Discover Makanda Inn & Cottages
An eco-friendly retreat in Southern Illinois utilizing green building practices on 18 wooded acres, literally right across the street from Giant City State Park. The tranquility you will experience here rivals locations far more remote. The sounds of nature, rarely interrupted, change with the seasons, from the near silence in winter to the symphony of creatures celebrating the warmth of summer. The birds abound and the rabbits come out on the lawn at dusk to play and snack on the grass. Off the beaten path in an area that is virtually undiscovered. If you’ve never experienced Southern Illinois or have been here many times, it will leave a lasting impression that is quite unexpected, longing to return. It is truly a hidden gem in the heart of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and Shawnee National Forest. So take the road less traveled and stay with us for an experience you will never forget.
THE INN
A bed and breakfast with a twist. Gracefully appointed suites with high quality linens and king-size pillow top mattresses provide a peaceful night’s sleep. Sumptuous breakfast to start your day. The twist: all in a building made out of straw. Yes, all the exterior walls above grade are made out of bales of straw. The straw walls have incredible sound proofing and insulation which combine to enhance your sleep and save energy. The combination of natural building methods and high efficiency climate control lets you keep your room at the temperature you like best.
COTTAGES IN THE WOODS
We have three unique, comfortable, romantic, and relaxing cottages available for rental! All are equipped with the same quality king-size beds as the inn. They incorporate natural building methods while providing exquisite interior design and the atmosphere you would expect in such a beautiful wooded setting. 
Each is cozy and charming and offers quiet luxury in the heart of the Shawnee Forest.
WEST END COTTAGE
Our premier 900-square foot, two-bedroom, two-bath cottage. West End Cottage is a single level with two spacious bedrooms and bathrooms. The bedrooms only exterior light is through the Grolsch bottles that are built into the strawbale-earthen plaster wall, providing a superb sleeping environment. The living space has a comfortable seating area, dining table for four, and full-sized kitchen. It also has a wall of west-facing windows that provides a beautiful wooded view and plenty of natural lighting. Built into the ground with an earthen garden roof you can actually walk on. This cottage offers the most privacy of all the accommodations on the property and is the perfect getaway for one or two couples. Don’t overlook this cottage, it is our favorite!
