SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Dale Fowler and State Representative Patrick Windhorst have announced the passage of legislation through the Illinois House and Senate that would protect the Nine Day Trail Ride in the Shawnee National Forest.
Following Senate passage, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) praised the legislation and its impact on Southern Illinois.
“This is a great example of lawmakers coming together to protect a long-standing Southern Illinois tradition,” Fowler said. “The 9-Day Trail Ride is not only an important part of our region’s heritage, but it also brings significant economic activity to our communities. I’m proud to see this legislation pass the Senate and head to Governor Pritzker’s desk for his signature.”
State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) advanced the legislation to safeguard one of Southern Illinois’ most enduring traditions—the 9-Day Trail Ride, a nearly 60-year-old event that draws visitors to an encampment in the Shawnee National Forest each summer.
HB 4300 updates Illinois law to ensure the annual event can continue uninterrupted. The measure revises the statutory definition of “campground,” increasing the threshold from 6 to 10 days of operation per calendar year. The change became necessary following a change in campground ownership that created a potential regulatory issue for the event.
Without this fix, the 9-Day Trail Ride, typically held in late July in the Shawnee National Forest, faced an uncertain future.
“The Shawnee Forest is a vital natural resource and a major tourism destination that supports local jobs and small businesses,” Windhorst said. “When questions arose about whether the 9-Day Trail Ride could continue under current law, it was clear we needed to act. This legislation ensures this long-standing tradition can carry on for future generations.”
HB 4300 passed the Illinois House in April and passed the Illinois Senate late last week. The bill now heads to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk for final consideration.