Makanda

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau

With leafy state parks and pretty vineyards on its doorstep, this beautifully preserved 19th-century throwback town provides plenty of inspiration for local artists.

Makanda is a cozy village with stunning late 19th-century architecture and a lively local arts community. Stroll down the village’s historic boardwalk and be treated to a showcase of heritage façades and public artworks. Known as Carbondale’s gateway to Giant City State Park, Makanda is also a major destination on the tourist trails that wind around the Shawnee Hills.

Spend some time wandering down the boardwalk. Check out intriguing boutiques and local businesses, some of which are situated in elegant storefronts dating back to 1897. In days gone by, Makanda was a major railway hub for fruit and vegetable trade with Chicago. See the relics of the town’s grandeur brought to life through modern artistic interpretations. As a popular spot with artists from the nearby Southern Illinois University, Makanda has a constantly evolving arts scene.

Experience some of Makanda’s natural beauty by exploring nearby Giant City State Park. This picturesque woodland is dotted with natural and heritage landmarks. Climb a historic water tower and enjoy views across the treetops or hike around impressive rock formations. Sail above the canopy over the Shawnee Bluffs on an exciting zip-line tour.

Be sure to sample some of the region’s renowned wines on a trip through the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Visit local vineyards, attend a tasting and take home a bottle as a souvenir from the cellar door. If you’re looking for a more active experience of Makanda’s countryside, take on the challenge of the River to River Trail. This long-distance hiking trail spans the Shawnee National Forest from the Ohio to the Mississippi rivers.

Makanda is located in Southern Illinois and is 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Carbondale. You can reach Carbondale via Amtrak from Chicago, Memphis or New Orleans. Williamson County Regional Airport is 24 miles (38.6 kilometers) from Makanda. The region has pleasant summers and snowfall in winter, with occasional severe storms in spring. Visit the village during the Makanda Spring Fest or the Makanda Vulture Fest to join an exciting weekend of local art, music and food.

Makanda Inn
Makanda Inn
3.5 out of 5
855 Old Lower Cobden Road, Makanda, IL
The price is P16,372 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P16,372
P18,665 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Makanda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Makanda Boardwalk and Arrowwood Trail Trailhead ...
10/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"Peaceful and relaxing."

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Makanda Inn
Drury Inn & Suites Marion
Drury Inn & Suites Marion
3 out of 5
2706 W DeYoung St, Marion, IL
The price is P3,667 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P3,667
P4,400 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"It was nice to feel safe! the property was well maintained. With the offer of up to 3 drinks per guest it allowed us a place to sit and chat for a couple hours instead of trying to sit on the beds in the rooms and chat. I meet 2 different family members there for just a night, we appreciate the facility ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Drury Inn & Suites Marion
Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
4.5 out of 5
777 Walkers Bluff Way, Carterville, IL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Carterville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (346 reviews)
"Staff was amazing. What a beautiful property!"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue
4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (806 reviews)
Send me to Sentral Everytime!
"Im a resident at Sentral in another location in a different state and I absolutely loved this location! The rooftop pool was gorgeous, the location was walkable but you could also hop on the train and get to the other side of the city in 20 mins. Ideal location for traveling because it’s on a quieter ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Level Chicago – Old Town
Level Chicago – Old Town
4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (322 reviews)
"This was a wonderful location. It wasn't a type of stay that I am familiar with, in that, there isn't really a lot of people to reach out to ask for assistance. But, all in all, I would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Level Chicago – Old Town
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
3.5 out of 5
1436 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a nightclub, a fitness center, and concierge services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (314 reviews)
"The elevator had broken down and the stairs were a challenge with luggage but the room was nice, good quality gym and the local options were great."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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