When hiking through amazing sandstone rock formations in the U.S. Forest Service’s Shawnee National Forest, in Illinois, one particular formation inevitably catches your attention, a camel stoically perched overlooking a spectacular landscape. It is this striking image, called Camel Rock, that was selected to represent the Shawnee National Forest on the newest America the Beautiful Quarter.
Started in 2010, each year the United States Mint issues a quarter with the reverse (tails) side depicting a national site or park. The Shawnee is one of only five national forests to be recognized in the program.
The Shawnee National Forest’s reverse side image was designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Jim Licaretz. It depicts a close view of Camel Rock and a red-tailed hawk soaring in the sky.
Camel Rock is situated in the Shawnee’s Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, which is considered by many in Illinois to be a national treasure.
The United States Mint and Shawnee National Forest will host an event February 4, 2016 to debut the new quarter at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg.
Although Camel Rock is amazing, there is so much else to see and do in the Forest’s 286,400 acres from rock-climbing, orienteering and long-distance pedestrian to equestrian trails. And, while you’re there, remember to take a selfie with your quarter by the real deal!
