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SHAWNEE HILLS ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Plan a getaway as active or as relaxed as you wish. The Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois offers a wide variety of experiences for all ages and backgrounds.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Sample amazing wines from 12 wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. With 30 years of experience in providing guests with fine wines and good times, you simply can't go wrong.
Giant City State Park
Located just minutes from Shawnee Hills Hideaway, Giant City State Park is one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in southern Illinois and a must-visit stop for anyone exploring the Shawnee National Forest. Known for its massive sandstone bluffs that resemble towering “city streets,” the park offers incredible scenery, hiking trails, and outdoor adventure year-round.
The park’s most popular hike is the Giant City Nature Trail, where visitors walk between towering rock walls, narrow passages, and dramatic formations created millions of years ago. The trail is perfect for families, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the natural beauty that makes southern Illinois so unique.
In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, and scenic picnic areas. The park is also home to the historic Giant City Lodge, famous for its delicious fried chicken dinners.
Whether you're hiking among the sandstone bluffs, spotting wildlife along the trails, or simply enjoying the peaceful forest scenery, Giant City State Park offers one of the best outdoor experiences in southern Illinois. Featuring 7 trails with varying levels of difficulty, you're only a 5 minute drive from outdoor adventure when you stay at Shawnee Hills Hideaway.
The park’s most popular hike is the Giant City Nature Trail, where visitors walk between towering rock walls, narrow passages, and dramatic formations created millions of years ago. The trail is perfect for families, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the natural beauty that makes southern Illinois so unique.
In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, and scenic picnic areas. The park is also home to the historic Giant City Lodge, famous for its delicious fried chicken dinners.
Whether you're hiking among the sandstone bluffs, spotting wildlife along the trails, or simply enjoying the peaceful forest scenery, Giant City State Park offers one of the best outdoor experiences in southern Illinois. Featuring 7 trails with varying levels of difficulty, you're only a 5 minute drive from outdoor adventure when you stay at Shawnee Hills Hideaway.
Cedar Lake
This 1,750-acre reservoir in Southern Illinois was created in 1974 by damming Cedar Creek and offers opportunites for fishing, kayaking, swimming and more.
SIUC Touch of Nature Mountain Bike Trail
Just 12 minutes from Shawnee Hills Hideaway, the Touch of Nature Mountain Bike Trails offer some of the best mountain biking in southern Illinois. Located within the Shawnee National Forest region near Giant City State Park, this trail system attracts riders from across the Midwest.
The trail network features miles of well-maintained singletrack designed for a variety of skill levels, from beginner-friendly routes to more technical terrain for experienced riders. Surrounded by forest scenery, rolling hills, and beautiful natural landscapes, the trails provide an exciting outdoor adventure for cyclists.
In addition to mountain biking, the area also offers hiking, kayaking, and outdoor education programs, making it a great destination for outdoor recreation.
For guests staying at Shawnee Hills Hideaway, these trails provide the perfect opportunity to combine wine trail relaxation with outdoor adventure during your southern Illinois getaway.
The trail network features miles of well-maintained singletrack designed for a variety of skill levels, from beginner-friendly routes to more technical terrain for experienced riders. Surrounded by forest scenery, rolling hills, and beautiful natural landscapes, the trails provide an exciting outdoor adventure for cyclists.
In addition to mountain biking, the area also offers hiking, kayaking, and outdoor education programs, making it a great destination for outdoor recreation.
For guests staying at Shawnee Hills Hideaway, these trails provide the perfect opportunity to combine wine trail relaxation with outdoor adventure during your southern Illinois getaway.
Havisham Bourbon Bar
This 1800's Flour Mill has been transformed into a fantastic bourbon bar with vintage charm and tasty drinks. Don't miss out on a chance to enjoy this incredible experience during our visit. Just 20 minutes from the Hideaway.
Makanda Boardwalk
Step back in time with a visit to the historic Makanda Boardwalk, a charming destination that dates back to the 1890s and is located just 7 minutes from Shawnee Hills Hideaway. Tucked into the scenic village of Makanda near Giant City State Park, the boardwalk is filled with unique galleries, artisan shops, and locally crafted treasures created by talented southern Illinois artists.
