Winter is a great time to enjoy the slower, quieter side of Shawnee Forest Country in Southernmost Illinois. The cooler temperatures mean no bugs or snakes and the trees are bare, allowing you to see much further into the forests. Bluffs hidden behind the summer foliage emerge dramatically into sight. The Shawnee National Forest can be magical any time of the year but the transition to winter can be especially dramatic.
Hiking is available year-round, and if you have visited in another season winter can offer a very different experience. The weather is generally mild, and you can pretty much have the trails all to yourself. Enjoy a peacefulness that only winter can provide. If you are really lucky, the waterfalls will be flowing or frozen, either sight is beautiful! If you don’t want to explore on your own, there are options for guided hikes with Hiking with Shawn, or Bart Lane’s guided hikes.
All January and February, Roam for Gnomes along the seven trails of Giant City State Park (excluding the Red Cedar Backpacking Trail) there is one winter hiking gnome just waiting to be discovered!
Each gnome is holding a different item recommended for a winter hike!
· Record all 7 gnomes by taking a photograph of you and the gnome, or by making a list of the items they are holding.
· Make sure to date when you found your gnome (locations will be changing) and what trail you found it on. Gnomes will be located along the designated trails.
· Bring your proof into the Giant City Visitors Center for your super cool and FREE Giant City Gnome Roam patch!
These rosy-cheeked gnomes will be hanging out on the Giant City State Park Trails Dec. through Feb..
After a day of hiking, bicycling, horseback riding or zip-lining relax in front of a fire, or roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Some cabins and cottages also offer hot tubs, as well as booking incentives for December through February. You will also find more last minute availability this time of year.
Experience a Private Winter Igloo at Clad & Cordon Vineyard where you can sample wine or soft drinks while you enjoy the scenery and cozy up by the fire. Unique colored lighting around the base of the igloo and twinkling lights across the dome – makes for a magical vibe.
Igloos seat 8 comfortably, are heated, offer custom Clad & Cordon blankets to keep cozy, as well as a bluetooth speaker for music. They rent for $100 for 2 hours and include a complimentary charcuterie board.
Make it a romantic weekend, or a girlfriend getaway!
The first weekend in March, August and November are Wine & Food Pairing Weekends –each year! All 11 wineries of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail have paired up to create three wonderful weekends of savory wine and food pairings. We invite you to join us for a progressive tasting along the trail and enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of our wines paired with delicious samples.
This is a great weekend to explore different styles of Illinois wine with many different, delicious and comforting dishes. Make it a romantic weekend, or a girlfriend getaway!
There are 11 wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and they are all open year round. Fewer people mean a casual pace and more intimate tasting experience. For more info call 1-618-833-9928 or visit southernmostillinois.com