Trigg Observation Tower, Shawnee Hills Travel Guide

Trigg Observation Tower, located in the Shawnee National Forest near Simpson, Illinois, is a historic fire observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Originally constructed in 1934 as a 60-foot wooden structure by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it was replaced in 1938-39 with a 100-foot steel tower.For decades, the tower served as a crucial fire lookout, with tower men watching for smoke. By 1967, airplanes became the primary method of spotting fires, leading to the abandonment of many fire towers. In 1973, for safety reasons, the upper 50 feet of the Trigg Tower were removed, and an observation platform was constructed. Today, Trigg Tower is the only remaining climbable fire tower of the sixteen that once stood in the Shawnee National Forest.Visitors can climb the tower's remaining structure for views of the Shawnee Hills. The roads leading to the tower are a mix of asphalt and gravel, accessible to most vehicles. The site includes a small parking lot. The area around the tower is relatively small, with the tower itself, a field, and the parking lot.While the tower offers views and a connection to the past, it has been subject to vandalism. The U.S. Forest Service has maintained the tower, but continued vandalism may threaten its future. Visitors are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to help preserve this landmark.