Explore the Majestic Garden of the Gods
Discover the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest, a breathtaking hiking area with stunning rock formations and scenic trails.
Nestled in the heart of Illinois, the Garden of the Gods offers tourists a breathtaking natural landscape filled with stunning rock formations and picturesque hiking trails. This stunning hiking area is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A brief summary to Garden of the Gods
- Herod, Illinois, 62947, US
- +1618-658-2111
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid crowds.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available in the area.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the rocky terrain safely.
- Don't forget your camera—sunrise and sunset create stunning photo opportunities among the rock formations.
- Check local weather conditions before your visit, as trails can be slippery after rain.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, the Garden of the Gods is located in Herod, IL 62947. From Carbondale, take US-51 North for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto IL-147 West and continue for about 12 miles. Then, turn right onto Garden of the Gods Road and follow the signs to the parking area. Note that there are no fees to park at the Garden of the Gods.
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Public Transportation
Public transportation options are limited in the area, but you can use a combination of Greyhound or Megabus to reach Carbondale, IL. From Carbondale, you would need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) to the Garden of the Gods, which is about a 30-minute drive (approximately 25 miles). Be sure to check transportation schedules in advance as they may vary.
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Biking
For the adventurous traveler, biking is an option if you're staying nearby. The roads are generally bike-friendly, but be prepared for some hilly terrain. If biking from Carbondale, take the same route mentioned for cars, but ensure you have enough daylight and water for the trip, as it’s about 25 miles one way.
Discover more about Garden of the Gods
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Garden of the Gods Outpost
3.1 km
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Martha Furnace (National Historic Site)
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Southeastern Illinois College
17.0 km
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Corn Crib on Potts Inn Historic Site
17.4 km
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Carrier Mills Archaeological District
22.3 km
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John Marshall House Museum
24.0 km
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Historical Marker
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Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site
24.2 km
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Miller Grove Town National Historic Site
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Berry's Ferry John Berry Homesite on Trail of Tears
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William Rondeau Hermitage Historic Site
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Four Points, River to River Trail
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Golconda Historic District
27.8 km
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John Dupont House Historic Site
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Shady Rest Historic Site
35.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Camel Rock
0.2 km
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Indian Point Trailhead
0.6 km
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Shawnee Bigfoot Statue
3.1 km
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High Knob Lookout
5.0 km
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Herod Cave Historic Site
5.6 km
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Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
9.4 km
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Illinois Iron Furnace (National Historic Site)
12.7 km
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Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
16.7 km
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Indian Kitchen Trailhead
19.0 km
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Saline County Area Museum (Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum)
19.5 km
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Bay Creek Wilderness
21.8 km
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Burden Falls Trailhead
23.2 km
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Cave-In-Rock State Park
25.2 km
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Sand Cave - Underground Railroad National Historic Site
25.6 km
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Redbud Campground
25.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Gap Bar
5.0 km
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Double M Campground
10.2 km
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Trails End Grill
10.3 km
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The Red Onion
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E'Town River Restaurant
19.1 km
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El Ranchito Restaurant
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Johnson Southern Style Bar-B-Q
20.0 km
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steam café
20.1 km
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Bar-B-Q Barn
20.7 km
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Shotgun Eddys
20.8 km
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Don Luna
20.9 km
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Lincoln Street Grille & Pub
21.2 km
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Gillio's Pizza
21.3 km
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Dad's BBQ, Inc
23.0 km
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Liz's Cafe
23.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rose Clare Craft & Antique
19.7 km
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The FACTORY
20.1 km
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Shawnee Hills Antique Mall
20.5 km
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R61 Resale Boutique
20.9 km
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Friendly Farms
22.3 km
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Country Cottage
22.4 km
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The Big Red Barn
27.1 km
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Shawnee National Forest
27.5 km
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Blue i Leather and Goods
35.0 km
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Chocolate Factory
35.2 km
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Magpie Market House
48.6 km
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Wit and Wisdom - Creative Customs
49.8 km
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Glacier’s End
49.9 km
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Perfectly Posh Boutique
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Whimsy, A Children's Clothing Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jacs Place
12.0 km
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Aces
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E'Town Tap
19.0 km
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JoJos Bar
19.5 km
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Town Square Pub
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Layton's Old Town Bar and Grill
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Lusk Creek Liquor and Gaming
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The Levee Lounge
28.0 km
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Sullys
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Triple E BBQ Lake of Egypt
48.1 km
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Sunbar
49.6 km
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Ned's Shed
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Southbound Bar & Liquor
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Pookie's Beer, Burgers & Bocce
49.7 km
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John Brown's On the Square
49.7 km
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