This Illinois National Forest Could Be Home To The Next National Park

A movement in the southern part of the state to make Shawnee National Forest the first national park in Illinois is gaining momentum. Considering the criteria for creating a national park, we think the idea makes a lot of sense.

Shawnee National Forest is a 289,000-acre parcel at the tip of southern Illinois, situated between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

It avoided glaciation, which contributes to its unique topography and geological make-up.

Shawnee is home to nationally-significant natural resources, such as its many bluffs and waterfalls.

The forest is dotted with caves.

Its network of canyons and slot canyons are wholly unique to the area and region of the U.S.

Folks flock to the park to explore and even climb among them.

In addition, Shawnee National Forest serves as a preserve for the protection of many sensitive species of flora and fauna.

Moreover, you'll find many culturally and archaeologically significant areas within the boundaries of the forest.

Meanwhile, abundant recreational opportunities are also available on the forest.

The forest offers many trails for cycling, and hiking, as well as equestrian and off-road use.

Camping is popular throughout the Shawnee, whether in developed sites or dispersed in the forest's backcountry.

Its wilderness areas are perfect for backpackers to explore.

Water-based recreation is also popular within Shawnee National Forest.

Its streams and lakes afford opportunities for paddling, fishing, swimming, and boating.

The movement to upgrade the area to national park status is already underway.

In December 2022, the Carbondale City Council passed a resolution supporting the establishment of Shawnee National Park and Climate Preserve.

There is also a movement among private citizens to move management of the forest out of the hands of the U.S. Forest Service and into those of the National Park Service. If you take a look at the criteria for establishing a new national park, it seems pretty clear that Shawnee National Forest ticks all the boxes.

What do you think? Should Shawnee National Forest become the first national park in Illinois?