Welcome to Makanda, IL – a hidden gem in Southern Illinois just minutes from Shawnee National Forest. 🛤️🌲 This funky little Makanda boardwalk is full of local art shops, crystals, handmade jewelry, vintage treasures, and good vibes only. ✌️ If you’re road-tripping through Illinois or visiting the Shawnee Bluffs, Giant City State Park, or Garden of the Gods, this is a must-see bucket list stop! #mustvisit #placestovisit #thingstodo #hiddengem #roadtrip
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Welcome to Makanda, IL – a hidden gem in Southern Illinois just minutes from Shawnee National Forest. 🛤️🌲 This funky little Makanda boardwalk is full of local art shops, crystals, handmade jewelry, vintage treasures, and good vibes only. ✌️ If you’re road-tripping through Illinois or visiting the Shawnee Bluffs, Giant City State Park, or Garden of the Gods, this is a must-see bucket list stop! #mustvisit #placestovisit #thingstodo #hiddengem #roadtrip
127.2K viewsSep 2, 2025
TikTokthe_roamsteaders
Need something to do on a chilly winter day? Take a stroll down the historic Makanda Boardwalk and discover unique artisan shops, local crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts! | Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
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Need something to do on a chilly winter day? Take a stroll down the historic Makanda Boardwalk and discover unique artisan shops, local crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts! | Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
42.6K viewsFeb 6, 2025
FacebookSouthernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
The magic of Makanda 🪄 | Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
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The magic of Makanda 🪄 | Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
3.1K viewsNov 1, 2023
FacebookSouthernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
“The hippiest town in Illinois” is just 5 hours south of Chicago. Makanda, Illinois is a tiny, queer-friendly artsy town tucked beside Shawnee National Forest filled with crystal shops, local art and even a lesbian fortune teller. 💫 📍Save this for your next Southern Illinois road trip. #enjoyillinois #midwesttravel #southernillinois #lgbtqtravelers #transtravel | Explore With Chase
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“The hippiest town in Illinois” is just 5 hours south of Chicago. Makanda, Illinois is a tiny, queer-friendly artsy town tucked beside Shawnee National Forest filled with crystal shops, local art and even a lesbian fortune teller. 💫 📍Save this for your next Southern Illinois road trip. #enjoyillinois #midwesttravel #southernillinois #lgbtqtravelers #transtravel | Explore With Chase
123.2K viewsAug 27, 2025
FacebookExplore With Chase
I can’t believe this place is right here in Illinois… and open to the public for free! 📍Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail, Makanda, IL Tucked deep inside Giant City State Park, Devil’s Standtable is one of those formations that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. Towering sandstone columns, mossy cliffs, and forest all around — it’s one of the most unique natural landmarks in southern Illinois. ✨Here’s what you should know before visiting: ��• Trail Length – about 0.25 miles, short and easy lo
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I can’t believe this place is right here in Illinois… and open to the public for free! 📍Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail, Makanda, IL Tucked deep inside Giant City State Park, Devil’s Standtable is one of those formations that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. Towering sandstone columns, mossy cliffs, and forest all around — it’s one of the most unique natural landmarks in southern Illinois. ✨Here’s what you should know before visiting: ��• Trail Length – about 0.25 miles, short and easy lo
30.6K views1 year ago
FacebookCouple of Patels
Discover Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois
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Discover Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois
Mar 28, 2023
TikTokthe.cosmos.car
2026 Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois - Touch of Nature in Makanda
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2026 Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois - Touch of Nature in Makanda
135 views6 months ago
YouTubeSIUFoundation1942
Explore Southern Illinois Outdoors at Giant City State Park
Sep 22, 2024
thesouthern.com
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✨ One of the most unique outdoor experiences in the Midwest — flying through the treetops of Shawnee National Forest! 📍 Location: Near Makanda, Illinois (minutes from Giant City State Park) ⏰ Duration: ~3 hours (guided beginner-friendly) 💸 Cost: $98 per person — includes digital photo downloads 🌲 What’s Included: • 8 zip lines • 3 suspension bridges • 3 short hikes through scenic forest trails • Bluff-top views that will change how you see Illinois 🍁 Best Time to Visit: Fall — the canopy col
112.8K viewsOct 9, 2025
FacebookCouple of Patels
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Think Illinois is all cornfields? Think again. One of the most unique outdoor experiences in the Midwest — flying through the treetops of Shawnee National Forest! 📍 Location: Near Makanda, Illinois (minutes from Giant City State Park) ⏰ Duration: ~3 hours (guided beginner-friendly) 💸 Cost: $98 per person — includes digital photo downloads 🌲 What’s Included: • 8 zip lines • 3 suspension bridges • 3 short hikes through scenic forest trails • Bluff-top views that will change how you see Illinois
208.4K views8 months ago
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It’s so beautiful here.. Have you been to Giant City in Southern Illinois? #CapCut #giantcitystatepark #southernillinois #makanda #roadtrip #hikingadventures #hiking #hikingtiktok #beautiful
604 viewsJul 9, 2025
TikTokvonnie.lynn
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Welcome to your next Southern Illinois gay getaway 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🐕✨ #airbnbpartner @airbnb This cozy @Airbnb cabin in Makanda sits on a 52-acre farm near Shawnee National Forest, just five hours south of Chicago. Tucked right outside town, Makanda is often called the “hippiest town in Illinois” and is the perfect queer-friendly weekend getaway for hiking, exploring nature, and fully unplugging. The cabin has no WiFi, a full kitchen, and a fire pit for late-night s’mores, plus total seclusion that
73.2K viewsOct 3, 2025
FacebookExplore With Chase
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A perfect weekend trip for the whole family: don't miss these spots and attractions in Southern Illinois! 😍 To Explore: 📍Giant City State Park 📍Garden of the Gods 📍Blue Sky Vineyard 📍Boo Castle Park 📍Cache River Wetlands To Stay: 📍Giant City Lodge & Cabins To Eat: 📍Makanda Boardwalk 📍Garden of the Gods Outpost #EnjoyIllinois #MiddleofEverything #SpringinIllinois Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau 🎥: @everydayoutdoorfamily, Instagram | Enjoy Illinois
8K viewsApr 27, 2024
FacebookEnjoy Illinois
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🥾 St. Louis buckletlist hikes! ⬇️ ⠀ There are so many great trails within 2 hours of St. Louis. Here is Part 2 of my series of must-do hikes! (Check my reels for Part 1) 💾 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵! ⠀ 📍Hickory Canyons: Farmington, MO 🥾Wet weather waterfalls and box canyons are along two short trails at this natural area. ⠀ 📍Don Robinson State Park: Cedar Hill, MO 🥾 Rugged beauty and wet weather waterfalls await explorers at this great state park. ⠀ 📍Castor River Shut-ins: Fredericktown,
4.4K viewsMar 5, 2023
FacebookMidwest Nomad Family
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Sara Lesire | Family Travel & Adventure | Midwest & More on Instagram: "🌿 How amazing is this Illinois park? We never get tired of hiking at 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸. This state park in southern Illinois is one of the best and the most kid-friendly in the Midwest. Most of the trails are short and filled with fun rock formations to delight all ages. ➡️ Before you read the details be sure to follow @midwestnomadfamily for more unique adventures! ⠀ 🌿THINGS TO DO 🌿 🥾Hike miles of
134.2K viewsSep 19, 2025
Instagrammidwestnomadfamily
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Sara Lesire | Family Travel & Adventure | Midwest & More on Instagram: "🥾 St. Louis buckletlist hikes! ⬇️ ⠀ There are so many great trails within 2 hours of St. Louis. Here is Part 2 of my series of must-do hikes! (Check my reels for Part 1) 💾 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵! ⠀ 📍Hickory Canyons: Farmington, MO 🥾Wet weather waterfalls and box canyons are along two short trails at this na
77.1K viewsMar 5, 2023
Instagrammidwestnomadfamily
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🍁 Book your fall escape now! If you are looking for a cozy and unique Illinois stay, plan a couples, friends, or family getaway to one of these great lodging spots. 🌿 Shawnee Hills Glamping 📍Simpson, Illinois Stay in a unique and cozy glamping dome with all the modern comforts with @shawnee_hills_glamping This is the perfect couples spot with the amazing dome views, hot tub, and luxury touches (Sleeps 2) 🥾 Be sure to visit nearby Bell Smith Springs, Tunnel a hill Trail, or Jackson Falls (if
94.7K viewsSep 11, 2025
FacebookMidwest Nomad Family
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Fat Man Squeeze" is a geological feature, specifically a narrow passage, located in the Giant City State Park near Makanda, Illinois, which is about 10 miles south of Carbondale. It's part of the Giant City Nature Trail and is known for its unique rock formations. To reach it, take RIM ROCK LOWER TR ACCESS, within Giant City State Park, specifically on the Giant City Nature Trail. #destination #hike #familygoals #homeschool #family #homeschooladventures #rocks | Nate Wallick
5K viewsAug 20, 2025
FacebookNate Wallick
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I Was Stuck My Brother. I Was Really Thinking of What To Do | The Makanda Foundation
19.4K viewsFeb 27, 2023
FacebookThe Makanda Foundation
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🥾 Read on for trail details ⬇️ ⠀ There are so many amazing trails within a couple hours of St. Louis. Here are 10 trails we head to over and over! 💾 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘴! ⠀ 📍Salt Lick Point: Valmeyer, IL 🥾 Climb the Salt Lick trail to blufftop views, explore a creek on the Newman trail, or check out wildflowers on the lower Johnson Trail ⠀ 📍Taum Sauk Mountain: Middle Brook, MO 🥾 See Missouri's tallest point and waterfall on the rugged 3 mile Mi
6.2K viewsFeb 23, 2023
FacebookMidwest Nomad Family
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Just a glimpse of what we brought in Makanda The Black Power Station ✨✨✨🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥For the love of the Arts🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ | Driemanskap
3.4K viewsJan 4, 2024
FacebookDriemanskap
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This is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Midwest! [ad] ✨SAVE this for your next trip! Don’t miss these great spots: ⬇️ To Explore: 📍Giant City State Park: We hiked the Giant City Nature Trail and the Devil’s Standtable trails. They were each incredible with rocks to climb between and caves. 📍Garden of the Gods: This spot in Shawnee National Forest is breathtaking. We hiked the Overlook Trail and my kids had so much fun exploring the rocks. 📍Blue Sky Vineyard on the Shawnee Wine T
1.4K viewsMar 26, 2025
FacebookEveryday Outdoor Family
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From Kindness to Discovery: Giving a Ride to a Roadside Stranger on a Mountain Mission 🤯🙏 What I Saw Shocked Me! She trekked from Migori to Kisumu, on foot... | The Makanda Foundation
10.4K viewsAug 28, 2025
FacebookThe Makanda Foundation
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💦 How amazing are these falls? April showers bring waterfalls! While most waterfalls around St. Louis only flow after a good rain, if you can catch these flowing you are in for a treat. 🔹Hickory Canyons 📍Ste. Genevieve, MO 🔹Castor River Shut-ins 📍Fredericktown, MO 🔹Mina Sauk Falls 📍Ironton, MO 🔹Pickle Springs 📍 Farmington, MK 🔹Johnson's Shut-ins 📍Middlebrook, MO 🔹Ferne Clyffe State Park 📍Goreville, IL 🔹Hawn State Park 📍Ste. Genevieve, MK 🔹Burden Falls 📍 Eddyville, IL 🔹La Barque
182.9K viewsApr 4, 2025
FacebookMidwest Nomad Family
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The annual Vulture Fest is a must for anyone local or visiting Southern Illinois! Think local artisans, live music, and great food, all tucked into one of the most charming corners of the region. Be sure to wander the cute shops along the boardwalk and soak up allllll the community vibes in the Rainmaker’s Garden. 🌿✨ 📍Makanda Boardwalk 📅 October 18–19 🕚 11 AM–7 PM . #makandaillinois #southernillinois #vulturefestival | Do So/ILL
27.3K viewsOct 10, 2025
FacebookDo SoILL
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I Had To Do This To This Humble Brother. #makandafoundation #TheMessenger #GivingFirst to partner with us: email makandafoundation1@gmail.com Makanda Foundation | The Makanda Foundation
44K viewsJun 3, 2023
FacebookThe Makanda Foundation
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Just do good, challenges are everywhere! | The Makanda Foundation
36.6K viewsJun 9, 2023
FacebookThe Makanda Foundation
Makanda Water Tower
Dec 12, 2014
thesouthern.com
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It’s National Parks Week, so share this with your bougie outdoorsy mamas. We are blessed with so many incredible national parks in the USA. AND we’ve been further blessed with a million ways to enjoy them. I’m here to say - it’s okay if you’re not into camping or hiking. You can still enjoy the National Parks & a beautiful, immersive experience in total comfort. Even if you lean towards bougie travel. My family is VERY outdoorsy but we’re not very campy. Nor SUPER hikers. But we do love cabins &
726 viewsApr 22, 2024
FacebookFamily Travel Nomads
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Sure, you already knew Chicago was awesome. But did you know how amazing the rest of Illinois was, too? 5 mind blowing state parks you won’t believe are in Illinois 🪨 Giant City State Park, Makanda 🏞️ Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby 🌿 Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville 🧭 Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby 🥾 Cave-In-Rock State Park, Cave-In-Rock Which ones are you exploring in 2025? | Kristen | Family Adventure Travel | Midwest & Beyond
967 viewsFeb 24, 2025
FacebookKristen | Family Adventure Travel | Midwest & Beyond
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