Trigg Tower to Temporarily Close for Repairs
Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/11/2026 - 06/15/2026
12:00 am
Categories
(Harrisburg, IL, May 4, 2026) — Trigg Tower on the Shawnee National Forest will
temporarily close this month for necessary repairs. Weather permitting, contractors will begin
work May 11, temporarily closing the tower and parking area to visitors. Repairs are expected to
take approximately one month, no more than 90 days.
Repairs include replacing the fencing around the top of the observation platform, replacing deck
boards and stair treads, stabilizing the lower stairway, sandblasting and repainting the tower,
and other general maintenance work as needed.
For visitor and contractor safety, please respect posted signage for closed areas around Trigg
Tower while work is ongoing.
Repairs to Trigg Tower are funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), established by the
Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Well-maintained infrastructure allows for safe
enjoyment for visitors and contributes to tourism and recreation-related economic activity in
local communities.
Shawnee National Forest originally had 16 fire lookouts, but Trigg Lookout Tower is the only
one remaining. Originally built in 1934 as a 60 ft. wood structure, it was replaced in 1938-39
with a 100-foot-tall steel tower. In 1973, the upper 50 feet of the steel frame was removed, and
an observation platform was constructed, offering visitors unique stunning views of the
Shawnee Hills.