by Chris McKinley

A traveller driving south from Chicago on Interstate 57 will see scenery consisting mostly of flat, sprawling croplands. It would be extremely easy to assume the entire state of Illinois consists of such a landscape-- and many do. However, as you continue south, things eventually begin to change. Croplands fade and the land becomes multi-dimensional. Trees begin to take up space where corn stalks once prevailed. Wild vegetation, lakes, and cliffs begin to cast a variety of colors on the land... and you know you’re not in Chicago anymore. As a matter of fact, you’re not sure you’re in Illinois anymore.

**The Pomona Natural Bridge.**

Well, you are. Southern Illinois takes many visitors by surprise, differing greatly from the flatlands to the north. Thank ancient glaciers for the drastic changes in topography. Southern Illinois is unglaciated. During the last Ice Age, glaciers stopped moving approximately where Illinois Route 13 now lays. The ruggedness of Southern Illinois, with its steep, forested hills and sheer cliffs, was left intact, sculpted further by glacier meltwaters.

This land between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers boasts natural beauty beyond compare. The Shawnee National Forest provides 270,000 acres of breathtaking scenery and a home for thousands of species of plants and wildlife. In addition, a dozen state parks and numerous lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds provide a vast playground that beckons outdoor enthusiasts to Southern Illinois.

Somewhere along the way, the region was given the name "Little Egypt." There is no official record as to how or why the name originated, but local historians have offered educated guesses. The Kaskaskia Indians and French settlers who migrated to the eastern banks of the Mississippi River found Southern Illinois was a long valley made fertile by the river's seasonal overflow, as was ancient Egypt’s Nile River Valley. Other folklore recalls stories of locusts, famine, floods, and droughts of biblical proportions. In the 1830s, for instance, severe winter weather plagued the North, forcing farmers to form wagon trains and travel south to get grain. The farmers equated this pilgrimage to Southern Illinois with stories in the Bible (Genesis 42:1-3), where the sons of Jacob went to Egypt to buy corn to survive.

Today, referring to Southern Illinois as "Little Egypt" is second nature. Many towns, including Cairo, Thebes, and Dongola were given Egyptian names, and many businesses use variations of Egyptian names. If you’ve ever wondered why Southern Illinois University adopted the saluki, an Egyptian dog as its mascot, now you know.

The grapevines that yield the essential ingredient for one of
Southern Illinois's fastest-growing industries, wine-making.

Little Egypt offers many treasures of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting are among the more popular activities. Abundant white-tailed deer, geese, and turkeys attract hunters from throughout the Midwest. Lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds thrive with bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, making Southern Illinois a mecca for anglers. Extreme outdoor sports such as rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and mountain biking are becoming increasingly popular. Those who like to take it a little easier may pursue nature photography, bird-watching, gathering wild edibles, and driving scenic byways.

Discover the area’s rich history by viewing Native American petroglyphs, visiting a historic military fort, or participating in a Civil War battle reenactment.

In addition to the opportunities provided by the Shawnee National Forest and state parks, spend a day touring the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail or visiting the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge-- or shop at any number of antique stores, visit local art galleries, take a swim at a public beach, or picnic at a city park. There is so much to see and do in Southern Illinois, you almost have to live here to enjoy it all.

**A shelter at Giant City State Park awaits a barbecue.**

Outdoor life in Southern Illinois can be enjoyed year-round. Weather here is similar to northern parts of Georgia and Oklahoma. The summer is hot and humid, making it a popular boating and swimming season. Winters are mild, and freezing temperatures don't usually last long.

Spring and fall are, of course, the most preferred times to engage in outdoor activity. The forest comes alive with colorful wildflowers in spring and fall foliage in autumn.

So take some time to get to know Little Egypt. You might be surprised at the treasures you will find. Take advantage of the wealth of beauty and recreational opportunities it has to offer.

Our public land is ours to enjoy. It is also our responsible to take care of it so that it can flourish and remain for generations to come. Please leave only footprints, and take only memories.