GARDEN OF THE GODS

Step back 200 million years, hiking scenic bluffs and challenging trails through the sprawling Shawnee National Forest, which stretches between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Start out with the easy 1/4-mile Observation Trail to view outstanding sandstone rock formations such as Camel Rock, Anvil Rock and the Devil's Smokestack. Then head on to the winding River to River Trail.

Garden of the Gods
Off Hwy. 34
Karbers Ridge, IL 62955
618-287-2201

REND LAKE

Rend Lake packs all of the fun in one place. Boat or fish on the beautiful lake. Golf the 27-hole championship course. Hike through peaceful natural areas. Stay in a luxury suite at the Seasons Lodge or the Fairway Suites (located right on the golf course!). Stop by the Rend Lake Visitor Center to learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit the area. Be sure to stop by the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center to pick up a piece created by an Illinois artist.

Rend Lake Visitor Center
12220 Rend City Rd.
Benton, IL 62812
618-724-2493

SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST

Stretching from the Ohio to the Mississippi River, the Shawnee National Forest offers more than 270,000 acres of adventure. Explore the forest on horseback or grab a backpack and hike the 160-mile River to River Trail. Rock climbing and rappelling are permitted in several designated areas. The less adventurous can hop in a car and take a scenic drive. Especially beautiful is the Ohio River National Scenic Byway, which passes through the eastern portion of the Shawnee National Forest.

Shawnee National Forest
50 Hwy. 145 South
Harrisburg, IL 62946
618-253-7114
800-MY-WOODS (699-6637)

CAVE-IN-ROCK STATE PARK

Sitting high atop the bluffs overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the heavily wooded Cave-in-Rock State Park is named for its 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. Explore the riverside cave and miles of hiking trails. Stay in one of the duplex guest houses at the park and soak up the panoramic river view from your own private balcony.

For more

Cave-In-Rock State Park
#1 New State Park Rd.
Box 338
Cave-In-Rock, IL 62919
618-289-4325

FORT MASSAC STATE PARK

Overlooking the mighty Ohio River at the southern tip of Illinois, Fort Massac State Park has been preserved and maintained since 1908, when it became Illinois' first state park. The historic site is a replica of the 1802 American fort that was originally located on the site. Kids especially enjoy climbing and exploring the fort. An on-site interpreter can answer questions and further explain the Native American artifacts and military items on display, representing the period when the French occupied the fort.

Fort Massac State Park
1308 E. 5th St.
Metropolis, IL 62960
618-524-4712

CARLYLE LAKE

Carlyle Lake is the largest manmade lake in Illinois, with more than 26,000 acres of water and 11,000 acres of land. The lake is known as one of the best and most challenging in the state for sailboats. You'll also find sandy swimming beaches, fishing, hunting, hiking and golfing. Lodging choices include lakefront cottages at Eldon Hazlet State Park, along with a variety of nearby cabins and motels.

Carlyle Lake
20100 Hazlet Park Rd.
Carlyle, IL 62231
618-594-3015

CACHE RIVER STATE NATURAL AREA

Cache River State Natural Area in Belknap features more than 21 miles of designated foot trails that wind through this unique wetland wildlife refuge, totaling nearly 13,000 acres. One trail takes visitors past bald cypress trees more than 1,000 years old. Canoers can paddle through a magnificent cypress-tupelo swamp on the Lower Cache River Trail, alive with birds, alligator gar, amphibians and reptiles.

Cache River State Natural Area
930 Sunflower Lane
Belknap, IL 62908
618-634-9678

SHAWNEE QUEEN RIVER TAXI

Take a scenic cruise on the historic Ohio River, making stops in the river towns of Golconda, Rosiclare, Elizabethtown and Cave-in-Rock along the way. The Shawnee Queen's crew points out interesting sights, wildlife (including eagles, in season) and lovely waterfront estate homes.

Shawnee Queen River Taxi
P.O. Box 190
Rosiclare, IL 62982
877-677-6123