Trigg Observation Tower, Illinois Ozarks Travel Guide

Trigg Observation Tower stands as a testament to the early days of forest fire detection in the Shawnee National Forest. Constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the original wooden tower was replaced in 1938-39 with a 100-foot steel structure. Tower men would keep a keen eye out to spot distant clouds of smoke. By quickly locating the fire, tower men helped ground crews reach the fire early.In 1973, the top 50 feet were removed due to safety concerns, leaving the observation platform that visitors can still climb today. From this vantage point, one can appreciate the rolling hills and diverse landscapes of the Shawnee National Forest. The tower is the only remaining fire lookout of the sixteen that were originally constructed in the Shawnee National Forest.While the tower has faced issues with vandalism over the years, recent maintenance efforts by the U.S. Forest Service aim to preserve this historic landmark. Visitors are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to help maintain the site for future generations. Despite the graffiti, the view from the top, especially during sunrise, sunset, or the fall color season, makes it a worthwhile stop.