Attractions and Places To See around Stonefort - Top 12

Stonefort is rich in history, offering several fascinating sites. You can visit the Castle Caldwell Ruins, a 17th-century castle with a surrounding park and forest to explore. Another significant site is the Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's center detailing its dramatic past. Don't miss the unique Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, featuring pre-Christian stone figures in an isolated graveyard. Additionally, the Stonefort Depot Museums offer a deep dive into the town's railroad and coal mining history, and the area is known for ancient Native American stone forts, with a reconstructed section visible on the Giant City Stonefort Trail.

Yes, the region boasts several stunning natural viewpoints. The View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho provides sensational panoramic views over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean. You can also enjoy the serene beauty of Carrick Lough, a small lake popular for fishing and picnics amidst green countryside. Further afield, the Garden of the Gods offers unique sandstone rock formations, and Old Stone Face presents an iconic rock formation resembling an old man's head.

The Stonefort area, particularly within the Shawnee National Forest, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including those at Bell Smith Springs and Indian Kitchen. For cycling, there are dedicated routes for both mountain biking and road cycling. Check out the MTB Trails around Stonefort, Road Cycling Routes around Stonefort, and Hiking around Stonefort guides for detailed route information.

Absolutely! Many attractions cater to families. The Tully Castle Ruins offer a visitor's center with local stories, making history engaging for all ages. The View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho has picnic benches, perfect for a family outing with a view. Carrick Lough is a lovely spot for a picnic or fishing. Dixon Springs State Park, about 15 minutes south, features a beautiful pool and an awesome slide, while Lake Glendale offers a dock and beach for swimming.

Stonefort is surrounded by excellent hiking opportunities, especially within the Shawnee National Forest. Popular spots include Bell Smith Springs, known for its rock formations and primitive swimming holes, and Indian Kitchen, which offers a great hike. The Giant City Stonefort Trail also provides a unique historical hiking experience. For more options, consult the Hiking around Stonefort guide, which lists trails like Rossergole Point Walk and various loops around the Cliffs of Magho.

Beyond the scenic viewpoints, Stonefort is home to several unique natural features. Burden Falls, just a couple of miles away, is notable as the tallest waterfall in Illinois. Bell Smith Springs features impressive large rock formations and primitive swimming holes. The Garden of the Gods, a short drive away, is famous for its distinctive sandstone rock formations. Pounds Hollow Recreation Complex also boasts sandstone bluffs and a spring-fed lake.

Yes, the area around Stonefort is well-regarded for fishing and hunting. Carrick Lough is popular with anglers for its thriving population of pike, perch, bream, and roach. Little Lusk Campground in Stonefort provides direct access to trails and is a great spot for fishing and hunting. Additionally, Sahara Woods (part of Saline County Fish and Wildlife Area) offers numerous lakes and ponds for fishing, as well as opportunities for various types of hunting.

To delve into Stonefort's ancient history, focus on the prehistoric Native American sites. The town itself is named after nearby ancient stone forts, believed to have been built during the Late Woodland Period. While many original structures were dismantled, a reconstructed section of one such rock wall can be seen on the Giant City Stonefort Trail in Giant City State Park. This offers a tangible connection to the mysterious past of the region.

For swimming and water activities, you have a few excellent options. Bell Smith Springs offers primitive swimming holes amidst its rock formations. Dixon Springs State Park, about 15 minutes south, features a beautiful pool and an exciting slide. Lake Glendale, 14 minutes south, provides a dock and beach perfect for swimming. Pounds Hollow Recreation Complex also has a spring-fed lake with a beach.

Stonefort offers a variety of cycling routes for different preferences. For mountain biking, you can find trails like the Scarplands Cycle Trail or the challenging Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint loop. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the Castle Caldwell, Boa Island and Pettigo loop, or sections of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail. Detailed information and routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Stonefort and Road Cycling Routes around Stonefort guides.

Yes, the region around Stonefort is known for its unique geological formations. The Garden of the Gods, approximately a 25-minute drive, is renowned for its distinctive sandstone rock formations. Bell Smith Springs also features many large rock formations, and Old Stone Face on Eagle Mountain is an iconic sandstone formation resembling an old man's head.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty. Many enjoy the unique experience of seeing the pre-Christian Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery and the dramatic history of Tully Castle Ruins. The sensational panoramic views from the Cliffs of Magho are also a highlight, offering breathtaking vistas over Lough Erne. The peaceful setting of places like Carrick Lough for picnics and fishing is also highly valued.