Find Your Christmas Tree in Shawnee National Forest

If you have ever dreamed of living out your inner Clark Griswold fantasy, saw in hand, wandering through the woods to find the tree, Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois is making that dream surprisingly affordable.

For just five dollars, you can cut your own live Christmas tree from designated areas of the forest. Yes, for less than a seasonal holiday latte, you can cut down your very own live tree from the forest.

How the Five Dollar Tree Permit Works

The U.S. Forest Service offers this special permit every year, and it gives you the chance to turn tree hunting into a full-on holiday adventure. The air smells crisp, your cheeks get a little rosy, and there is something kind of magical about finding a tree that was not pre-cut, wrapped in netting, or sitting in a parking lot under a strand of blinking lights.

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Which Christmas Trees You Can Cut in Shawnee

Before you grab a thermos of cocoa and head for the woods, there are a few important things you should know. You can't cut down just any tree from just anywhere in Shawnee. The permit allows for only certain species, like the Eastern red cedar, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and white pine.

Where Cutting Is Allowed in the Forest

Aside from the variety of trees you can take, you also have to make sure that it's under fifteen feet tall and the stump diameter is no larger than six inches. Oh, and you also have to take the whole tree. You can't just chop off the top because it looks the cutest.

The Forest Service rules are strict about where you can and cannot cut, too. No wilderness areas, no recreation sites, no cutting within 150 feet of water, and no wandering onto private property. Recreation.gov provides maps that show the allowed zones, and the Forest Service recommends scouting first so you do not spend your whole afternoon wandering aimlessly.

Read More: USPS Operation Santa Now Open for 2025

How to Prepare for a Safe and Fun Tree Hunt

Once you find the perfect tree, cut it low, carry it out carefully, and secure it for a safe drive home. Then, when you get your tree home, be sure to give the trunk a fresh trim before you place it in water. With the right prep, you'll have a beautiful, fresh tree and a holiday memory your family will talk about for years.

If you want the full list of rules, tips, and maps, you can grab your permit and everything you need on Recreation.gov.