the southern illinois gateway to the shawnee national forest
The Makanda Boardwalk is the home of several local attractions. Enjoy the many shops located on the Makanda Boardwalk and ‘downtown’ Makanda, or venture out into the township of Makanda. Learn more about the history of Makanda and the Makanda Boardwalk.
makanda local artisans and unique shopping ‘downtown’
Visions Art Gallery features local artists and their works. Ranging from paintings, stained glass, to ceramics it is a must see on your visit to the valley of the arts. Open every weekend.
618-549-5523
Makanda Trading Company offers a vast variety of art and gifts from around the world. There is something for everyone at the Makanda Trading Company. Open daily from 9am – 5pm.
618-351-0201
Rain Maker Studio displays amazing metal work from jewlery, sculptures and fountains made by an internationally known artist. Visit the 1 acre sculpture garden year round. Open daily from 9am – 5pm
618-457-6282
Allan Stuck Studio visit the home of a world renound sculpture and jewlery designer. His jewlery desings have been worn by many hollywood celebrities. Specializing in stone carved jewels and set in 3 dimentional mountings. Custom work is available upon request. Open every weekend and weekdays when the open sign us present or call for an appointment 618-529-2341
makanda dining
The famous Giant City Lodge, known for is fried chicken, is an impressive structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC was a relief program for unemployed married men of the time, 1933 to 1942. Closed for the winter from early December until early February otherwise open seven day a week. Contact them for reservations 618-457-4921 or visit the Giant City Lodge website.
Makanda Country Store Located on the historic Makanda Boardwalk features gourmet coffee, sandwiches, and hand dipped ice cream. The store also has an array of hot sauces for purchase. Perfect spot to have lunch or stop in for ice cream and soak up the culture of downtown. Open daily from 9am – 5 pm year round.
Blue Sky Winery offers a variety of hearty sandwiches, pizzas, and snacks, and more. Known for the famous flavored dipping oils served with bread. Enjoy lunch on the luxurious winery grounds while you sip world class wines or local beer. Live entertainment almost every weekend.
Makanda horseback riding
Horseback riding at Giant City Stables offers guided horseback trail rides, as well as a variety of summer horse camps and horseback riding lessons for groups and individuals. For our younger horse lovers, we offer pony rides. The Stables is open Mid March through Mid November for guided horseback trail rides and open year round for all other activities.
Rose O Sharon Equine Farm is located on the beautiful, rolling hills of Makanda, IL. R.O.S.E. Farm is just 10 miles South of Carbondale, IL off of old Route 51 (adjacent to the Cedar Lake portion of the River to River Trail). We Currently Offer: Pasture Board with run-in sheds, Round pen, Tack room/storage building, Wash Area, Lessons, training and horse leasing, Trail access, 70 acres to ride the perimeter of and 40 acres to ride throughout, and 82’ x 180’ Coverall Indoor Arena with Fibar.
Makanda hiking, rock climbing and more outdoor activities
Giant City State Park has over 4,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation. A trip to Giant City State Park, just minutes south of Carbondale, is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Camping, picnicking, hunting & fishing, rock climbing & rappelling, horseback riding, and lodging & dining are all offered at Giant City State Park. Visitors will marvel at the many hiking trails. A sure adventure awaits anyone hiking the Giant City Nature Trail, home of the “Giant City Streets”, formed 12,000 years ago by huge bluffs of sandstone.
Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina on Little Grassy Lake is located inside The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Little Grassy offers boat rentals and camp grounds. It offers boating and fishing opportunities where the fisherman is king and the Bass and Crappie are his chief antagonist. Where 1,000 acres of crystal clear water, 4 miles long, 1 mile wide, up to 80 feet deep and 31 miles of wooded rocky shoreline create the most scenic lake in southern Illinois
Touch of Nature (part of Southern Illinois University) offers outdoor education programs, an event venue for weddings and conferences, and summer camps and day learning adventures.
wineries
Blue Sky Winery anchors the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, winery offers you a taste of Tuscany in the hills of Southern Illinois. Open year-round, 7 days a week, to provide great Illinois wine. Wine tasting, a variety of food, as well as wine-alternatives such as beer and mixed drinks. Large indoor seating area and two beautiful outdoor terraces that overlook our vineyard and the rolling countryside.
Orlandini Vineyard began its roots in 1988 when their first vines were planted. The Vineyard is located on one of southern Illinois’ highest ridge tops, deep in the heart of the Shawnee Hills A.V.A. After years of practice and experimentation in wine making, Orlandini Vineyard began releasing wines to the the public in 2001. Novices and connoisseurs have been enjoying our hand tended vintages ever since.
zip line now open!
Shawneezip.com Zip through 83 acres of the Shawnee National Forest, This brand new zip line tour is an exciting way to experience the flora, fauna, geology and history of the outdoors by safely traversing an established route of ziplines and aerial bridges between platforms built in the trees. A canopy tour’s purposeful utilization of the natural terrain coupled with an intentional low environmental impact delivers an adrenaline-filled adventure and educational experience!