When asked about what sets Makanda apart from other towns in Illinois, its residents consistently mention its stunning beauty, picturesque scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and distinctive character as some of its most valuable assets.
Walk down the village’s historic boardwalk and enjoy a showcase of public artworks and heritage façades. You’ll find Makanda to be a charming village with beautiful late-19th-century architecture and a vibrant local arts scene. There are a number of unique shops and local businesses to discover, some of which are located in beautiful stores dating back to 1897. Take in some of Makanda’s natural beauty while exploring Giant City State Park. This picturesque wood is home to both heritage and natural landmarks. Visitors can climb a historic water tower and enjoy panoramic views or hike around imposing stone formations.
From history and shopping hubs to natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Makanda has it all. Explore some of the best attractions in Makanda in the list below, and plan a trip to remember.
The 11 Most Popular Things To Do In Makanda, Illinois
11. Jeremy “Boo” Rochman Memorial Park
4.9 (513 reviews)
Credit: Matt Humpolick, Google Maps
Location: 31 Homewood Dr Carbondale IL
Tel: 618 549 8221
Web Address: http://atlasobscura.com/places/jeremy-rochman-memorial-park
10. Castle Park
4.9 (988 reviews)
Credit: Tina Richardson, Google Maps
Location: 101 Homewood Dr #99 Carbondale IL
Web Address: https://m.facebook.com/pg/boocastlepark/posts/
9. Red Cedar Trail
4.7 (35 reviews)
Credit: Emily Veach, Google Maps
Location: 248 842 Giant City Road Makanda IL
8. Cedar Lake
4.7 (47 reviews)
Credit: Upesh Nepal, Google Maps
7. Trillium Trail
4.8 (105 reviews)
Credit: alex bonick, Google Maps
Location: 2478 2512 Streetonefort Road Makanda IL
Web Address: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Documents/GiantCityTrilliumTrail.pdf
6. Little Grassy Lake
4.7 (106 reviews)
Credit: Danny Homan, Google Maps
5. Stonefort Nature Trail
4.6 (107 reviews)
Location: 2368 2380 Streetonefort Road Makanda IL
Web Address: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Documents/GiantCityStoneFortTrail.pdf
4. Owl Creek Vineyard
4.1 (119 reviews)
Credit: Humble Hawk, Google Maps
Location: 1600 Cobden School Road Cobden IL
Tel: 618 893 2557
Web Address: http://owlcreekvineyard.com/
3. Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail
4.8 (150 reviews)
Credit: Jakob Ruffner, Google Maps
Location: Makanda IL
Web Address: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Documents/GiantCityDevilsStandtableTrail.pdf
2. Giant City Nature Trail
4.9 (251 reviews)
Credit: Tyler Neu, License, Flickr
Location: Cobden IL
Web Address: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Documents/GiantCitynaturetrail.pdf
1. Giant City State Park
4.8 (2,221 reviews)
Credit: Dazspell, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 235 Giant City Road Makanda IL
Tel: 618 457 4836
Web Address: http://dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/GiantCity.aspx
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Makanda, Illinois! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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