An Enchanted Romantic Cabin in Southern Illinois

The French Creole Cabin is an enchanted romantic retreat in Southern Illinois, designed for couples seeking intimacy, elegance, and old-world charm. With European-inspired design and thoughtful details throughout, this luxury cabin feels timeless and intentionally created for connection.

Set within the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, and just a short walk from a premier winery on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Blue Sky Vineyard, the French Creole Cabin balances privacy with unforgettable experiences, perfect for couples celebrating something special.

The Experience

This cabin is about romance and togetherness. Soft lighting, refined textures, and a calm, intimate setting create an atmosphere where conversation lingers and time slows. It’s an ideal romantic getaway in Southern Illinois for anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals, or quiet weekends away.

Bedroom with vaulted ceilings, fan, king size hand crafted four post bed, red and cream decor.
Cabin with blue French shutters and Christmas wreath surrounded by a snowy landscape.

Uniquely built Private Hot Tub Pavilion

Design & Atmosphere

Inspired by European and French Creole influences, the design blends elegance with comfort. Thoughtful architectural details and curated décor create an enchanted environment that feels romantic, personal, and effortlessly luxurious.

Inside the Cabin

Inside, the cabin offers a comfortable and intimate layout designed for couples. Every element—from furnishings to lighting—supports relaxation, connection, and a sense of quiet indulgence.

The French Cabin offers the perfect mix of charm, privacy, and luxury. And with the same nightly rate as our other cabins, it’s a value that’s hard to beat. Oui?!

Cozy. Romantic. Unforgettable.

Pet-Friendly Cabin!

Inside the Cabin

Inside, the cabin offers a comfortable and intimate layout designed for couples. Every element, from furnishings to lighting, supports relaxation, connection, and a sense of quiet indulgence.

Outside the Cabin

Enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces surrounded by forest. Whether soaking in the hot tub, sipping wine, or stargazing, the setting extends the romantic atmosphere beyond the cabin walls.

Location: Forest & Wine Trail

Located in Southern Illinois, the French Creole Cabin sits within the Shawnee National Forest and within walking distance of one of the premier wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which makes it an ideal setting for a romantic cabin getaway in Illinois.

Book Your Stay

If you’re looking for an enchanted romantic cabin in Southern Illinois, the French Creole Cabin offers a setting designed for unforgettable moments together.

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Drone view of the French Creole Cabin showing lush landscaping and surrounded by the forest.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets and wood floors.

Features & Amenities

  • Inside the Cabin

    • Plush-top king-size bed with Tempur-Pedic pillows

    • Two full bathrooms for added comfort

    • Cozy cast iron gas fireplace alcove (Oct 1–May 10)

    • Satellite TV + Blu-ray DVD player

    • High-efficiency air conditioning and heat

    • Washer and dryer

    Kitchen & Dining

    • Fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops and butcher block peninsula

    • Whole bean gourmet coffee with grinder & Keurig Duo

    • Tea kettle and tea selection

    • Basic spice rack + olive oil

    Comfort & Linens

    • High-end towels and linens

    • Egyptian/Turkish cotton hooded robes (seasonal weights)

    Outdoor & Views

    • Private outdoor hot tub under a covered pavilion

    • Private deck with seating

    • Brick outdoor fire pit

    • Weber charcoal BBQ grill

    • Spectacular forest and vineyard views

    Location Perks

    • Walking distance to the premier Blue Sky Vineyard on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

    • Secluded setting in the Shawnee National Forest

Booking Information

Minimum Stay

  • Two-night minimum required

  • Friday & Saturday stays must be booked together

  • No Saturday check-ins

Check-In / Check-Out

  • Check-in: 3:30 pm

  • Check-out: 10:30 am

Special Policies

  • April–December: three-night minimums on select weekends including Friday & Saturday

  • Contact us if you have questions about children in the cabin. We are usually happy to work with you.

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A man and woman standing on the porch of their home.
A table with two wine glasses and a bottle of wine on it.

Rates

Sunday – Thursday

  • $209 per night + 11% lodging tax

Friday & Saturday

  • $269 per night + 11% lodging tax

Seven-Night Package

  • $1,266 plus tax (average savings of ~$45/night)

Holiday Rates

  • Same as weekend rates

Payment Info

  • 50% due at booking

  • Balance charged 46 days before arrival

  • Accepted credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express. *2.9% processing fee automatically applied.

    *Prices and minimum stays subject to change.

Access to your cabin will come in a check-in email about two to three weeks before your arrival.

By reserving one of our cabins, you agree to and abide by the terms and conditions of our rental and cancellation agreement. (We highly recommend cancellation insurance for peace of mind. Insure My Trip is one option.) Prices and minimum stays subject to change.

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Pet Policy

  • Pets are allowed only at The Cove Cabin and the French Creole Cabin

  • Pets are not permitted at The Hollow Cabin (no exceptions)

  • Maximum of two dogs per reservation

Pet Fees

  • $75 for one dog

  • $35 for a second dog

  • Fees apply per stay, regardless of length

Requirements

  • Pets must be disclosed at the time of booking and approved

  • Please include your dog’s breed and name in the Guest Notes

  • Pets must be current on vaccinations and flea/tick prevention

During Your Stay

  • Pets may not be left unattended unless secured in a crate

  • Guests must provide their own crate

For full details, please review the Pets Allowed section of our rental agreement.

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German Shepher at pet friendly cabin The French Creole in The Shawnee Forest

Photo Gallery

A porch with flowers and plants on the side of it.
Beautiful girl in serene setting looking out at the fall foliage of the Shawnee Forest from the Creole Cabin
A view of the sunset from inside a hot tub.
A person is pouring something into another person 's hand.
A table and chairs on the porch of a house.
A man and woman preparing food in the kitchen.
A fireplace with fire burning in it.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets and wood floors.
A house with flowers growing in the yard.
A man holding two glasses of wine in his hands.
A bathroom with a shower and a walk in tub.
A living room with two chairs and a table
A porch with a view of the grass and trees.
A room with a table and chairs in it
A bedroom with two beds and a canopy.
A person standing in the middle of a field.
A clock sitting on top of a vase.
Two women standing on a porch with trees in the background.
A wooden deck with blue planters and a gazebo.
A light hanging on the side of a door.
A ceiling with beams and lights in the middle of it
A house with snow on the ground and bushes in front of it.
A table with two wine glasses and a bottle of wine on it.
A living room with a table and chairs, christmas tree.
A table with two wine glasses and a bottle of wine on it.
A candle lit on top of a wooden table.
A living room with a fireplace and a couch
A fire pit in the middle of a yard.
A woman and boy sitting on the couch in a room.
Front porch of the French Creole Cabin showing hand crafted hurricane shutters and flower boxes.

Reduced Rate Packages for a Longer, Relaxing, Vacation Getaway Seven Night Discount

$1266 - saving you an average of $45/per night*

Stay seven days which automatically includes a coveted weekend!  This seven day package can be booked online. Rates will update when booking the reservation.

*plus 11% tax rate.

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