Tucked into the rolling hills of southern Illinois near the small town of Equality, Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area spans over 6,200 acres of rugged Shawnee country terrain. This expansive wildlife area sits at the crossroads of hardwood forest, open grassland, and creek-fed bottomlands — a landscape that draws hunters, birders, and anyone looking to disappear into genuinely wild Illinois backcountry.

The area is best known for its hunting opportunities. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, and dove all thrive here, and the mix of upland timber and open fields creates diverse habitat that keeps things interesting across multiple seasons. Beyond hunting, the network of old logging roads and mowed paths makes for solid hiking and wildlife observation, particularly during spring warbler migration when the canopy comes alive with color and song.

Birders will want to bring binoculars and patience — the bottomland hardwoods along the creek corridors attract species you won’t find in the surrounding agricultural flatlands. Photographers will find the best light during early morning hours when fog settles into the hollows.

Fall is the prime season here, when the hardwoods put on a show and hunting seasons overlap with comfortable temperatures. Spring runs a close second for wildflowers and birding. Summer gets hot and buggy — pack accordingly.

With a 4.4-star rating from visitors, Union County delivers on its promise of a quiet, uncommercial outdoor experience. This isn’t a manicured park with paved paths and gift shops. It’s real Illinois wildland, and that’s exactly the point.

Explore Nearby

• Shawnee National Forest — National Forest in Illinois
• Land Between The Lakes National Forest — National Forest in Kentucky, Tennessee
• Ohio River Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Illinois
• Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Kentucky
• Mary’s River Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Illinois