As the only national forest in Illinois, the Shawnee provides abundant outdoor opportunities across 287,000 beautiful acres. Following/RTs don't=endorsement.
Joined May 2009
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3,056 Photos and videos
Jun 12
Summer is almost here. Get out and explore your national forests and grasslands. Hike, paddle or camp your way through millions of acres of public lands. Remember to pack out what you pack in and enjoy.
(Forest Service photos.)
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Shawnee NF retweeted
Jun 8
Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 20,821 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring turkey season, surpassing the previous record of 18,189 birds harvested in 2025. Learn more here: illinois.gov/content/dam/soi…
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Shawnee NF retweeted
Whether you’re planning a weekend hike or a cross-country adventure, the new National Forests and Grasslands app helps you explore with confidence. Download the National Forests and Grasslands app for Get Outdoors Day this Saturday, June 13, 2026! fs.usda.gov/visit/maps/mobil…
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Jun 10
Wildfires can move fast. Having a go bag ready can save precious time. Pack essentials like documents, first aid supplies, water, clothing and chargers so you can leave quickly if conditions change.
Learn more at ready.gov/wildfires and stay prepared.
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Jun 8
Kicked off the 2026 summer reading szn with a visit to Norris City Public Library on June 4! From exploring tree parts to doing bark rubbings, it was a fun day of learning active management, nature, and community.
Learn more about our educational programs fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/educ…
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Jun 8
The Forest Service has sold approximately 3 billion board feet of timber annually over the past 10 years — enough to build 111,000 homes.
By 2028, our goal is 4 billion board feet, or enough for 148,000 homes.
Learn more Forest Service facts here: fs.usda.gov/about-agency/for….
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Jun 6
Get out and celebrate National Trails Day on the thousands of miles of trails that connect people to their public lands. Lace up, get outside and enjoy the trails that belong to all of us on this fee-free day!
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Jun 5
Smokey knows best. Drown, stir and feel to fully extinguish your campfire. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
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Jun 4
Each year, the Forest Service is responsible to plant as many trees as we harvest.
Learn more about Forest Service reforestation efforts
here 👉 fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fo…
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Jun 3
June is Great Outdoors Month! Get outside, explore your public lands and reconnect with your wild side.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the outdoors? (Forest Service photo.)
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Jun 2
Get outside & explore @ShawneeNF w/ Woodsy Owl’s Photo Scavenger Hunt! Hike 4 trails, complete quick challenges, snap pics, & earn a prize.
📅June 1–14, 2026
🏆Complete all 4 & earn 1 FREE night of camping at any non-electric site
📍Trail list details: fs.usda.gov/.../woodsy-owls-…
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Jun 1
It’s National Fishing and Boating Week! Grab a pole or dust off the boat and enjoy the water. The Forest Service manages 220,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers, plus 10 million acres of lakes and reservoirs. Check for free fishing days near you!
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May 28
#DYK the Forest Service has more than 90 Hotshot crews — the nation’s elite.
We are the strongest and most prepared wildland firefighting organization in the world and we are ready. Here’s how we are prepared for fire season: fs.usda.gov/about-agency/pri…
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Shawnee NF retweeted
Today, we signed an MOU with the historic @BC_Club1886 to advance wildlife conservation efforts across our 193 million acres of national forest land – this means sustaining public access for millions of hunters and anglers! fs.usda.gov/about-agency/new…
ALT Chief Shultz of the forest service shakes hands and holds up an MOU with various men and women in the background.
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May 26
For more information on horseback riding on the Shawnee National Forest, visit 👉 fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/recr…
Want to get out, but don't have your own horse? Visit our website for a list of outfitters & guides that are permitted to operate in the forest 👉 fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/recr…
May 26
Horseback riders have been exploring our national forests for generations. With miles of trails for every skill level, there’s plenty to enjoy. If you’re riding this season, stick to designated routes, respect wildlife and help keep these trails in great shape.
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May 26
Horseback riders have been exploring our national forests for generations. With miles of trails for every skill level, there’s plenty to enjoy. If you’re riding this season, stick to designated routes, respect wildlife and help keep these trails in great shape.
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May 25
Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment.
Stay safe, pack out what you pack in and enjoy your big backyard!
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May 21
Wildfire response is always coordinated, unified and centered on public safety. Everyday. Everywhere. For everyone. Here’s how we are prepared for fire season: fs.usda.gov/about-agency/pri…
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May 21
Big Creek Bridge, near Iron Furnace rec site in Hardin County, is reduced to a single lane due to deteriorating conditions, until the bridge is replaced.
Do not move cones or go around barriers. There is a 14-ft width restriction.
More info: fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/aler…
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May 21
New campground, big smiles and a long weekend to enjoy it. This moment from 1958 reminds us how long communities have gathered on national forests to celebrate the start of summer. Pack the car, grab the cooler and head for your big backyard.
(FS photo by Henry Williams.)
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