Upcoming events along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
More Places to Stay
We understand that it is sometimes difficult to get one of our cabins before they book up on the calendar. There is so much to do, all year round, along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, and we do not want you to miss out on the fun. We will be adding to the list as we can.
- Tom Cat Hill Cabins
- Makanda Inn
- Blue Sky Vineyard
- Firefly Valley Lodge
- Alto Wine Loft
- Giant City Lodge Cabins
- Havisham House
- Shawnee Hills Bed and Breakfast
- Windy Hill Acres
The main cabin has been built around an original log cabin. Tom Cat Hill is located on the western side of the wine trail.
Eco-friendly cabins and lodge with bedroom suites.
Our neighbors at Blue Sky Vineyard have two suites above the tasting room. You can easily walk to wine when staying there!
About three miles south of Rocky Comfort Cabins, Firefly is able to handle larger groups.
- Rock Ridge Cabins
- Big Sky Cabins
Big Sky Cabins are able to handle bigger groups.
We will be adding to this list as we can.
Tourism websites
SouthernMost is what our occupancy tax dollars support. You will find ideas on things to do in southern Illinois and places to stay by regions.
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail has a lodging page with a list of places to stay.
Stay with us!
Of course, we would love to have you experience our little corner of the world. We do recommend booking in advance. We look forward to hosting you.
Blue Sky Vineyard Blue Sky Nights
April 8th, 2022 (and throughout the year)
Blue Sky Vineyard schedules these special nights throughout the year. It is a wonderful time to relax, listen to music, and get to know some of their special wines as they are paired with choice samplings.
Special events like this one are held in the beautiful Tuscan Pavillion at Blue Sky Vineyard.
Tickets are required. Read more and get your tickets.
The Maple Syrup Festival was a huge hit again. Put next year's event on your 2023 calendar!
Get Your Syrup On!
Maple Syrup Festival
March 26th and 27th
This is an annual event held by SIU' s Touch of Nature. Only one time a year the syrup is running from the sugar maple trees.
- Food (including pancakes, of course!)
- Maple Syrup Demonstrations
- Outdoor Educational Activities
- Vendors
- Artisans
- all day events!
Pre-registation is encouraged. Go to page.
Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point
1499 Camp Cedar Point LN.
Makanda, IL 62958
Rain or Shine!
This is the festival we've been waiting for this year. Ed and I missed it last October and there is no way we are missing out on all the fun this time.
Makanda Mushroom Festival
April 22 - 24, 2022
October 14 - 16, 2022
Music, vendors, hikes, and of course, mushroom hunting with skilled leaders.
Have fun learning more about the fungus among us in Shawnee National Forest, and in your own back yard.
Scheduled Moon Paddles 2022
- Pink Moon Paddle: April 16th | 6:30 to 8:30
- April 22, Secrets of with Tinder Fungus: Creating Fire with Mushrooms at the Makanda Mushroom Festival
- Full Lunar Eclipse Paddle: May 15th | 6:30 to 8:30
- May 8th, Mother’s Day Sunset Paddle
- May 13th, Blossom Moon Paddle
- May 14th, Lake of Egypt Paddle Fest
- June 13th, Frog Moon Paddle
- Dates TBA Yoga and Kayaking at Horseshoe Lake
- June 19th, Father’s Day Sunset Paddle
- July TBA, Earth Skills for Youth
- Dates TBA -Wabash Adventure River Trip
- July 13th- Thunder Moon Paddle
- August 11th, Green Corn Moon Paddle
- Dates TBA -Wabash Adventure River Trip
- September TBA, Earth Skills Paddle
- September 16th, Harvest Moon Paddle
- October 7th-9th Brain Tanned Buckskins with Kevin Clinton
- October 9th, Hunters Moon Paddle
- November 5th, Mysteries of Fire: Methods, history, and our ancient relationship with this elemental power of nature
In addition to daily public, private tours and boat rentals we will be offering these programs and events. Check out our website for more details.
Go to Cache Bayou Outfitters for more information.
Camp Manitowa at Cedar Point
1499 Camp Cedar Point LN.
Makanda, IL 62958
Rain or Shine!
This is the festival we've been waiting for this year. Ed and I missed it last October and there is no way we are missing out on all the fun this time.
Makanda Mushroom Festival
April 22 - 24, 2022
October 14 - 16, 2022
Music, vendors, hikes, and of course, mushroom hunting with skilled leaders.
Have fun learning more about the fungus among us in Shawnee National Forest, and in your own back yard.