Makanda Inn

This was a perfect location for an extended weekend for our “date” weekend. The Makanda Inn is positioned perfectly to explore the area. We visited Von Jakob, Blue Sky, Owl Creek vineyards. We hiked a couple of trails in Giant City. We ate at Fork & Vine (dinner) and Giant City Lodge (breakfast), as well as having breakfast and a special dinner at the Inn. We also shopped at the Makanda Boardwalk and explored the gardens behind the boardwalk. We stayed in the Indigo Cottage and it was very romantic. We enjoyed the patios as well as the privacy of our location. The grounds on the property were relaxing and inviting. We absolutely enjoyed our time here and would love to visit again. Also, Jackie and Kyle were just wonderful and welcoming throughout the entire stay! We recommend purchasing the breakfast and dinner from the Inn! Kyle is an awesome cook and Jackie ensured we were well taken care of during our meal. If we are planning a visit to this area, definitely stay here!

My husband and I travel a lot and this is one of the best places we’ve visited. The vibes are relaxed yet luxurious, and breakfasts amazing. We thought we’d visit once but now can’t wait to come back!

We stayed for a 3 day weekend in August 2022. Everything was perfect. The kitchen in the room was very helpful. We booked the West End cottage for a family of 4 with parents and college age kids (2 separate bedrooms and bathrooms with separate kitchen and living room). So close to Giant City State Park for hiking, as well as other Shawnee Forest locations. We visited Pomona Natural Bridge, Ferne Clyffe state park, tunnel hill trail (brought our bikes with us), Heron Pond, local orchards for peaches, and Bald Knob Cross. My son is very into Dungeons and Dragons game and there in an amazing park in Carbondale with that theming. The kids wanted to see a just released movie, and nearby Carbondale has theaters. We ate breakfast one morning at the inn. (Inn host Kyle is a great cook). We also ate dinner one night at Quattro's Pizza by the SIU campus in Carbondale (very good pizza) and the other night at the dining room at Giant City State Park Lodge--great friend chicken. The Inn hosts Jackie and Kyle were amazing. Very friendly and helpful. Our college age kids were somewhat surprised no WiFi in cottage since most places we stay have it, but they enjoyed going to the main Inn to work on their class homework. It was very comfortable and nice area for studying in the main Inn building. They also enjoyed the ice cream at a shop on the Makanda Boardwalk. We would definitely stay again.

Three words sum up our stay: Exquisite, Exceptional, Excellent! The entries Inn and grounds are gorgeous and very calming. Your stress effortly escapes as you check-in. Jackie and Kyle are gracious and accommodating hosts. The food and service is outstanding! Highly recommended for any time you need to get away and forget all your cares for a little while. Just off the beaten path but well worth the journey!

(Already reviewed on google but wanted to add my two cents to trip advisor as well because our stay way magical!!) My fiancé and I had an amazing weekend getaway to the Makanda Inn. We stayed in the Indigo Cottage and it was a wonderful experience. Such a cute and cozy feel, I genuinely loved how the cottage was decorated. Makanda is pretty far from home but we made the trip out specifically to come here and I’m SO glad we did. Everything from the hospitality of the staff, the soaking tub, the beautiful scenery, the breakfast (definitely add breakfast if you’re staying in the cottage it’s worth it) made our stay incredible. I wouldn’t change a single thing about this unique property and we will 100% be returning in the future!!!

Perfect place to reset mentally and physically from your everyday life!!! The staff go above and beyond and the cottages are absolutely perfect!! They think of everything!!!! Will definitely be back and will definitely refer family and friends!!!!