Shawnee National Forest, Illinoiswildflowers
National forestAt Shawnee National Forest, Pink azalea on the dry ridge tops at LaRue Pine Hills usually peaks around Mother's Day weekend in May, per the Forest Service: usually Mother's day weekend in May. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Checked against 4 official sources · How we check →
About the Shawnee National Forest
- What it is
- A national forest in Illinois
- A little history
- The earliest settlers built homesteads along its rivers.
- What you'll see
- Pink azalea at LaRue Pine Hills · usual peak May
- Before you go
- Closures: Snake Road closed to cars (March–May).
Right now at the Shawnee National Forest
Right now in the Shawnee National Forest · October
- Snake Road closed to cars · Sep–Oct
- Redbud Campground open · Mar–Dec
Next 7 days at the Shawnee National Forest
Last checked Fri, Oct 2: our daily Weather Service update hasn't come through since. Check weather.gov before you go.
Your guide to the area
- Shawnee National ForestUsually: Mother's day weekend in MayThis page
- Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area16.1 mi
Best spots around the Shawnee National Forest
Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
Best spot
Wildflowers carpet the forest in spring; Bell Smith Springs Road stays open during culvert work, with periodic traffic stoppages
Inspiration Point Trail (LaRue-Pine Hills)
Best spot
Seasonal wildflowers along the trail, with birds, reptiles and amphibians
Around the Shawnee National Forest
Wintering bald eagles in Tennessee
96 mi away
Best viewing: Mid-December through mid-March
Show all 9 →
Next season here: Fall foliage, usually well under way by late October (statewide timing).
The year at the Shawnee National Forest
- Redbud Campground openNowMar–Dec
- Snake Road closed to carsMar–May
- Spring wildflowers at Bell Smith Springsspring
- Snake Road closed to carsNowSep–Oct
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in the Shawnee National Forest in 2027?
Usual peak: Mother's day weekend in May. Pink azalea on the dry ridge tops at LaRue Pine Hills usually peaks around Mother's Day weekend in May, per the Forest Service.
Is it blooming in the Shawnee National Forest right now?
Not now: its usual wildflowers window for this year has passed. Next time: Mother's day weekend in May, usually.
Where did early settlers homestead in the Shawnee National Forest?
The earliest settlers built homesteads along its rivers.Source: USDA Forest Service, Shawnee National Forest ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in the Shawnee National Forest?
The best spots are Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area and Inspiration Point Trail (LaRue-Pine Hills). Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area: wildflowers carpet the forest in spring; Bell Smith Springs Road stays open during culvert work, with periodic traffic stoppages. Inspiration Point Trail (LaRue-Pine Hills): seasonal wildflowers along the trail, with birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Are there closures or permits to know about in the Shawnee National Forest?
Yes, 2 things to plan for. Snake Road closed to cars (Mar–May). Snake Road closed to cars (Sep–Oct).
What is the Shawnee National Forest like through the year?
Shawnee National Forest has something to see in 3 months of the year. Snake Road closed to cars: Mar–May. Snake Road closed to cars: Sep–Oct. Redbud Campground open: Mar–Dec. Spring wildflowers at Bell Smith Springs: Mar–May.
How we know · Sources (6)
How we know
US Forest Service, Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Oct 3) · US Forest Service, Inspiration Point Trail (Shawnee National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Oct 3) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Oct 2) · USDA Forest Service, Shawnee National Forest (opens in a new tab) (Oct 1) · USDA Forest Service, LaRue Pine Hills, Shawnee National Forest (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · US Forest Service, LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)