COVID-19 has kept a lot of people inside during the summer, but the fall weather is bringing them out again.
The cooler fall days make outdoor activities more tolerable and Southern Illinois has a lot to offer.
Southern Illinois has an abundance of hiking trails, camp sites, lakes for boating and fishing, golf courses and more.Add
Two of the more frequently visited areas include the Shawnee Forest and the Crab Orchard Refuge.
Visit SI CEO Shannon Wiesenmayer says they’ve noticed people are taking advantage of the options around the region.
“We have seen a huge increase because we are a destination for outdoor recreation and that is where most travelers, statistically showing feel more comfortable being right now is outside.”
Hunting also draws a lot of visitors to the area and Wiesenmayer says they’re not expecting a drop in that area.
Some state properties are open in a limited capacity and it’s recommended to check what is open to the public before you come.For WSIU I’m Benjy Jeffords.
