“Ancient eroded sandstone formations rising from the Shawnee National Forest — towering rock walls, balanced boulders, and forested ridge overlooks create an Appalachian-meets-Southwest visual rarely expected in Illinois. Some formations exceed 150 feet.”
About This Location
GARDEN OF THE GODS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DELIVERS ROCK FORMATION CINEMATICS THAT FILMMAKERS TYPICALLY TRAVEL TO UTAH OR THE SOUTHWEST TO FIND. ANCIENT SANDSTONE ERODED INTO DRAMATIC PILLARS, BALANCED ROCKS, AND SCULPTED RIDGELINES RISES FROM THE DENSE SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST, CREATING GENUINELY SURPRISING VISUAL CONTRAST. THE RIDGELINE OVERLOOK PROVIDES A 270-DEGREE FORESTED PANORAMA. INDIVIDUAL ROCK FORMATIONS — NAMED CAMEL ROCK, ANVIL ROCK, TABLE ROCK — PROVIDE DISTINCT SET PIECES THAT READ DIF
Color Palette
Permit Information
Permit Required
Type
Commercial Use Permit
Fee
Contact for fee
Contact
Illinois Dept of Natural Resources / Shawnee NF
Contact Permit Office
📞 618-287-2201This area straddles IDNR and Shawnee NF jurisdictions. Verify with both agencies before shooting.
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