Ozark Tour event to feature county

The U.S. Forest Service reports that Union County will be featured on an Ozark Tour 2016 event which is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 24.

Fashioned after popular tours led by Col. L.O. Trigg in the 1930s and 1940s, Ozark Tours are guided expeditions into the forests of Southern Illinois to explore the region’s history and natural beauty.

During Ozark Tour 2016, participants will visit historic sites in Union County and stop at the Union County Museum in downtown Cobden.

Shawnee National Forest historic sites also will be featured, such as Pomona Natural Bridge, Jonesboro’s Lincoln-Douglas debate site and Kaolin Pond, which is the source of Kirkpatrick Pottery clay.

The Forest Service noted that knowledgeable guides will be available at each site.

Preregistration is required. Individuals who may be interested in trekking in Col. Trigg’s footsteps can register by contacting Illinois Ozark tourism at 618-264-5854 or by email at info@illinoisozarks.com.

The $40 cost includes transportation, tour guides, a catered picnic lunch and a souvenir t-shirt. A detailed itinerary will be provided to registrants.

The tour is scheduled to begin at Shawnee Community College’s extension center in Anna at 8 a.m. and ends at about 5 p.m.

The day-long tour involves moderate walking and requires appropriate footwear and clothing.

Partners in the Ozark Tours program, including Hardin and Gallatin County Tourism, the River to River Trail Society and the Friends of the Shawnee, offer support and assistance which allows the Forest Service/Shawnee National Forest to host the tours.

For more information, call 618-264-5854 or download the event flyer at http://www.illinoisozarks.com or www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee.