Tunnel Hill State Trail

This scenic 45-mile-long hiking and biking trail runs along a converted rail bed through farmland, hills/bluffs and bottomland areas.The trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest and Cache River State Natural Area, with railroad trestles and an old train tunnel as picturesque markers along the way.

CITY: Vienna

Mermet Springs

Scuba dive at this unique spring-fed stone quarry and marvel at underwater treasures such as a submerged airplane (actually used in the movie U.S. Marshals) and a cement petting zoo. Mermet Springs offers on-site instruction and equipment rental.

CITY: Belknap

Giant City State Park

Spectacular woodlands and sheer sandstone walls create a challenge for rock climbing and rappelling, as well as hiking. Outdoor lovers will also find horseback riding, a lookout tower, cabins and a swimming pool. Dine at historic Giant City Lodge, known for its homemade fried chicken dinner.

CITY: Makanda

Pomona Natural Bridge

This natural geologic sandstone formation spans 90 feet across a ravine in a mature beech, oak and hickory forest. Nearby is an easy hiking trail dotted with picnic sites.

CITY: Pomona

Giant City Lodge

The 34 cabins offered at Giant City State Park include 12 one-room cabins and duplex cabins nestled in the bluffs near the lodge, featuring a living room and deck overlooking the woods below. An outdoor swimming pool is on site. Giant City Lodge's full-service restaurant features a popular all-you-can eat chicken dinner. Closed Dec. and Jan. every year.

CITY: Makanda

Cache River State Natural Area

Nationally renowned for its ancient cypress-tupelo swamp, this natural area contains 100 threatened or endangered plant and animal species, and 11 state champion trees. Visitors enjoy birding, hunting, wildlife watching, and hiking. Bikers can access the Cache River via the Tunnel Hill State Trail.

CITY: Belknap

Rustic Hideaway Cabins

Private log cabins in a wooded setting. Hot tub on covered back deck. Full kitchen including dishes. TV/VCR. Linens and paper products supplied. Fireplace. Loft.

CITY: Jonesboro

Blue Sky Vineyard

Along the majestic Shawnee Hills Wine Trail you’ll find Blue Sky Vineyard—a stunning Tuscan-inspired winery and vineyard. Stroll through the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and relax on the outdoor terrace with the rolling countryside as your tapestry.

CITY: Makanda

Makanda Boardwalk

This historic boardwalk dates back to the 1890s. Today it offers galleries featuring quality handcrafts created by local artisans and a country store.

CITY: Makanda

Alto Vineyards - Alto Pass

This award-winning winery's original Shawnee Hills Wine Trail location (Alto also has a Champaign outpost) offers free wine tasting and a gift shop, in addition to spring, summer and fall festivals with music and food.

CITY: Alto Pass

Big Creek Cabins

Big Creek Cabins is the perfect place for a romantic weekend or quick getaway from the busy rush of daily life. The moment you check-in to our fully furnished luxury log cabin, you can’t help but to slow down and relax. Unwind and get chin deep in the hot tub on the large cover decks overlooking a private pond all situated on 20 very secluded acres. Perhaps enjoy a game a pool on the executive pool table by the fireplace with family or good friends. There are many reasons why Big Creek Cabins is quickly becoming the most popular cabin retreat in Southern Illinois, but we want to personally invite you to a place where memories are made and experience them first hand.

CITY: Dongola

Southern Illinois Wine Trail

Illinois' newest wine trail connects six wineries dotted throughout the southeast corner of the state. Visitors can enjoy both breathtaking vistas and friendly rural communities, all while sampling excellent red and white wines.

CITY: Vienna

Bald Knob Cross

A national symbol of faith, this 111-foot-tall cross, when illuminated at night, can be seen over an area of 7,500 square miles atop the most prominent elevation in Southern Illinois. The cross is surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest.

CITY: Alto Pass

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour consists of eight zip lines, the longest stretching more than 1,100 feet, which will zig-zag across the property’s bluffs and through the valley. The tour also includes 11 platforms high in the trees, three aerial suspension bridges, the longest stretching 180 feet, and two short ground hikes. A canopy 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, and they are just plain fun!

CITY: Makanda

Flamm Orchards/Fruits & Cream Stand

Take a drive out to the orchards and buy in-season strawberries, peaches and apples. Flamm's Fruits & Cream Stand offers treats like homemade strawberry shortcake, cobblers, apple dumplings and pies.

CITY: Cobden

Bruce Goff - Castle

The Castle is a premiere architectural delight atop a forested bluff in the area of the Shawnee National Forest. Accommodations for up to three acquainted couples. The Castle has a sunken tub and is a great 'outdoors' experience.

CITY: Cobden

Trail of Tears Lodge

A remote lodge surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest. An abundance of outdoor recreation: horseback riding, hiking, hunting, fishing, shooting range, archery range, dirt bike & ATV trails. Outdoor pool, game room, hot tub and pets accepted.

CITY: Jonesboro

Stone Creek Golf Club & Resort

Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Stone Creek features an 18 hole-championship course and beautiful cabins. Stone Creek also offers a restaurant, clubhouse, and a scenic area for hiking and fishing.

CITY: Makanda

Cedar Rock Cabins

Fully furnished cabins in the Shawnee National Forest. Wooded paths wind up and down the hills past rock formations. Enjoy the screened in porch at dusk and view area wildlife. Relax in the hot tub under the stars.

CITY: Goreville

Boars Nest Cabins

Located close to most of the award winning wineries of Southern Illinois, the Boars Nest will be off the beaten path yet still close to town in a peaceful atmosphere. All non-smoking cabins with packages available, including meals, drinks, transportation.

CITY: Cobden

Cache River Wetlands Center

The Wetlands Center provides a one-stop shop for information about the Cache River Wetlands and its recreational and educational opportunities. The center has an extensive natural and cultural history exhibit, wildlife viewing, trails and a video.

CITY: Cypress

Rustle Hill Winery

On the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, this winery features an amphitheater bandstand for live music, great wines and beers, restaurant and cabins for rent.

CITY: Cobden

Blueberry Hill Farm

U-pick strawberries, blueberries and blackberries in Season. May-July 8am to 8pm

CITY: Cobden

Owl Creek Vineyard and Winery

Producing world-class wines made from Southern Illinois grapes, Owl Creek is located near beautiful Giant City State Park, country bed and breakfasts, and antique shops. Wine by the glass may be enjoyed on the deck, or in the picnic area surrounded by the vineyard.

CITY: Cobden

Doc's Lakeside Cabin

If you’re looking to get away from it all, you’ve come to the right place. At Doc's Lakeside Cabin we’ll give you the most spectacular view in Southern Illinois. Doc's Lakeside Cabin was built in 2012 and is located in beautiful Southern Illinois. Accommodations include: 2 bedrooms with queen size bed in each room, 1 Full Bath with Shower, Fully furnished kitchen, Living/Great Room, Spacious Hot Tub, ?and, Screened Balcony. Guest are welcome to enjoy a leisure time of fishing in our lake.

CITY: Jonesboro

Lincoln-Douglas Statues

Located at Lincoln Memorial Park, visitors can "Walk Where Lincoln Walked" by following the presidents footsteps from Jonesboro Square to the park.

CITY: Jonesboro

Giant City Park Campground

Class A campground with separate tent and trailer camping for equestrians. Also, a youth group camp and primitive walk-in tent sites.

CITY: Makanda

Bell Hill Bed & Breakfast

On a hill in Union County, Illinois, just outside of Cobden, stands a Historic Mansion with 5 guest rooms available. Every room provides all the conveniences of home to help make your stay as stress free as possible. Complimentary bottled water, cookies, chips, and chocolates also come with every room. Like traveling to a different time, each day spent in this home resonates the rich history of the land and the people who love it. Historic Bell Hill is the perfect place for large and small outdoor weddings or, if you prefer, a more intimate setting indoors is available for smaller weddings. Catering services are available.

CITY: Cobden

Northwest Passage Rootbeer Saloon

This root beer saloon offers micro-brewed, draft root beers served in frosted mugs, along with gourmet deli sandwiches and ice cream.

