Garden of the Gods is one of the most photographed locations in the midwest, featuring magnificent rock formations overlooking hills and valleys in the Garden of the Gods Wilderness area. It is located in the eastern portion of the Shawnee National Forest, a 277,000 acre treasure owned by the U.S. Government.

Explore the Shawnee National Forest and enjoy the largest, most diverse natural treasure in Illinois. Major Highways lead to southern Illinois where you will find some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest. Relax and drive one of three National Scenic Byways and revel in its beauty and wildlife, especially during the fall color season. Go birding, horseback riding, hunting or fishing. Enjoy photography, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, and swimming. Try boating, canoeing, camping, mushroom hunting, berry picking, and more. Delight in the abundance of wildlife.

Located on the south edge of Harrisburg, you will find an entire pioneer village. It represents a village depicting the era of 1800 - 1840. Within the settlement is a blockhouse, a Quaker church, a post office, a saddlebag cabin and a very unique barn with a threshing floor, a school and a jail.

Tunnel Hill State Trail is a gem of a route, with 23 trestle bridges (including one that is 450 feet long), several ghost towns, a beautiful park, a comfortable trailhead in Vienna Station and, of course, its namesake tunnel—an impressive corridor that once measured 800-feet-long until a collapse in 1929 shortened it by some 300 feet.

Located in the Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area, five miles southeast of Equality in Southeastern Illinois. This beautiful 105 acre lake has a maximum depth of 35 feet and a shoreline of 2.7 miles. Facilities include picnicking with tables, play area for children, drinking water and fireplaces scattered around the lake.

Every area has the best known attractions to visit. Here in Saline county there are so many beautiful places to visit you won’t want to miss them. If you are in the area be sure to check out these amazing views and vistas….you won’t be disappointed!