Day Hiking Dutchman Lake (Shawnee National Forest)

Dutchman Lake is located north of Vienna, Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest.

Google Maps:


While driving down the gravel road (slowly as there are potholes and erosion), look for a parking area on your right with some trails. You should also see the lake in front of you.

Park there and take the trails. Cross the first creek and keep going. The second and third creek will each lead to nice waterfalls if you go in the direction away from the lake. There are some trails, but they're not officially maintained aside from the main River to River Trail that crosses the creeks.

There is a lot to see in this area including waterfalls, rock formations, natural shelters, and more.

I've been to Shawnee dozens of times since I first attended SIU-C in the fall of 1975, but never heard of Dutchman Lake. I'll probably go down (from Chicagoland) this November, and will post in this thread if I have any questions.

Driftwoody said:

I've been to Shawnee dozens of times since I first attended SIU-C in the fall of 1975, but never heard of Dutchman Lake. I'll probably go down (from Chicagoland) this November, and will post in this thread if I have any questions.

Click to expand...

For sure. And I'm definitely here to answer any questions or help you out a long the way

There are a lot of trails over there. Many are considered "illegal" made the horse folks, but they're already established and in good shape. IMO, Forest Service should designate them.

Even when the waterfalls are dry, there is a lot to still at Dutchman but most just think it's a lake.