There are lots of Harrisburg activities for travelers in southern Illinois.
Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest offers a large diversity of ecosystems in over 270,000 acres of national park land. Wilderness makes up about 10 percent of the forest. Established by President Roosevelt in 1939, the area is home to more than 260 bird species and over 100 species of fish. One popular itinerary is to take Route 34 south from Harrisburg to Route 146 east to see the Garden of the Gods, spectacular rock outcroppings that are more than 300 million years old. Popular with rock climbers, the stunning vistas can also be enjoyed hiking along the easy Observation Trail. Nearby, Pounds Hollow Lake offers sportsmen a challenge reeling in largemouth bass, catfish and bluegills.