Makanda Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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.

Makanda Inn

Makanda Inn

3.5 out of 5
855 Old Lower Cobden Road, Makanda, IL
The price is ฿9,463 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
฿9,463
฿10,787 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Makanda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Makanda Boardwalk and Arrowwood Trail Trailhead ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"Peaceful and relaxing."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Makanda Inn
Drury Inn & Suites Marion

Drury Inn & Suites Marion

3 out of 5
2706 W DeYoung St, Marion, IL
The price is ฿2,113 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿2,113
฿2,535 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Will stay again!
"Great service, nice stay! Bathroom is excellent, bed was comfortable, room finishings were just a touch older. The dinner & drink was a nice touch, especially as we got in right as dinner was happening. Staff went above & beyond to make our stay great!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

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 ฿2,321 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿2,321
฿2,785 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Good area near shopping area and restaurants. Close to Hwy and convenience."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

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 fitness centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (881 reviews)
"Excellent location and spacious unit with friendly staff. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
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 centre and concierge services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (343 reviews)
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
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 Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (339 reviews)
"Great property. Outstanding all the way around."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

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.

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