The Shawnee Challenge Turns 3!

Three years ago this month, I came up with an idea called The Shawnee Challenge.

I got the idea for it by seeing a similar challenge in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri.

I was able to get approval from partnering agencies and backing from the regional tourism office, and The Shawnee Challenge was launched in September of 2021.

My idea behind it was to promote using the Shawnee National Forest and our state parks while also providing a very family friendly opportunity.

Since then, the challenge has taken off. In 2023, over 1,000 people participated in it. In 2024, we’re already seeing over 750 participants to date.

How I came up with the Shawnee Challenge

We (my family) visit Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri as much as we can.

While visiting a ranger station over there, I saw something called The Current River Challenge.

That challenge allowed you to float (by canoe, kayak, tube, etc.) up one part of the Current River, then hike to another section of the river and float back to another section. You could do the whole challenge at one time or do sections of it when you want to. There is no time limit, and it’s completely self-supported.

Those who complete it get a sticker (free) as a reward.

The Shawnee Challenge ideal then spawned in my head.

My initial challenge brought a State Park and the National Forest together. You can either hike or bike to Dixon Springs State Park and then hike or bike to Lake Glendale. You could both hike and bike it, or just hike or bike it. There was no time limit. It was self-supported.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) quickly supported the idea. It approved me the day that I requested a partnership with them. The US Forest Service initially didn’t want to work with me. They sometimes seem to have issues working with Hiking with Shawn, even though I do everything by the book, turn off ads on my videos, and get permits when required. However, we went through the process, and a partnership was eventually granted.

Southernmost Tourism took my challenge and made it shine. They paid for the marketing materials and even bought all the stickers.

US Forest Service made the Avenza map for the challenge. You can still download it for free at this link. I use it all the time when I mountain bike at Lake Glendale and Dixon Springs.

That’s how The Shawnee Challenge came to light.

I just wanted to make something fun and challenging for the whole family to enjoy the Shawnee National Forest and our state parks. I also wanted to give more attention to our designated mountain bike trails.

The Evolution of The Shawnee Challenge

The Shawnee Challenge has not just survived, but thrived, exceeding all my initial expectations. Its growth and success are a testament to the community’s enthusiasm and support.

In all honesty, I thought it might be popular for a year, and then something else would need to be made to replace it.

However, that was not the case.

Southernmost Illinois took it to the next level. They created an app, added more locations, opened it up to more forest user groups, and invested heavily in marketing. I’m very grateful for that!

In the process, the ‘Hiking with Shawn’ branding was removed from The Shawnee Challenge. While I was initially saddened by this change, I understand that as initiatives grow, they often evolve beyond their original form. I’m not upset with anyone about it, but personally, I believe it’s important to acknowledge the originator of an idea. However, I don’t want to be selfish, so I, for the most part, accept it. I’d rather see the challenge evolve and be positive for the region at the end of the day.

The challenge is big! It attracts hundreds and hundreds of people each year.

You can still get a free sticker for completing some of it, but you can also be entered in a drawing to win prizes with Shawnee National Forest branded on them.

As I look at what The Shawnee Challenge has become, I am filled with hope and anticipation for its future evolution. I am eager to see how it will continue to grow and inspire more people.

It’s like watching a child grow up and be successful.

What I wish The Shawnee Challenge Would Become

While I am proud of the growth of The Shawnee Challenge, I must admit that I am disappointed to see the state parks being taken out of it. I believe these parks are an integral part of our tourism and should not have been excluded.

I think Southern Illinois State Parks are essential to our tourism. I’m not sure who decided not to include them, but I think it was a mistake.

Giant City State Park is doing the Red Cedar Challenge, which I think is awesome, but it would have been more efficient to have that park included in the main Shawnee Challenge. State Parks may not be US Forest Service, but they’re still in the Shawnee Purchase Unit and very much a part of the Shawnee culture.

When I and most other people think about Shawnee Forest Country, the state parks are included in that.

I would love to see the locations changed each year. They did that this year, and I think it was a good idea. It makes it unique enough to keep doing it again each year.

I’d love to see a passport system made with it. The app doesn’t always work in all areas where signal isn’t present. A stamp passport has been proven successful by the Park Service. Get local businesses to participate, let them sponsor the passport (put their business name on the passport), and have them stamp for locations visited.

Everyone wants the Shawnee Forest Country culture to expand within the communities. The only way that happens is if more businesses partner with the expansion. Southernmost Illinois, IDNR, and USFS should partner with local businesses, who can contribute by sponsoring events, providing services to participants, and promoting the challenge within their communities.

This is especially important during a time when people are trying to break up the Forest and turn it into a park.

Suppose you want to keep it as a National Forest. In that case, you must start being seen as an agency that works with and enjoys the local community and businesses.

I didn’t exactly want to make this article a rant, but some of these topics are important to raise.

What’s Next?

I have ideas for other cool adventures.

I have ideas for other cool adventures. One concept I’m particularly excited about is an ‘adventure triathlon’ for the area. Most triathlons consist of biking, swimming, and running, which is popular among athletes in good shape. However, if you replace that with hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking, you’ll attract more family-oriented participants into the competition, as those are much easier and appropriate for those not always in the best of shape. This kind of challenge would not only be fun but also promote good health.

I love the idea of a Sasquatch Crawl in Southern Illinois. The Sasquatch Fest and Big Muddy Monster Fest happen on the same day. The two towns could work together to share patrons. They could organize a Sasquatch Crawl where participants travel between the two festivals and other Sasquatch-themed areas in between, such as Garden of the Gods Outpost. More businesses could jump on board with the Sasquatch idea because it’s bringing people and money to these towns, so why not?

Now, Over to You!

I’m always trying to look for new ideas, but I really want to hear from you! Comment below with an idea for something like The Shawnee Challenge that you think would help make this area better. I’d really like to know!

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail – now get out there and do The Shawnee Challenge!

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