Pack a Bag! 5 Best Weekend Getaways From Marion, Illinois

Whether you’re looking to get away from it all or you’re looking for the excitement of the big city, you don’t have to travel far from Marion to enjoy a weekend getaway. This part of Illinois sits within a short drive from small towns, big cities, and great outdoor spots, so you can enjoy your weekend just the way you like.

Shawnee National Forest

If you like the outdoors and are up for an adventure, head to the Shawnee National Forest. While there, you can take a zip-lining tour that crosses over 35 acres of forest. You’ll zip over dense trees and sandstone bluffs. Some of the zips have you flying 40 feet above the forest, and others run for up to 1,000 feet and get you going up to 40 miles per hour.

Shawnee Forest country has lots to offer, whether you are on a romantic getaway, a weekend with the kids, or a retreat with your closest friends. It offers everything from horseback riding to hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. You can choose your adventure, whether you want an adrenaline rush or a relaxing weekend out in Illinois’ fresh air. Don’t miss the Garden of the Gods trail if you enjoy hiking. It’s a short hike that takes you over some unique rock formations, and once you get to the top, the view allows you to see for miles.

Make the most of your weekend in the forest by staying at one of the Shawnee Forest Cabins. The most popular cabins are close to the Garden of the Gods and perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. These cabins feature hot tubs, Wi-Fi, and full kitchens. They come with either one or two bedrooms.

Makanda

“Shawnee National Forest” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by erikccooper

Makanda, Illinois, sits in the southern part of the state, offering a spot that’s perfect for relaxing among the beautiful scenery. You can stay at a local inn such as the Makanda Inn and use it as your home base for exploring the area.

Make sure to visit Giant City State Park near Carbondale. It has lots of hiking trails, including the Giant City Nature Trail with huge sandstone bluffs formed over 12,000 years ago. The visitor center has interpretive displays with information on local geology, animals, and plants.

Take some time to stop by the famous Makanda Boardwalk. Makanda was once a thriving produce junction, but it’s now a popular spot for artists. The downtown area has a vibrant shopping scene featuring art galleries, studios, and gift shops. The Makanda Trading Company has a variety of gifts from all around the world, and the Rain Maker Studio has a wonderful sculpture garden.

Makanda is the perfect getaway for those who want to get away from it all. You can enjoy some outdoor adventures along with shopping and good food.

Egyptian Hills Resort

For a fun weekend away with the family head to Egyptian Hills Resort. This lakeside resort is the perfect place to disconnect from busy schedules and have lots of outdoor family fun. The cedar cabins provide everything you need for the weekend with full kitchens, bedrooms, and living area spaces, but you won’t want to spend much time indoors. There are so many fun things to do while you are at Egyptian Hills.

The resort is home to a marina where you can launch your boat or rent a pontoon boat.  The new Water Fun Lagoon has fun water structures for the whole family.  Once you’re done in and on the water, head back to land, where you can get homemade pizza and ice cream, sit outside at the outdoor pavilion, or enjoy a night at the bonfire pit.

Alto Pass

Alto Pass is a small town in Illinois with a lot to offer. The town might have just over 1,000 residents, but it is home to several vineyards. This part of Illinois is the perfect spot for a romantic weekend getaway with some great hiking spots, delicious food, and of course, the vineyards. Make sure to visit Alto Vineyards, and after you take a tour, get a seat on the winery’s upper deck. You can sip on delicious local wine while enjoying the beautiful views of the Shawnee National Forest.

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery is another must during your weekend in Alto Pass. This winery is a member of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. It has panoramic views of the orchards and vineyards and serves a variety of Illinois wines, hard apple cider, and craft beer. You can even stay at this winery; it has an on-site bed and breakfast.

St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri, is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. The city has something for everyone and lots to see, including the Gateway Arch in the downtown area. The 3D Light show that takes place every day at 5 p.m is a must-see. This show is set to music and projects across the Grand Hall’s 65-foot vaulted ceiling.

While in St. Louis, make sure to visit the St. Louis Wheel. This giant Ferris Wheel stays open 365 days a year and offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline. The enclosed gondolas keep you protected from the elements, and each one has seating for up to eight people.

The kids will love a visit to the St. Louis Aquarium. The 120,000-square-foot aquarium has thousands of fish and aquatic species from all around the world. The Saint Louis Zoo is another must-see in this city, along with Forest Park, which is home to several museums, the zoo, and a 7.5-mile trail for biking and jogging.

Your options for a weekend getaway near Marion, Illinois, are endless. These are some of our favorite spots, but did we miss any of yours? Stop by Volkswagen of Marion and tell us about it so we can check it out. While you’re at the dealership, you can test drive a new Volkswagen or find a new SUV to get you to your next getaway.