CITY: Alto Pass

Rustle Hill Cabins

The Vineyard Chalet cabins are nestled across the valley from the winery, overlooking the pond and amphitheater. Some of the amenities include: Cathedral ceilings, Full kitchen, King size bed, Upstairs loft with six windows, 2 fireplaces, Central heat and air, Wrap around deck. The cabin is designed for a single couple...but can sleep 4 to 6.

CITY: Cobden

Melton's Fishing Camp Cabins

Daily and weekly rates, pets welcome, boat and motor rental, bait and tackle, hunting and fishing licenses available.

CITY: Cache

The Lodge at Giant City State Park

Make the scenic trek to Giant City State Park for the all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner, served in the rustic dining room at Giant City Lodge. The family-style Southern fried chicken comes with made-from-scratch dumplings, mashed potatoes and biscuits with rich country milk gravy.

CITY: Makanda

Giant City Stables

Enjoy the beauty of Giant City State Park on horseback. All trail rides are guided by experienced wranglers. Lessons & pony rides also available.

CITY: Makanda

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Visit Illinois’ bayou. Yes, the bayou in Illinois. Cypress Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to incredible cypress-filled swamps and wetlands and is unlike anything you expect to find in the Midwest. The refuge protects 15,000 acres of lush wetlands and some of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi River.

CITY: Ullin

Fort Defiance Park

Fort Defiance, known as Camp Defiance during the American Civil War, is a former military fortification, located at the awesome confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. The site offers visitors the chance to view the confluence from the old observation tower.

CITY: Cairo

Touch of Nature

Touch of nature is the location of the conference site. Accommodations include rustic cabins and motel style rooms. Rooms are basic but convenient to the meetings.

CITY: Makanda

Lofty Acres Bed & Breakfast

Master bedroom/bath on main floor, queen bed, whirlpool tub. 2 rooms/baths upstairs. Fireplace.

CITY: Dongola

Campground Cumberland Church

Presbyterian church in continuous operation since 1850 and the site of a winter encampment during the Trail of Tears. Only site certified by state of Illinois and Cherokee Nation.

CITY: Anna

Turtle Creek Villa

Turtle Creek Villa welcomes you with a peaceful, friendly and exciting getaway. Relax by your private saltwater pool and 6 seated hot tub, day and night. Our villa is an open, family-style environment and sleeps 8 comfortably. Enjoy nature exploring the live creek on our 28 wooded acres in the heart of the wine country! Our kid friendly, pet friendly villa promises you memories never to be forgotten.

CITY: Cobden

Custom House Museum

This renovated 1872 Romanesque-style structure houses historical artifacts from the surrounding area.

CITY: Cairo

Honey Bee Stables

Ride the beautiful countryside. See the back roads and enjoy the Shawnee National forest with scenic bluffs, hardwood trees, seasonal flowers, wildlife, streams, waterfalls and rock formations. Specializing in all day and 1/2 day guided trail rides with picnic lunch included. Romantic rides for couples. Equestrian Vacations. All rides are private and guided. You will find that our experienced trail guide will go out of their way to ensure that you have a pleasant and memorable experience. There is no better way to see nature then from the back of a horse. The Shawnee National Forest offers miles of equestrian trails with different terrains and spectacular scenery. Ride through creeks and streams. See magnificent rock formations, waterfalls, and bluffs where the view is awe-inspiring. Explore the Shawnee Hills. Your guide will point out interesting places and facts along the ride.

CITY: Cobden

Lincoln Memorial Park

Site of one of the historic Lincoln-Douglas Debates, this park features picnic shelters, walking paths and hiking trails.

CITY: Jonesboro

Makanda Inn B&B

Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest this new inn is located just 1/2 mile south of the Makanda Boardwalk, adjacent to the Giant City State Park and only 15 minutes south of Southern Illinois University. Featuring four guest rooms, each designed for privacy & comfort. This eco-friendly lodging establishment features peaceful settings with modern touches ideal for business travel, romance, adventure seekers, wine lovers, and SIU Alumni, parents and visitors.

