Makanda, IL

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 NT$8,915 per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
NT$8,915
NT$10,163 total
Oct 28 - Oct 29
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! (33 reviews)
"Peaceful and relaxing."

Reviewed on 2025/5/20

Makanda Inn
Drury Inn & Suites Marion

Drury Inn & Suites Marion

3 out of 5
2706 W DeYoung St, Marion, IL
The price is NT$1,994 per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
NT$1,994
NT$2,392 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Great hotel and very clean"

Reviewed on 2025/10/10

Drury Inn & Suites Marion
Best Western Marion Hotel

Best Western Marion Hotel

2.5 out of 5
400 Comfort Dr, Marion, IL
The price is NT$2,448 per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
NT$2,448
NT$2,937 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Stay here frequently on our trips north. Friendly. Staff, convenient location, dinning was close. Breakfast was ok. No milk that we found but the rest was fine. Room had no shampoo. We always bring our own just in case."

Reviewed on 2025/10/9

Best Western Marion Hotel
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 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests ...
9/10 Wonderful! (955 reviews)
"Fantastic location across from quieter section of Grant Park/downtown. Absolutely spectacular view from 2 bedroom premium apartment. Gym was awesome, too! HIGHLY recommend this place!!!!!!"

Reviewed on 2025/10/8

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (559 reviews)
"Everything looked clean and nice. The apartment was well maintained, loved the view from the space."

Reviewed on 2025/10/12

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (366 reviews)
"Friendly staff and great amenities"

Reviewed on 2025/10/10

Level Chicago – Old Town
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Makanda

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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Cities near Makanda