In an era where “counterculture” often feels mass-produced and genuine bohemian retreats are becoming harder to find, I am lucky enough to live just a stone’s throw away from the real deal. Tucked away in the scenic corners of Southern Illinois, Makanda is a laid-back, artsy hamlet that has become a staple in my life.
For me, Makanda isn’t just a travel destination; it’s my Sunday ritual. Living close by, I often venture into this “hippie village” after a long hike in the Shawnee National Forest. There is a specific rhythm to those Sundays: my daughter and I, with the dog in tow, shaking off the trail dust and heading straight for the boardwalk.
The town itself is a funky, welcoming oasis. It was revitalized in the 1970s by artists like Dave Dardis (known locally as the Rainmaker), and you can still feel that creative spirit pulsing through the village today. With its small population and the iconic smiley face painted on the town water tower, the atmosphere is incredibly low-key and the people are genuinely friendly.
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Sundays on the Boardwalk
The heart of our visits is almost always the historic boardwalk. Built in the 1890s, long before the town became the hippie gem it is now, it houses a collection of galleries and shops that we love to browse.
We always make sure to head straight to the Makanda Country Store for hand-dipped ice cream—it’s the perfect treat after our hike. While we enjoy our cones, we might wander past Visions Art Gallery to see the local paintings and ceramics, or pop into the Rainmaker’s studio.
Dave Dardis has created a wild, wonderful oasis in his backyard called the “Secret Garden,” located just behind his studio. It features trails, copper banyan trees, and a gazebo that my daughter loves to explore. It really feels like a hidden discovery every time we go back there.
(Local Pro-Tip: If you plan on buying small items from the local artisans on the boardwalk, bring some cash! While many take cards, cash is often preferred by the smaller vendors.)
The Vulture Fest Tradition
While Sundays are for ice cream and relaxation, October holds a different kind of magic. I have attended the annual Vulture Fest numerous times over the last decade, and I absolutely love it.
Usually held in mid-October, the festival is named for the buzzard migration that passes through the area. It celebrates the changing season with live music, great food, and over 40 artisan vendors. It has such a cool vibe—a perfect reflection of the town’s eccentric and welcoming spirit. If you haven’t been, it’s worth marking your calendar for.
A Gateway to the Shawnee
Of course, one of the main reasons we spend so much time here is the location. Makanda serves as the ideal gateway to the Shawnee National Forest and Giant City State Park. Whether we are navigating the “streets” of sandstone bluffs on the Giant City Nature Trail or just enjoying the lush nature, having this 289,000-acre expanse as our backyard is a privilege.
From the sandstone bluffs to the copper trees in the Secret Garden, Makanda is more than just a spot on the map for us. It’s a place where the hippie spirit is alive and well, and where a simple Sunday afternoon feels like a getaway.
Thank you for visiting with me. For more Poetry or Literature related content, visit my blog at The Ritual.
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