Hidden Gems of Southernmost Illinois

By: Lou Maningas Cabalona

For the second consecutive year, the Shawnee National Forest and interested citizens will be hosting the Illinois Ozarks Tour in October to pay homage to the Ozark Tours led by Col. Lindolph Oscar Trigg who shepherded government officials on sightseeing expeditions throughout various sites of the Forest from 1931 to 1948. Trigg, an enthusiastic promoter of a national forest for Southern Illinois, dedicated much of his life to showing others the beauties of the region. In 1939, he realized his dream with the establishment of the Shawnee National Forest. To reach out to a wider audience, selected members of the media, including myself, have been invited to have a taste of what the tour has to offer plus other interesting sights and activities that might just entice you to bring your family this coming weekend! First thing to consider when visiting are accommodations. We were housed at the River Rose Inn, a lovely bed and breakfast that was originally built as a home in the early 1900s. Today, innkeeper Sue Hemphill along husband Bruce manage the place and whip up the best home cooked breakfast for their guests! Right across, it is the historic Grand Rose Hotel, built in 1812, making it the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. This National Historic Site is owned by the State of Illinois and has undergone major renovation. Vacationers can also enjoy the great nature around them with three equally lovely options: Hilltop Hideaway is exactly what the names suggest, a huge log cabin that sits atop a hill providing its guests with breathtaking views. It also boasts of a huge pool that overlooks the lush greenery around it. Rim Rocks Dogwood Cabins, a 5-star Trip Advisor cabin lodging with modern comforts in the beautiful Shawnee Forest and is in close proximity to many of Southernmost Illinois’ sites. Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins has Illinois’ 1st & only Log Cabin Tree Houses equipped with all the perks of a modern day hotel — phone, free high speed internet, free parking, HDTV and a CD/DVD/BlueRay player. Kayak rentals and Archery lesson are also available. Here are some of Southernmost Illinois must see places, we were able to visit: American Fluorite Museum – Discover the Illinois State Mineral – “Fluorspar”. Learn of its history, production and uses. The American Fluorite museum is located on the site of the Rosiclare Fluorspar and Mining Co., which was once the largest fluorspar mining company in the U.S. Illinois Iron Furnace – One of the National Register of Historic Places, this recreated structure mirrors the smelting factory to make iron that were used in constructing the Union Iron clad boats during the Civil War. Garden of the Gods – Explore the rock formations, cliffs and trails of the most visited site in the Shawnee National Forest. See Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, Devil’s Smokestack and many other fascinating formations. Listed in USA Today as “One of Ten Great Places to Photograph”, the site is adjacent to a 3000 acre wilderness area which is relatively undisturbed. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area – is a picturesque campground and lake surrounded by the Shawnee Hills where you can picnic, fish, swim, camp and hike. Baron and I enjoyed paddling through the calm waters on a kayak provided the Timber Ridge Outpost. Cave in Rock State Park – Walking along the Ohio River, we stepped into the large cave in a rock cavern locals say was a resting place for River Pirates. One of our volunteer tour guide, Todd Carr, a resident of Elizabethtown whose vision re-ignited the present day Ozarks tour, also shared that the cave in the past also served as a “club” with musicians playing and patrons eager to dance and drink paying for entry in the cave. No wonder this place was frequently mentioned by later travelers in diaries and journals! We also had a chance to engage in some soft adventure that I would highly recommend. Biking the Tunnel Hill Trail – Bikes can be rented from You’re So Vane, a bike rental place along the popular trail in Carrier Mills, IL. Noteworthy attractions on the trail is the tunnel itself midway the 45-mile pat and the Barkhausen Wetlands Center. Check out youresovane.biz and Randy, who was exceptionally accommodating, should be able to assist you. Horseback Riding in the Shawnee – The Shawnee National Forest, known for its incredible horseback trails, is listed in Western Horseman as one of five top places to ride in the US. Horses are available for rent at Lake Glendale Stables. Special thanks to Jamie, our very experienced tour guide, for guiding our horses safely around the woods. Absolutely fun and I would definitely come back to this next time! A huge thank you to Carol Hoffman of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Board who was, by all means, our Col. Trigg during the tour along with Todd Carr, Mary Mc Covie and the rest of the proud Eliza volunteer organizers. Illinios Ozarks tour includes guided tours, rides in between, and two meals. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Illinois Ozarks at 618-287-4333 check out www.illinoisozarks.com. This year’s tour highlights the Iron Furnace and the Rose Hotel as well as other interesting sites in the area. If you are interested in any of the attractions mentioned here, you can also check the website for contact information and details.

FALL WINTER EVENTS CALENDAR

OCT 16 THU 5PM – Chicago Loop Alliance’s ACTIVATE: Streets Of Manila in Chicago featuring Connection Art Project & Filipino Folk Fusion band, SamaSama Project @Sullivan Alley, Chicago

OCT 17 FRI 7PM – The ENERI Access Series Presents: “Crossing Borders” with Matt Miller, Russell Kuzuhara, Louella Maningas Cabalona & Baron Cabalona @ Zhou B Art Center, Chicago

OCT 19 SUN 2PM – Typhoon Haiyan, One Year Later: Remembrance and Reconstruction @ International House at the University of Chicago

OCT 25 SAT 11AM – Dual Citizenship Oath Ceremony @ Philippine Consulate General, Chicago

OCT 31 FRI 7PM – FMOC Halloween Party featuring One Way Band and Royale Flash @ Miraj Restaurant, Niles

NOV 14 FRI 7PM – FMOC Anniversary Party and Louella’s Birthday Show Featuring SamaSama Project @ Miraj Restaurant, Niles

NOV 15 SAT 3PM – Christmas Around the World: Philippines featuring PACF Performing Arts and SamaSama Project @Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Clockwise from Top Left, Judith Joy from Centralia Sentinel Newspaper; Todd Carr, President of Elizabethtown Main Street, Louella Cabalona, Carol Hoffman of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Board and Sue Hemphill, Innkeeper, River Rose Inn