JONESBORO – The Shawnee National Forest receives some of its highest visitation during Illinois’ shotgun deer season. To better serve the higher volume of visitors the forest is expanding office hours at its Mississippi Bluffs Ranger Station located in Jonesboro 

The Ranger Station, located at 521 N. Main St., will be open to the public five days a week, Monday through Friday, from Nov. 15–22 and Dec. 2–6, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will be closed daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Although forest information, rules/regulations, and digital maps are available on the Forest’s website, by extending customer service hours during the hunting season allows visitors the option to stop in and purchase paper maps, America the Beautiful Interagency Recreation passes, and ask specific recreation questions. 

Other Forest office locations include the Forest Headquarters in Harrisburg and the Hidden Springs Ranger Station in Vienna will continue to serve the public Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will be closed daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During the week of Thanksgiving, all offices will be closed Nov. 28 and 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For up-to-date visitor service hours/dates, visit the Shawnee National Forest website or follow them on Facebook and X social media platforms.