Hideaway Cabins in Shawnee National Forest are a perfect base for adventures, including Giant City Stables, Giant City Lodge, and the Garden of the Gods!
Sometimes we all just need a quick escape, a way to hideaway. Â Life gets hectic. Â Everything seems to pile up and weigh upon us. Â We need to get away… get away from the endless noise; get away from the traffic, the meetings, the uncomfortable break room chairs; get away from endless fast food.
If you have read my bio, you know my life can be extremely demanding.  That was one of the reasons I found the little hideaway cabins in the Shawnee National Forest.
Southern Illinois is often overlooked when vacation planning, in favor of more exotic locations. Â It is a great big world, and we want to see it all too, so we get it. Â But, what people forget is that the Shawnee National Forest, is filled with natural wonders, different ecosystems, quaint towns, and some unique attractions. Â When you don’t have time or money to fly to Europe or cruise the Caribbean, there are plenty of options on the Midwestern doorstep, to get away, and have a real adventure.
We found what was for us, the perfect little place in Southern Illinois to really get away from it all for a weekend.
Rustic Hideaway Cabins
Located in Jonesboro, Illinois,  there are two cabin’s tucked away in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest.  They are just far enough from town to let you feel like you are really getting away. and to not take away from the cabin in the middle of know where feeling.
Except for the drive way to get to the cabins, it is completely surrounded by woods. There are several hiking routes that you can take around the grounds that the cabin is on.
We spent all of our time doing outdoor activities and exploring the natural wonders. We realize that some people may prefer to get into town, mingle among people, and see some other types of things once in a while. If this is the case, we suggest New Harmony, Indiana, a favorite of our friends at Minivan Adventures. New Harmony is a charming town with a unique history. It is filled with surprising experiences, such as labyrinths, and magical gardens.
Another cool option is to head south, to Metropolis, for the Superman sites. If you have children with you, this is almost a must do, and frankly, it is a lot of fun for young and old. However, if you are just looking for the outdoor adventures like us, read on!
Giant City Stables
The Giant City Stables provide an hour trail ride for $40 per person. The trail was amazing, with hills and creeks. Â The guide was super friendly and knowledgeable about both the horses and the area. Â She obviously enjoyed telling us about the individual personality quirks of the horses we were riding. Â She also gave us all kinds of information about the area.
The horses were perfect. Â Their manners were very sweet, and it was clear that they were well taken care of. They made us all laugh with how different they all were, with their unique little quirks.
But horses aren’t for everyone. But one thing that everyone can get into is food. So if you want to skip the horse riding, and head for the food, you won’t have to go far.
Giant City Lodge
Just around the corner from the Giant City Stables is Giant City lodge and restaurant. Â I have to say, this is a must. The place was amazing not only for the local history they displayed, but it also had a cool log cabin look and feel.
The staff was great, as well as the food. If you get a chance to eat there, you really should!
Giant City Lodge is known for their fried chicken, and it is something you just have to try, as well as their green beans. They have an awesome all you can eat friend chicken family meal. Â You get 4 side dishes and all you can eat friend chicken.
The family meal costs 12.99 for adults and 5.99 for children under 12. Â It is a weekday lunch special Monday-Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m .
Trust me. Â It is completely worth it.
The trees and country side go on forever, and the sky full of clouds really made us feel like we were free. If you are into climbing, there are so many points at the Garden of the Gods where you can climb and get a higher view.
With so many different views and the many different directions that can be taken on the trails this can take a good couple of hours, or days, to take it all in.
There are little caves that can be explored. Â Also, in certain areas they have neat information posted so you can learn a little about the Garden.
We give it our highest recommendation! If you are considering hiking the trails at Garden of the Gods, be sure to check out our outdoor store for all the supplies you need!
And one of the best parts for me was that after taking in all the beautiful sites at Garden of the Gods, we could go back to our quiet, relaxing hideaway cabin in the woods, grill some food, and then soak and relax in the hot tub.
We felt this trip was a perfect weekend get a way. We had some adventure. Â We saw some amazing sights, and made some lifelong memories. Â And, we were able to relax from our busy lives.
So if you want a mini vacation that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, I highly recommend renting from Rustic Hideaway Cabins. Â And escape, even if it is just for a weekend.
By the way, if you only have a day, Garden of the Gods, on the eastern portion of the Shawnee National Forest is worthy of a day trip in and of itself, during any season.
On the western side of the Shawnee, combine Giant City Stables, and Giant City Lodge with some of the other area attractions we have featured on our site, such as Giant City Interpretive Trails, or the Makanda Boardwalk, and you have another full day trip.
Pin this so you can check it out later, and get all the logistical information below!
Practical information
Rustic Hideaway Cabins are available for $135 a night, or $810 weekly. for 2 people, with a $5 charge for each additional person, with a maximum occupancy of 6.
Check in time is 3:00 p.m. and check out time is 11:00 a.m.
No pets are allowed. Â Cabins are smoke free.
Reservations may be made online, up to 1 year in advance. Â A 50% deposit is required at the time of reservation.
Contact information:
(618) 833-4860
Rustic Hideaway Cabins LLC
303 West High Street
Anna, IL 62906
 Giant City Stables have over 30 horses of all levels, so riders can be individually accommodated.  They specialize in therapeutic riding, for individuals with specialized physical or emotional needs. Â
Pony rides, birthday parties, and riding lessons are offered for younger horse lovers.
Guided trail rides are offered at 5 different times daily, beginning at 09:00. Â There is a 250 lb weight limit, and a minimum age of 7. Â No double riding is allowed.
Pony rides are led on a short lead , by trained wranglers for $10 per child.
Contact information:Â
 (618) 529-4110
722 Giant City Rd.
Makanda, Illinois 62958
Email:[email protected]
Giant City Lodge is open from the first Friday in February, through mid December, and serves from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Lodge has large rooms which can be rented for special events and meetings. Â There is a full service lounge and gift shop on site.
Contact information:
 (618) 457-4921
460 Giant City Lodge Rd.
Makanda, Illinois 62958
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is managed by the USDA Forest Service. Â
It is open year round. Â Trails and picnic areas are available from 06:00 am. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Â Campsites are also available on a first come first serve basis, for $10 a night.
Contact information:
618-658-2111
Shawnee National Forest
602 N. First Street, Vienna, IL 62995
www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee
4 thoughts on “Hideaway in the Shawnee National Forest”
went to youth camp at Ondessonk in the Shawnee (5 years last one as a staff member ) and I must say that your article here is spot on. It is indeed a serene place where you can get some peace. Thanks for writing it ! Brought back some memories.
I am starting to think that anywhere I can stay in a little cabin in the woods is awesome! Wendy got us excited about this one for sure!