CITY: Makanda

Hidden Lake Bed and Breakfast

Nestled amongst 12 acres of woods, gardens and water, finely appointed guest rooms and suites welcome you to first class treatment and quiet country elegance. Fireplaces, jacuzzis, private balconies and private baths are just a few of the amenities.

CITY: Jonesboro

Water Valley Inn

Water Valley Inn can accommodate individuals, couples, families and groups up to eight, based on double occupancy. The main floor of the farmhouse includes two bedrooms with queen size beds and one bathroom. The upstairs has three rooms set up with twin beds.

CITY: Cobden

Windy Hill Acres Inn

Windy Hill Acres Inn is located in the Shawnee National Forest. The Inn is a Rock Potato House which has been remodeled into a beautiful 5 room house with deck. The Potato House was built in the 1800's and used to store the farmers' sweet potatoes.

CITY: Cobden

Cedar Sunset Cabin

Two bedroom log cabin offers a private setting with full kitchen and a hot tub to soak in while you enjoy the amazing sunset views. The spectacular views at Cedar Sunset Cabin are just one of the amazing amenities. The cabin provides you with top notch accommodations on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and on the edge of the Shawnee National Forest. Or you may opt for an evening in by the fireside or a soak in the hot tub.

CITY: Buncombe

Fragrant Fields

This 20-year-old herb and perennial plant nursery offers more than 200 varieties of common and uncommon plants. Sip a glass of lemonade as you view the gardens, feed the catfish in the pond and shop for garden items.

CITY: Dongola

Cornerstone Cabins

The cabin is located on 70 acres that is home to Farmer Brown’s Production Company – a certified organic sustainable farm, specializing in culinary garlic, peppers, leafy greens, herbs and flowers. Amenities include has three-bedroom with a loft that sleeps up to 12 guests. It is equipped with a fully stocked kitchen with silverware, dishes, eco-friendly pots and pans, dishwater, purified water, two bathrooms, including a giant Jacuzzi tub, washer-dryer, stereo with iPod dock, and satellite HD flat screen TV. A pack-and-play is also provided for toddlers.

CITY: Pomona

Touch of Nature Enviornmental Center

Just 8 miles south of Carbondale, Touch of Nature borders the Shawnee Forest. It is a 3,100 acre wooded retreat area perfect for group events. Located in the City of Makanda, IL.

CITY: Makanda

Gambit Golf Course

This championship par 71 golf course, designed by Richard Osborne, snakes through meadows and woodlands. The Gambit features the area's only indoor practice center, with two state-of-the-art golf simulators and a nine-hole practice green.

CITY: Vienna

Cairo Public Library

Museum quality working library of Queen Anne, Architecture on two floors built in 1884.

CITY: Cairo

Melton's Fish Camp Cabins

Fishing cabins on Horseshoe Lake. Daily and weekly rates, kids stay free and pets welcome. Boat & motor rental. Bait, tackel, hunting & fishing license available.

CITY: Olive Branch

Cedar Lake Ranch

Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation

CITY: Vienna

The Palace Pizzeria

Pizza, salads and sandwiches on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Dine in or carry out. Indoor & outdoor dining.

CITY: Cobden

Guest House Getaways

Two House rentals, one in the Village, and on on the farm. Fully furnished, peace & quiet, wildlife in the yard and small town life.

CITY: Dongola

Horseshoe Lake Hiking/Biking Trail

A 5.5 mile trail that takes in the beauty of Horseshoe Lake. Bike rental is available at Melton's on East Side Dr. 618-776-5504. Horseshoe Lake is just east of IL Rt 3 in Alexander Co, 7 miles north of Cairo.

CITY: Olive Branch

Hickory Ridge Vineyard & Winery

Hickory Ridge is nestled in the hills of the Shawnee Forest, and is family owned and operated. All wines are made from grapes grown solely on the premises, and include excellent dry wines, as well as award-winning whites and rosés.

CITY: Pomona

Trail of Tears State Forest

Set among the rugged slopes of the Ozark Hills in Southern Illinois, this site offers picnic shelters with roadside fireplaces throughout the forest. Features a network of trails for hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts.