Visitors can browse handmade jewelry, pottery, artwork, and specialty gifts while enjoying the relaxed, creative spirit that makes Makanda such a special stop in the Shawnee Hills region. Be sure to stop by the country store for a scoop of ice cream or a sweet treat, then take a peaceful walk through the beautiful Rainmaker’s Garden, a hidden gem filled with flowers, sculptures, and quiet corners to relax.
Whether you're exploring local art, finding a one-of-a-kind souvenir, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, the Makanda Boardwalk is a must-visit stop during your southern Illinois getaway.
Visitors can browse handmade jewelry, pottery, artwork, and specialty gifts while enjoying the relaxed, creative spirit that makes Makanda such a special stop in the Shawnee Hills region. Be sure to stop by the country store for a scoop of ice cream or a sweet treat, then take a peaceful walk through the beautiful Rainmaker’s Garden, a hidden gem filled with flowers, sculptures, and quiet corners to relax.
Whether you're exploring local art, finding a one-of-a-kind souvenir, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, the Makanda Boardwalk is a must-visit stop during your southern Illinois getaway.
Giant City Lodge - Minutes from Shawnee Hills Hideaway
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 30's and finished in 1942, Giant City Lodge is known for their family style chicken dinners featuring fried chicken, green beans, chicken & dumplings and all the best fixins. They offer a variety of other foods as well but this southern style dinner is the most popular. The Lodge's season is the first Friday of February through mid December. Only 3.6 miles from the Hideaway.
The Iron Whisk
Enjoy classic fare with an iron flare. The Iron Whisk is a MUST try during your visit. Using local, seasonal ingredients, their ever-changing breakfast/brunch menu will ensure you start your day on the right foot. Check out their famous bloody mary or seasonal drink menu while you're there. **Be sure to bring cash as they do not accept cards.** Just 12 minutes or 6.6 miles from the Hideaway.
Honey Heist Mead Co.
The Honey Heist Mead Co is a small farm-style meadery amidst the scenic Shawnee National Forest in the heart of Southern Illinois and located just 12 minutes from your suite. They specialize in mead made with fruit and spice common to the region.
Rendleman Orchards
From peaches and apples to smoothies and ciders and flower fields and pumpkin patches, you're sure to enjoy your experience at this local farm market.
Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour
Soar through the canopy of the Shawnee National Forest and fulfill your sense of adventure. This eco-friendly tour consists of aerial suspension bridges and eight ziplines.
Bald Knob Cross of Peace
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. While 16 miles away from your Wine Country Suite, enjoy a leisurely walk or one mile drive to the top of our hill and you'll have an amazing view of the cross over Flamm Orchards apple trees.
Buckwater Brew Works & Whiskey House
This unique gastro pub features a variety of made-in-house brews and over 300 whiskeys. Its a great place to finish your afternoon of adventure.
The Green Mug Coffee Shop
The Green Mug is a cozy coffee shop in Cobden, Illinois, serving quality coffee, handcrafted drinks, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. It's the perfect morning stop while exploring southern Illinois and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Flamm Orchards
Flamm Orchards is a beloved, family-owned orchard located in Cobden, Illinois, offering one of the most authentic southern Illinois agritourism experiences in the Shawnee Hills region. Known for its seasonal fruit picking, fresh local produce, apple cider, and fall traditions, Flamm Orchards is a must-visit stop for guests exploring the area.
During peak seasons, the orchard becomes a favorite destination for apples, pumpkins, fresh cider, and seasonal baked goodies, making it ideal for couples, friends, and weekend travelers alike. We highly recommend the peach cobbler and fresh strawberry razzles. Delicious!
A visit to Flamm Orchards pairs perfectly with a stay at Shawnee Hills Hideaway, offering guests a chance to experience local flavors, support a longtime Cobden business, and enjoy a slower pace of travel just minutes from the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, hiking, and scenic drives.
During peak seasons, the orchard becomes a favorite destination for apples, pumpkins, fresh cider, and seasonal baked goodies, making it ideal for couples, friends, and weekend travelers alike. We highly recommend the peach cobbler and fresh strawberry razzles. Delicious!
A visit to Flamm Orchards pairs perfectly with a stay at Shawnee Hills Hideaway, offering guests a chance to experience local flavors, support a longtime Cobden business, and enjoy a slower pace of travel just minutes from the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, hiking, and scenic drives.
