Forest, we visited the Trigg Observation Tower near Simpson, Illinois. The fire tower was […]
Rock Cut State Park – Illinois
In mid-September, I took a trip to Rock Cut State Park. Rock Cut State Park is located near the Illinois/Wisconsin […]
Starved Rock State Park – Illinois
Starved Rock State Park near Utica, Illinois was the state park that started my love for hiking. I honestly had […]
Cedar Falls – Illinois
On Good Friday, we took a drive down to Southern Illinois to hike the grounds of Camp Ondessonk. You can […]
Camp Ondessonk – Illinois
Camp Ondessonk is a Catholic church camp located in Southern Illinois on the edge of the Shawnee National Forest. While […]
Lincoln Memorial Garden – Illinois
My friend and I took a Friday off of work and headed up to Springfield, Illinois to visit the Lincoln […]
Benjamin Stephenson House – Illinois
I have driven past the Colonel Benjamin Stephenson house in Edwardsville, Illinois more times than I can count. On a […]
Shoal Creek Nature Preserve – Illinois
We were heading back from Springfield, Illinois and decided to squeeze in a quick hike at the Henry Eilers Shoal […]
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge – Illinois
We were staying in the Shawnee National Forest and decided to hike the Rocky Bluff Trail which is part of […]
Heron Pond – Illinois
While staying in Southern Illinois earlier this year, we decided to take a drive to the Cache River State Natural […]
Silver Creek Nature Preserve – Illinois
I recently heard of Silver Creek Nature Preserve near Mascoutah, Illinois and since it was not too far from home, […]
Bohm Woods Nature Preserve – Illinois
Bohm Woods Nature Preserve is a peaceful trail located in Edwardsville, Illinois and is very close to Southern Illinois University […]
Rocky Bluff Trail – Illinois
I had seen pictures on the Shawnee National Forest group Facebook page about the Rocky Bluff Trail. The Rocky Bluff […]
White Rock Nature Preserve – Illinois
One of the best things about Facebook is finding new places to hike! In one of the hiking groups, someone […]
Marshall – Illinois
While we were camping at Lincoln Trail State Park, we visited the town of Marshall, Illinois. This town has a […]
Holy Boulders – Illinois
Nestled deep in the Shawnee National Forest is a hidden gem called Holy Boulders. If you search Google Maps for […]
Northland Nature Preserve – Illinois
I often drive through Trenton, Illinois which is a small town about 45 minutes east of St. Louis, Missouri. I […]
Route 66 – Illinois
We took a drive to Auburn, Illinois to visit part of the original Route 66. This hand-laid brick section of […]
Planned Spontaneity 