CITY: Jonesboro

Rustic Getaway Cabins

Three cozy, private cabins located in the Southernmost part of Illinois. Located on 22 acres of rolling hills, each cabin features: full kitchens, TV/VCR, full bath and sleeps 4. During your stay, enjoy nearby outdoor activities, such as hiking, hunting, fishing, biking, canoeing and horseback riding. Each cabin features a private wooded setting. Relax and enjoy nature at its best.

CITY: Anna

Davie School Inn

This 1910 schoolhouse features spacious suites with nine-foot-tall windows overlooking Anna Park. Each guest room contains an original chalkboard and bookcase from the old school days. Located near Carbondale, the Davie School Inn makes a great base for exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and Giant City State Park.

CITY: Anna

Little Grassy Campground & Marina

1200-acre lake with 36+ miles of shoreline with an average depth of 27 ft. Provides gas, boat rentals, bait, tackle, license, boat slips and a snack restaurant.

CITY: Makanda

The Stable House

Western-themed, fully-furnished living quarters that sleep seven, attached barn and stables on the 50 acre Herold Ranch, adjacent to J&M Quarter Horses. Full kitchen, patio and BBQ. Hunters welcome. Corral and horse stall rental available.

CITY: Alto Pass

Kosmic Acres Stables

Scenic trails rides for small groups of 1 to 6. From 2 to 4-hour rides and lunch rides offered. Basic grooming, saddling and riding instructions are given. By appointment only.

CITY: Alto Pass

Lincoln Heritage Winery

Offers complimentary tastings of hand crafted wines and frequently offers special wine recipes to sample as well. Gourmet cheeses, salamis and crackers are available for purchase and you are invited to bring a picnic basket filled with your own goodies. There are a small selection of other beverages on hand.

CITY: Cobden

Blue Sky Suites

Suites over the tasting room at Blue Sky Winery, with beautiful views of the vineyards and pond.

CITY: Makanda

Oak Grove Cabin Rental

Brand new private and spacious 3 - 2 bedroom cabins located on 10 wooded acres right in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Minutes from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and the orchards. Enjoy hiking, biking and much more.

CITY: Makanda

Anthill Gallery & Vintage Curiosities

Anthill productions is home to the photography of rare images' Bob Hageman and the stained-glass work of Firelight Studio's Linda Austin. For well over 20 years, Linda and Bob have been making and displaying their unique artworks throughout the Midwest, and they are now for the first time making them available to a broader audience.

CITY: Cobden

Trails End Lodge Steakhouse and Saloon

Trails End Lodge is a new steakhouse and saloon, featuring traditional steakhouse cuisine, indoor and outdoor dining, live entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere all served in a rustic, yet luxurious western style lodge. Trails End Lodge is located in the heart of Southern Illinois wine country on scenic Skyline Drive between Cobden and Alto Pass, Illinois. The Lodge itself is not visible from Skyline Drive, so watch for our sign!

CITY: Cobden

Von Jakob Vineyard

VonJakob Vineyards, "Little Germany," is located on a Shawnee Forest hill in the Shawnee National Forest. Sample award-winning wines from dry to sweet, red to white. Located in the city of Pomona, IL.

CITY: Pomona

Lost Coyote Camp

One room cabin rental near hunting, fishing, biking and horseback riding areas.

CITY: Simpson

Poplar Camp Beach

Beautiful sandy waterfront on Cedar Lake. State certified Lifeguards on duty during beach hours, lap lane, restrooms, picnic tables and a concession area.

CITY: Makanda

Anderson Cabin - Vienna

Cabin sleeps 4, kitchen, bath. Fishing at front door, remote location, joins Goose Pond on North.

CITY: Vienna

Pinnon Lake Cabin

Tucked away in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Illinois, the cabin location rests on the highly acclaimed Southern Illinois Wine Trail. Pinnon Lake is five minutes from the edge of Shawnee National Forrest. We are only three miles off Interstate 57 at exit 36. Moments from anywhere yet feels like miles from it all. On any given day you may observe deer in the field, geese landing on the lake, a family of wild turkeys at the edge of the woods. In the spring you may even take a peek at our new baby calves, as the property is a third generation working family farm.

