Title: Makanda Travel Guide: Best of Makanda, Illinois Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Makanda](https://expedia.co.uk/Makanda-Hotels.d129194.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Makanda](https://expedia.co.uk/Makanda-Holiday-Rentals.d129194.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Makanda Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Makanda.d129194.Car-Hire-Guide)[Makanda Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Makanda.d129194.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Makanda Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Makanda](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/129194/34288817-4939-4902-a693-2ed1b79c6546.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Makanda](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/129194/34288817-4939-4902-a693-2ed1b79c6546.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Makanda which includes interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/129194/99ca461a-0e30-4c56-8669-430e7d2b4db5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Makanda](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/129194/41c38011-7f1b-4dc1-9dec-4759a6858138.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Makanda](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/129194/b2bb222d-6714-40dc-a758-8a29cac1b677.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Makanda Things to do #### 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 cosy 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 kilometres) from Carbondale. You can reach Carbondale via Amtrak from Chicago, Memphis or New Orleans. Williamson County Regional Airport is 24 miles (38.6 kilometres) 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. - Top hotels in Makanda - Top Holiday Rentals in Makanda ![Hot Tub - Minutes from Winetrail, SIU, Giant City, Cedar Lake, Shawnee Forest!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102840000/102831500/102831406/722821ca_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hot Tub - Minutes from Winetrail, SIU, Giant City, Cedar Lake, Shawnee Forest! Makanda IL Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort and Makanda Boardwalk ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews) The host was very accommodating and responsive. The hot tub was excellent and the box of snacks was a sweet touch. Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026 [Get rates](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026&selected=102831406&PinnedHotelID=102831406&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=129194) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026&selected=102831406&PinnedHotelID=102831406&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=129194) ![Secluded treehouse with indoor fireplace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/92000000/91590000/91586000/91585902/w903h683x60y0-ba97aead_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Secluded treehouse with indoor fireplace Makanda IL £133 17 Feb - 18 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this holiday home in Makanda. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Blue Sky Vineyards and Panther Den Trailhead ... 10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews) Best place to stay during 2026 snowpocalypse! Thank you! Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=17%2F02%2F2026&endDate=18%2F02%2F2026&selected=91585902&PinnedHotelID=91585902&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=129194) ![Stones Throw from Giant City Park, Wineries, Hiking, Biking, Hunting and more.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88490000/88480900/88480885/312ce91f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Stones Throw from Giant City Park, Wineries, Hiking, Biking, Hunting and more. Makanda IL Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort and Makanda Boardwalk are located ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews) This was probably the best rental experience I've had. No surprises and quick communication with our host. Would highly recommend this place. Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025 [Get rates](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026&selected=88480885&PinnedHotelID=88480885&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=129194) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026&selected=88480885&PinnedHotelID=88480885&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=129194) [See all 412 properties in Makanda](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026®ionId=129194) 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. ![Hot Tub - Minutes from Winetrail, SIU, Giant City, Cedar Lake, Shawnee Forest!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102840000/102831500/102831406/722821ca_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hot Tub - Minutes from Winetrail, SIU, Giant City, Cedar Lake, Shawnee Forest! Makanda IL Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort and Makanda Boardwalk ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews) The host was very accommodating and responsive. The hot tub was excellent and the box of snacks was a sweet touch. Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Makanda-Hotels-Hot-Tub-Minutes-From-Winetrail.h102831406.Hotel-Information) ![Winetrail Cabin - SIU, Giant City SP, Shawnee Forest, & Cedar Lake minutes away!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88930000/88928400/88928399/f8286145_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Winetrail Cabin - SIU, Giant City SP, Shawnee Forest, & Cedar Lake minutes away! Makanda IL Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort and Makanda Boardwalk are located ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews) Host was very welcoming and kind. All amenities included covered everything anyone would need. The cabin was spacious, clean and welcoming. Our little dog loved it too. Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Makanda-Hotels-Winetrail-Cabin-SIU.h88928399.Hotel-Information) ![NEW! The Blue View Cabin - A Winery and Outdoor Recreation Get Away](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/65000000/64660000/64657800/64657798/92d3b323_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### NEW! The Blue View Cabin - A Winery and Outdoor Recreation Get Away Makanda IL Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Blue ... 10/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews) Very clean and accommodating home, beautiful location with lots of privacy. Host was very quick to reply with any questions. Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Makanda-Hotels-The-Blue-View-Cabin-A-Winery-And-Outdoor-Recreation-Get-Away.h64657798.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Makanda](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=129194&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Makanda hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=129194&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=129194&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=129194&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=129194&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=129194&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=129194&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit #### Blue Sky Vineyards You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Blue Sky Vineyards during your travels to Makanda. Discover the countryside while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Blue-Sky-Vineyards-Makanda.d553248621532655803.Attraction) #### Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort Enjoy a round of golf in Makanda at Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Stone-Creek-Golf-Club-And-Resort-Makanda.d553248621532655808.Attraction) #### Campground Beach Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Campground Beach during your trip to Makanda? While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Campground-Beach-Carbondale.d553248635983988980.Attraction) #### Panther Den Trailhead You can take time to visit Panther Den Trailhead during your travels to Makanda. While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Panther-Den-Trailhead-Carbondale.d641529184237146112.Attraction) #### Arrowwood Trail Trailhead You can take time to visit Arrowwood Trail Trailhead during your travels to Makanda. While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Arrowwood-Trail-Trailhead-Carbondale.d641529225317642240.Attraction) #### Makanda Boardwalk You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Makanda Boardwalk during your trip to Makanda. While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Makanda-Boardwalk-Makanda.d955958572750204928.Attraction) ## Cities near Makanda ![Shawnee national forest seen from a rocky precipice bathed in golden sunlight](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000433811/b0efc458-8ec6-4f6d-9970-6a82855bf846.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cobden ![Named Ferne Clyffe waterfall on Google maps, but really named Bork Falls Separate from trails in Ferne Clyffe State Park out off Regent Lane.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000434209/77eb2534-c913-4f93-a63a-92818e889a5e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Goreville - Cities near Makanda - Places of interest [Cobden](https://expedia.co.uk/Cobden.dx3000433811)[Goreville](https://expedia.co.uk/Goreville.dx3000434209) - [Shawnee National Forest ](https://expedia.co.uk/Shawnee-National-Forest-Illinois.d553248635944113522.Attraction) - [Heartland Regional Medical Center ](https://expedia.co.uk/Heartland-Regional-Medical-Center-Marion.d6220504.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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