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 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.

Drury Inn & Suites Marion

Drury Inn & Suites Marion

3 out of 5
2706 W DeYoung St, Marion, IL
The price is ₹8,177 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,177
₹9,810 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Get pomace for a stop. Evening drink and snack was an added bonus"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Drury Inn & Suites Marion
Baymont by Wyndham Marion

Baymont by Wyndham Marion

2.5 out of 5
2608 W Main St, Marion, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,756 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,756
₹9,306 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,028 reviews)
"I actually wanted to stay at another hotel, but it wasn’t available. When I got to my room I was pleasantly surprised. It is an older hotel, but it is very clean, quiet and roomy. It also has a very nice size pool. The next time I stay in this area, I will definitely stay here."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Baymont by Wyndham 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (353 reviews)
"Seating for concert is way too close for comfort. If the seats had arms, at least you have some separation."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 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 centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (824 reviews)
"The pool was so good."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (323 reviews)
"Sonder By Marriott Was In A Great Location, Near Many Walkable Stores & Restaurants In The West Loop. The Studio Was Spacious With A Fully Functional Kitchen Space With Full Fridge. The Only Downside To The Space Was During A 3 Day Get Away The Elevator Was Out Of Service The Entire Time. This Wouldn’t ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 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! (326 reviews)
"Aparthotel. Like renting a condo downtown. Perfect for longer stays."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Makanda