CITY: Buncombe

Eagle Watching - Union County Refuge

The Union County Refuge in Union offers a popular spot for bald eagle watching. Visitors can view bald eagles and take wildlife photography off the main road, which runs down the middle of the wildlife refuge. Park rangers will be available weekdays to answer questions about the eagles and other wildlife spotted in the refuge. Admission is free. For more information on eagle watching, contact the Union County Refuge (618-833-5175).

CITY: Jonesboro

Pomona Winery

Award-winning fruit wines made from Southern Illinois peaches, apples, blueberries and strawberries are the specialty at this winery, nestled deep in the Shawnee Forest.

CITY: Pomona

Quetil Trail

A short nature trail along the path of the Cairo & St Louis Narrow Gage railroad used before it was abandoned in 1981. Starting from downtown Alto Pass, the walk offers very scenic views.

CITY: Alto Pass

Timber Ridge Inn

A rustic retreat featuring 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 bathrooms, a kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, and a fireplace, on 80 wooded acres.

CITY: Jonesboro

U.S. Marshals - Mermet Springs

In this flick, the U.S. Marshal character from The Fugitive is on the hunt for a wanted man after he escapes from a prisoner transport plane during a spectacular crash. This action thriller filmed extensively in Southern Illinois, including along the Ohio River near Metropolis and in rural Vienna. The Boeing 727 used in the crash scene is now submerged in Mermet Springs, a spring-fed quarry where you can scuba dive and actually swim through the plane.

CITY: Belknap

Vertical Heartland Climbing School and Services

Technical rock climbing instruction for small groups and individuals. Vertical skills training for tactical response teams. Rock climbing experiences for small or large groups. Leasing of our cliff to film and video producers.

CITY: Buncombe

Cabin at Mountain Glen

The Cabin boasts a vaulted great room with fireplace, full kitchen, a luxurious main floor master bedroom and bath with a custom 2 person shower and Jaccuzi tub. The huge second floor lofted bedroom and 1/2 bath overlooks 20 acres of pasture and wildlife.

CITY: Cobden

Cedar Ridge Whitetails, LLC

Trophy whitetail hunts in scenic Southernmost IL. Hunts are offered September 15th through December. The farm consists of mature timber, pine and cedar thickets, thick draws and open area food plots. All hunts are with an experienced guide.

CITY: Karnak

Country Schemes Bed and Breakfast

Relax in a peaceful country setting, take a nature hike, fish and enjoy friendly country hospitality.

CITY: Vienna

Super 8 Motel - Anna

Opened in 2001. Includes 43 rooms, indoor pool, fitness center and a complimentary breakfast.

CITY: Anna

StarView Vineyards

On the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, StarView offers estate grown and bottled wines. Sit on the deck, or indoors by the fireplace and enjoy views of the vineyards, ponds, and the expansive Southern Illinois hills. Works by local artists cover the walls, and sandwiches and salads are severed.

CITY: Cobden

Alto Guest House

2 bedroom cottage rental in Alto Pass, IL.

CITY: Alto Pass

Cache River Basin Vineyard and Winery

The winery is known for its white wine made from grapes grown in Southern Illinois. The winery and vineyard are located in a scenic setting just south of the Heron Pond turn-off.

CITY: Belknap

Union County Musuem

General museum featuring local history, Kirkpatrick Pottery, Native American artifacts, pioneer items and other unique collections.

CITY: Cobden

Midland Hills Golf Course

Among the abundant hills and lakes of Southern Illinois, you will find one of the most scenic, oldest and one of the most challenging course in the area. Come out and enjoy the fun.

CITY: Makanda

Jumbo Char-N-Grill

Plate lunches, seafood, steaks, sandwiches and buffet.

CITY: Vienna

Illinois Iron Furnace

Step back to Civil War days when "pig iron" was smelted at this, the first coal-fired iron furnace in Illinois, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored structure is in a beautiful park with fishing, hiking, and picnicking available.

CITY: Vienna