One number brings the distinctive natural history of the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area into focus: 37 plant and animal species found there are rare, endangered, or threatened with extinction in Illinois. Union County lies in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Discoveries range from wooded valleys and seasonal wildlife migrations to ceramics and historic memorial sites.
Forests, Habitats, and Wildlife Watching
Trail of Tears State Forest is in western Union County, five miles northwest of Jonesboro. Just over 5,000 acres lie within the state forest. Narrow, rocky, dry ridges, clear streams, and wooded valleys shape the steep terrain. The variety of plants is also remarkable: 620 species of flowering plants, ferns, and fern allies have been recorded in the state forest. The name Trail of Tears State Forest recalls the historic events known as the “Trail of Tears.”
The LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area is notable for 14 natural communities and outstanding geological features. In addition to the 37 plant and animal species that are rare, endangered, or threatened with extinction in Illinois, the area has another distinctive feature: the entire Illinois population of the Allegheny woodrat is found there. This draws attention not only to individual sightings, but also to the diversity and distinctive character of the habitats.
At Bald Knob Wilderness, you can watch birds and other wildlife or hike the Bald Knob Trail. Dispersed primitive tent camping is also permitted there. Restrictions apply to this type of camping; check them in advance on the Forest Service website. Wildlife watching, hiking, and camping are different ways to experience the area—choose according to what interests you during your visit.
Seasonal Experiences and Outdoor Activities
The 2.5-mile Snake Road is closed to vehicle traffic in spring and fall during snake migrations. If you plan to drive the road, check the seasonal closure dates before your trip. Fishing at Grassy Lake is allowed from March 1 through October 15; outboard motors are limited to 10 horsepower. The designated fishing season and the motor limit are two specific points to keep in mind when planning. Check the regulations before your visit.
Trail of Tears State Forest offers Class C tent camping, Class D backpacking camping, and group camping at some sites. Check camping availability and seasonal road access before your trip. The different camping options describe ways to stay in the state forest; on their own, they do not tell you about conditions at any particular site. So plan your preferred type of camping and access using the current information.
Bald Knob Wilderness also brings together several interests without prescribing a set itinerary: you can hike the Bald Knob Trail, while wildlife watching offers a different perspective on the area. If you want to stay overnight in a tent, dispersed primitive camping is another option—subject to the restrictions noted above. This lets you consider wildlife watching, hiking, and camping as separate activities.
Discover Ceramics and History
Alto Clay Works specializes in handmade functional pottery. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m.; check the hours before your visit. Pottery classes for adults and teens are offered in the classroom. Alto Clay Works therefore offers both a place to view ceramics and classes for different age groups.
The Union County Museum displays Kirkpatrick Pottery from Anna, Illinois, Native American artifacts, and exhibits on agricultural and railroad history. Other topics include barrel making, historic tools, the Civil War, and local history. Special openings and tours can be arranged for groups of approximately 20 to 30 adults; admission is free. Arrange group visits and tours in advance.
In Jonesboro, the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Site in Lincoln Memorial Park commemorates the 1858 debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Life-size bronze statues of Lincoln and Douglas stand beside a limestone memorial boulder. The site connects the memory of this historic event with a tangible memorial where you can see its features side by side.
Another Perspective: The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail connects 11 wineries along a 35-mile scenic drive on Illinois Highways 127 and 51. Options include visits to wineries as well as picnics, hikes, shopping, and overnight stays in cabins or bed-and-breakfast accommodations. If you plan this route, check winery information and the route details in advance. In addition to the region’s natural and cultural attractions, the Wine Trail offers its own perspective on the area, combining winery visits with activities and places to stay along the drive.
Explore More Destinations: Cobden, Alto Pass, Jefferson, Mercer County, Bureau County, Iroquois County, Kendall County, Wayne County.
For the broader travel overview: Illinois.