Annabelle Market
Annabelle Market is a stylish boutique shopping destination in Anna, Illinois, offering a thoughtfully curated collection of home décor, gifts, apparel, accessories, and unique local finds, making it a favorite stop for visitors exploring southern Illinois.
Guests staying at Shawnee Hills Hideaway enjoy visiting Annabelle Market to browse for one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal décor, and southern Illinois-inspired items that make perfect keepsakes or souvenirs from their wine country getaway. The boutique’s welcoming atmosphere and carefully selected merchandise make it an easy and enjoyable stop while exploring the Shawnee Hills region.
A visit to Annabelle Market adds a relaxed shopping experience to your stay; perfect for a girls’ getaway, couples’ weekend, or leisurely afternoon between winery visits, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures in Southern Illinois.
Guests staying at Shawnee Hills Hideaway enjoy visiting Annabelle Market to browse for one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal décor, and southern Illinois-inspired items that make perfect keepsakes or souvenirs from their wine country getaway. The boutique’s welcoming atmosphere and carefully selected merchandise make it an easy and enjoyable stop while exploring the Shawnee Hills region.
A visit to Annabelle Market adds a relaxed shopping experience to your stay; perfect for a girls’ getaway, couples’ weekend, or leisurely afternoon between winery visits, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures in Southern Illinois.
Flame Bar & Grill
Flame Bar & Grill is a popular local restaurant in Carbondale, Illinois, known for its bold flavors, casual atmosphere, and crowd-pleasing menu—making it a favorite dining stop for visitors exploring Southern Illinois.
Guests staying at Shawnee Hills Hideaway enjoy Flame Bar & Grill as an easy, relaxed option after a day spent on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, hiking in Shawnee National Forest, or attending events at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The laid-back vibe, generous portions, and familiar comfort-food favorites make it a great place to unwind without the formality of fine dining.
Its convenient location in Carbondale makes Flame Bar & Grill ideal for weekend getaways, couples’ trips, and friends traveling together, offering a satisfying local dining experience just a short drive from your peaceful retreat in the Shawnee Hills.
Guests staying at Shawnee Hills Hideaway enjoy Flame Bar & Grill as an easy, relaxed option after a day spent on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, hiking in Shawnee National Forest, or attending events at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The laid-back vibe, generous portions, and familiar comfort-food favorites make it a great place to unwind without the formality of fine dining.
Its convenient location in Carbondale makes Flame Bar & Grill ideal for weekend getaways, couples’ trips, and friends traveling together, offering a satisfying local dining experience just a short drive from your peaceful retreat in the Shawnee Hills.
Farmstead Market
Farmstead Market is a beloved specialty market in Anna, Illinois, known for its fresh-baked goods, local treats, and small-town charm—making it a favorite stop for visitors stocking up during their stay in Southern Illinois.
Guests staying at Shawnee Hills Hideaway love visiting Farmstead Market to pick up warm, made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls, fresh loaves of bread, and a tempting selection of chocolates and candies—perfect for slow mornings, cozy evenings, or a sweet treat after a day exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. It’s an easy way to bring local flavor back to your suite and make your getaway feel even more special.
Whether you’re planning breakfast on the patio, a wine-and-dessert night in, or simply want to sample local favorites, Farmstead Market adds a delicious layer to your stay. Conveniently located in Anna, it’s a must-visit stop for travelers who enjoy supporting local businesses and savoring the simple pleasures that make a Southern Illinois getaway memorable.
Guests staying at Shawnee Hills Hideaway love visiting Farmstead Market to pick up warm, made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls, fresh loaves of bread, and a tempting selection of chocolates and candies—perfect for slow mornings, cozy evenings, or a sweet treat after a day exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. It’s an easy way to bring local flavor back to your suite and make your getaway feel even more special.
Whether you’re planning breakfast on the patio, a wine-and-dessert night in, or simply want to sample local favorites, Farmstead Market adds a delicious layer to your stay. Conveniently located in Anna, it’s a must-visit stop for travelers who enjoy supporting local businesses and savoring the simple pleasures that make a Southern Illinois getaway memorable.
Panther's Den Wilderness Area
For those looking to explore one of the most wild and rugged areas of the Shawnee National Forest, Panther’s Den Wilderness offers a truly unique hiking experience. Located about 25 minutes from Shawnee Hills Hideaway, this remote wilderness area features massive sandstone cliffs, narrow rock passages, and quiet forest trails.
