Illinois Legislation Advances to Protect 9-Day Trail Ride Tradition

Bipartisan bill updates campground laws to ensure future of iconic Southern Illinois event

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A serene, painterly scene of a lone horse and rider on a winding forest trail, the rider silhouetted against the warm, golden light filtering through the trees, conceptually representing the long-standing cultural significance of the 9-Day Trail Ride event.The annual 9-Day Trail Ride through the Shawnee National Forest has drawn visitors to Southern Illinois for nearly 60 years, supporting local economies and preserving a cherished regional tradition.Metropolis Today

State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) has advanced legislation to safeguard one of Southern Illinois' most enduring traditions—the 9-Day Trail Ride, a nearly 60-year-old event that draws visitors from across the region each summer. House Bill 4300 updates Illinois law to ensure the annual event can continue uninterrupted by revising the statutory definition of 'campground' to increase the threshold from 6 to 10 days of operation per calendar year.

Why it matters

The 9-Day Trail Ride is a major tourism draw for the Shawnee National Forest region, supporting local jobs and small businesses. Without this legislative fix, the long-standing tradition could have faced uncertainty about its future.

The details

House Bill 4300 revises the statutory definition of 'campground' in Illinois law, increasing the threshold from 6 to 10 days of operation per calendar year. This change became necessary following a change in campground ownership that created a potential regulatory issue for the 9-Day Trail Ride, typically held in late July in the Shawnee National Forest.

  • The 9-Day Trail Ride has been an annual tradition in Southern Illinois for nearly 60 years.
  • House Bill 4300 was advanced by the Illinois legislature in 2026.

The players

Patrick Windhorst

A Republican state representative from Metropolis, Illinois who sponsored the legislation to protect the 9-Day Trail Ride tradition.

Illinois House

The state legislative chamber that unanimously supported Windhorst's bill to update campground laws and ensure the future of the 9-Day Trail Ride.

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What they’re saying

“The Shawnee Forest is a vital natural resource and a major tourism destination that supports local jobs and small businesses. 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.”

— Patrick Windhorst, State Representative

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Illinois Senate for consideration before being sent to the governor for signature into law.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort to update outdated campground regulations demonstrates the importance of preserving regional cultural traditions, even as laws and land use evolve over time. The 9-Day Trail Ride has been a beloved summertime event in Southern Illinois for generations, and this legislative fix ensures it can continue for years to come.