Shawneetown IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shawneetown, Illinois.
1. Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site
HISTORIC GREEK REVIVAL BUILDING
The Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site is an impressive Greek Revival structure built between 1839-1841 and is the oldest building in Illinois constructed specifically as a bank. Visitors can explore this historic brick building with its distinctive limestone front façade, which housed a series of banks into the 20th century. The site offers a glimpse into the economic history of early Illinois and the architectural significance of this well-preserved landmark.
2. Garden of the Gods
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Garden of the Gods offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the Illinois landscape with its unique rock formations created over millions of years. Hikers can explore numerous trails winding through the dramatic sandstone bluffs and hoodoos that showcase nature's artistic sculpting abilities. This natural wonder provides perfect photo opportunities and a chance to connect with the ancient geological history of the region.
3. Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
HISTORIC FOREST PATH
Rim Rock National Recreation Trail takes hikers along ancient Native American paths through stunning forested areas with unique rock formations. The trail features wooden staircases and walkways that guide visitors past historic sites and natural wonders including moss-covered cliffs and seasonal waterfalls. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse plant and animal life visible throughout this well-maintained pathway that showcases the natural beauty of southern Illinois.
4. Double M Campground
RUSTIC OUTDOOR RETREAT
Double M Campground provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of southern Illinois. The campground offers various accommodation options from tent sites to RV hookups, all nestled within the picturesque landscape. Visitors can enjoy easy access to nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor recreational activities while having a comfortable base camp.
5. Cave-In-Rock State Park
HISTORIC RIVER CAVE
Cave-In-Rock State Park features a massive 55-foot wide riverside cave that once served as a hideout for river pirates and outlaws in the 18th and 19th centuries. The park offers stunning views of the Ohio River, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a fascinating glimpse into the region's colorful history. Visitors can explore the cave chamber that opens directly onto the riverbank, creating a unique natural attraction that combines geological wonder with historical significance.
6. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
SERENE LAKE GETAWAY
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area centers around a beautiful 25-acre lake surrounded by forested hills and sandstone bluffs in the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach, fishing for bass and bluegill, or hiking the scenic trails that wind through the surrounding woodland. The recreation area provides well-maintained facilities including picnic shelters, making it perfect for family outings and peaceful nature retreats.
7. Ohio River Scenic Byway
HISTORIC RIVER ROUTE
The Ohio River Scenic Byway passes through Shawneetown offering travelers spectacular views of America's great river and access to numerous historical sites along the route. This scenic drive follows the path where pioneers, traders, and explorers once traveled, connecting visitors to the rich heritage of river communities. Travelers can stop at various overlooks, parks, and historic markers while enjoying the natural beauty that has attracted people to these shores for centuries.
8. Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum offers visitors an immersive journey into the past with its collection of restored historic buildings and authentic period artifacts. The village showcases life in early Illinois through exhibits on pioneer living, salt production, and local industries that shaped the region. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the challenges and ingenuity of the settlers who established communities in this once-frontier region.
9. Old Slave House
CONTROVERSIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Old Slave House, also known as Hickory Hill, stands as a sobering reminder of Illinois' complex relationship with slavery despite being a free state. This historic structure reportedly served as a station where kidnapped free Blacks and escaped slaves were held before being sold back into slavery in the South. Visitors can learn about this dark chapter in American history through exhibits documenting the building's past and the stories of those who passed through its doors.
10. Shawnee National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS EXPANSE
Shawnee National Forest encompasses over 280,000 acres of diverse landscapes including rugged bluffs, dense woodlands, and serene lakes in southern Illinois. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails, camp under star-filled skies, or observe the abundant wildlife that calls this forest home. The changing seasons bring spectacular displays from spring wildflowers to autumn foliage, making this natural treasure worth visiting year-round.
11. Equality State Historic Site
SALT SPRING HERITAGE
Equality State Historic Site preserves the remnants of an important salt production industry that once drove the economy of the entire region. Visitors can view the remaining structures and learn how salt springs were converted into a valuable commodity that attracted settlers and established early commerce. The site offers interpretive displays explaining how salt production influenced local development and played a significant role in Illinois' early economic history.
12. Eagle Mountain
PANORAMIC WILDERNESS VIEWPOINT
Eagle Mountain offers hikers who reach its summit breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest and winding rivers below. The moderate trail leading to the top takes visitors through diverse ecosystems featuring unique plant life and occasional wildlife sightings. Nature photographers particularly appreciate the vantage point during early morning or late afternoon when the lighting creates dramatic scenes across the rolling landscape.
13. Varis Archeological Site
ANCIENT NATIVE SETTLEMENT
The Varis Archeological Site preserves evidence of prehistoric Native American settlements that once thrived along the banks of the Ohio River. Visitors can learn about the artifacts discovered here that have helped archaeologists understand the daily lives and cultural practices of these early inhabitants. The site includes interpretive displays explaining how these ancient peoples utilized the rich natural resources of the river valley for thousands of years before European contact.
14. Gold Hill Mansion
HISTORIC RIVER ESTATE
Gold Hill Mansion stands as an elegant reminder of the prosperity that once flowed through river communities during the steamboat era. The restored historic home features period architecture and furnishings that showcase the lifestyle of wealthy merchants and landowners in 19th century Illinois. Visitors touring the mansion gain insights into social customs, domestic arrangements, and the economic forces that shaped life along the Ohio River during America's westward expansion.
15. Old Shawneetown Historic District
PIONEER RIVER TOWN
The Old Shawneetown Historic District encompasses several blocks of well-preserved structures that once formed the heart of one of Illinois' earliest settlements. Visitors can stroll along streets where frontier notables like Abraham Lincoln once walked while viewing historic commercial buildings, residences, and civic structures dating back to the early 19th century. Walking tours highlight the town's significance as an early gateway to the Illinois frontier and its role in regional development before devastating floods led to its partial abandonment.