This Illinois City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
At first glance, Harrisburg may seem like a typical small town in Illinois, but its location is truly special. Situated near Shawnee National Forest, as well as countless lakes and wildlife refuges, it is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Recreation areas like the Garden of the Gods and Bell Smith Springs also offer incredible geological formations found nowhere else in the state. With a small population of just 7,900, Harrisburg has fewer crowds than many larger cities, ensuring a more peaceful experience outdoors. No matter your interests, you are sure to have an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Harrisburg.
Shawnee National Forest
Over 270,000 acres of the Shawnee National Forest are found south of Harrisburg, making the town a key gateway for exploring the area. The forest is home to numerous ecosystems and landscapes, including canyons, lush wetlands, steep bluffs, oak-hickory forests, grassy fields, and unique rock formations. The forest features roughly 1,250 miles of roadway, along with about 150 miles of streams, waterfalls, and several large lakes and ponds, many of which have swimming beaches. For those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature, the area also offers 13 campsites, numerous picnicking spots, and seven wilderness areas for hiking and horseback riding. Regarding wildlife efforts, The National Forest Service has been making strides in recent years to protect and restore the habitat for several warbler species, such as the cerulean warbler, which is considered a threatened species in Illinois.
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
About a half-hour southeast of Harrisburg, travelers can reach the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, which is a section of the Shawnee National Forest. As one of the state鈥檚 most photographed areas, it features uniquely shaped sandstone rock formations that were formed hundreds of millions of years ago by wind and rain. Hikers can explore these sandstone formations along the quarter-mile Observation Trail. This trail also offers panoramic views of the Shawnee Forest woodlands and features its most famous sandstone rock, Camel Rock. For those seeking a longer and more challenging trek, about 5.5 miles of interconnected trails wind through the recreational area, showcasing Southern Illinois鈥� flora and fauna, spring wildflowers, and fall foliage. There are also campsites in the area that are open year-round!
Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, also part of Shawnee National Forest, is another easily accessible site from Harrisburg and sits about a half-hour southwest. This area is another to visit if you love geological formations, featuring gorgeous canyons, rocky streams, and steep sandstone cliffs. It is also incredibly biodiverse, featuring over 700 species of ferns, flowering plants, and lichens, which represents a fifth of the state鈥檚 total fauna! As visitors hike through Bell Smith Springs, they will come across an iconic stone staircase, hand-built in the 1930s, leading to Devil鈥檚 Backbone鈥攖he largest natural arch in the national forest and a popular local swimming hole. Bell Smith Springs is also home to the national forest鈥檚 highest natural bridge. Travelers can reach this bridge via the 1.5-mile Natural Bridge Trail, which leads to a stunning arch that rises 30 feet above the canyon and spans 125 feet wide, offering breathtaking panoramic views. If you enjoy birdwatching, make sure to keep your eye out for some of the spectacular species that reside in the area, including eastern phoebes, pileated woodpeckers, sparrows, tanagers, and numerous species of vireos.
Tunnel Hill State Trail
Harrisburg serves as the perfect base camp for bikers, as it is home to the Tunnel Hill State Trail, a 45-mile rails-to-trails route that stretches from Harrisburg to Karnak. About two and a half of these miles winds through the Cache River State Natural Area, a vast stretch of wetlands formed by glacial floodwater. There are several trail crossings along the route, including a crossing with the famous River-to-River Trails and the American Discovery Trails. Other scenic landmarks along the trail include an old railway tunnel and a ride over a towering trestle.
Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area
The Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area offers a little bit of everything, including hiking, camping, boating, and fishing. Located about 20 minutes from Harrisburg, this area features a mix of hilly terrain near the Shawnee National Forest and swampy bottomland along the Saline River. The area's rugged hills are densely covered in forest and brush, creating an ideal habitat for rabbits and quail, while the bottomlands are often home to wood ducks and other waterfowl. Glen O. Jones Lake, which lies in the wildlife area, contains an abundance of fish species, including bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and redear. There are two docks along the lake along with a boat launch ramp if you wish to explore the waters. For hiking, the area offers four designated hiking trails, covering a total of nine miles. There are also several miles of separate trails for horseback riders to explore the terrain.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is about a 40-minute drive from Harrisburg, requiring a bit more of a trip, but is well worth the journey, particularly if you enjoy wildlife watching. Established in 1947, the refuge spans 44,000 acres and features diverse ecosystems, including oak-hickory upland forest, brushland, prairie, bottomland hardwood forest, cropland, and grazing units. The species you can spot vary by season. Spring is a great time to observe wild turkeys, with males often strutting for females. Summer brings an abundance of songbirds, particularly bluebirds. In the fall, keep an eye out for herds of white-tailed deer grazing the fields. Winter, especially during cold and snowy weather, offers the best chance of spotting a bald eagle.
Final Thoughts
If you are seeking a different kind of outdoor adventure this year, Harrisburg is definitely a town to have on your radar. It may not be the most well-known, but it is situated near some of the state鈥檚 most biodiverse recreation areas and refuges. All kinds of ecosystems are found nearby as well, including swamps, prairies, and upland forests. So don鈥檛 hesitate to venture a little farther this year and discover the natural beauty Harrisburg has to offer!