The Panther Den Loop Trail takes hikers through a maze of rock formations and towering bluffs that create a dramatic and almost mystical landscape. Along the way, visitors may spot wildlife, enjoy peaceful forest scenery, and discover some of the most unique rock formations in southern Illinois.
Because it remains relatively undeveloped, Panther’s Den is perfect for visitors looking for a more secluded hiking experience away from crowds.
If you love exploring hidden natural gems, Panther’s Den Wilderness is one of the most adventurous hikes near Shawnee Hills Hideaway.
Note: The Panther's Den Trailhead is a short 11 minute drive from Blue Sky Vineyard. Swing by to grab a bite and a bottle after your adventure.
The Panther Den Loop Trail takes hikers through a maze of rock formations and towering bluffs that create a dramatic and almost mystical landscape. Along the way, visitors may spot wildlife, enjoy peaceful forest scenery, and discover some of the most unique rock formations in southern Illinois.
Because it remains relatively undeveloped, Panther’s Den is perfect for visitors looking for a more secluded hiking experience away from crowds.
If you love exploring hidden natural gems, Panther’s Den Wilderness is one of the most adventurous hikes near Shawnee Hills Hideaway.
Note: The Panther's Den Trailhead is a short 11 minute drive from Blue Sky Vineyard. Swing by to grab a bite and a bottle after your adventure.
Cache River Wetlands
One of the most unique natural areas in the Midwest, the Cache River Cypress Swamp offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in Illinois. Located about 45 minutes from Shawnee Hills Hideaway, this incredible wetland is home to towering bald cypress and tupelo trees, some of the oldest living trees east of the Rocky Mountains.
Visitors can explore the peaceful wetlands by walking the scenic Cache River Boardwalk Trail, where wooden walkways wind through the swamp and provide a close-up look at this rare ecosystem filled with wildlife, birds, and ancient trees rising from the water.
For an unforgettable experience, consider joining one of the evening kayak paddles on the Cache River. As the sun sets, the swamp becomes even more magical as frogs begin to sing, birds settle into the trees, and paddlers quietly glide through the still water beneath the towering cypress.
Because Shawnee Hills Hideaway is centrally located to many of southern Illinois’ most unique outdoor adventures, it makes the perfect starting point for a day trip to the Cache River before returning to the peaceful comfort of your suite.
The Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center is now open to the public five days a week, Thursday through Monday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Visitors can explore the peaceful wetlands by walking the scenic Cache River Boardwalk Trail, where wooden walkways wind through the swamp and provide a close-up look at this rare ecosystem filled with wildlife, birds, and ancient trees rising from the water.
For an unforgettable experience, consider joining one of the evening kayak paddles on the Cache River. As the sun sets, the swamp becomes even more magical as frogs begin to sing, birds settle into the trees, and paddlers quietly glide through the still water beneath the towering cypress.
Because Shawnee Hills Hideaway is centrally located to many of southern Illinois’ most unique outdoor adventures, it makes the perfect starting point for a day trip to the Cache River before returning to the peaceful comfort of your suite.
The Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center is now open to the public five days a week, Thursday through Monday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pomona Natural Bridge
Just 25 minutes from Shawnee Hills Hideaway, Pomona Natural Bridge is one of the most fascinating natural landmarks in the Shawnee National Forest. This massive sandstone bridge was formed over centuries as water slowly carved its way through the rock, leaving behind a beautiful natural arch that visitors can explore from above and below.
The short hiking trail to the bridge makes this an easy and rewarding stop for visitors of all skill levels. Surrounded by forest and unique rock formations, the area provides a quiet escape into nature and a great opportunity for photography.
Many guests enjoy visiting Pomona Natural Bridge in the morning, then spending the afternoon exploring nearby wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
When you stay at Shawnee Hills Hideaway, you’re perfectly positioned to experience both the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest and the award-winning wineries that make this region so special.
The short hiking trail to the bridge makes this an easy and rewarding stop for visitors of all skill levels. Surrounded by forest and unique rock formations, the area provides a quiet escape into nature and a great opportunity for photography.
Many guests enjoy visiting Pomona Natural Bridge in the morning, then spending the afternoon exploring nearby wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
When you stay at Shawnee Hills Hideaway, you’re perfectly positioned to experience both the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest and the award-winning wineries that make this region so special.
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