Our Community

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest This B&B offers great views on the grapes and vines from Alto Vineyards. Betty’s Vineyard House is a private, 2 bedroom, 2 full bath home with all the amenities you’ll need!

This cozy home includes a fully-equipped kitchen and sleeps at 6 people comfortably with a queen bed in each bedroom and a sofa sleeper in the living room.

You can’t sleep any closer to the vines than this! Take your RV and enjoy spending the night at Alto Vineyards, Southern Illinois’ oldest winery. Our vineyard offers stunning views, excellent wines and most of all, a unique experience. We look forward to welcoming you in our vineyard!

Bald Knob Cross is an awe-inspiring spiritual monument where people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds can experience hope, joy, peace and faith. Whoever you are and wherever you’ve been, you’re welcome to join us to connect, be inspired and feel a genuine sense of belonging

A little hidden gem on the side of the road. Stop here to enjoy stunning views of the rolling hills of Alto Pass. Look closely and you’ll see the Bald Knob Cross. This spot offers great photo opportunities during sunset when the sun hides behind the Cross.

The entire trail is 3 miles trail but shorter segments can be taken that lead to scenic overlooks. The upper trail has interpretive signs. In the canyon the trail winds along the base of 300-foot bluffs and through a bottomland forest before leading out of the canyon through a rocky creekbed.

The perfect place for outdoor adventures for everyone. From Horse back riding to rappelling, fishing and hiking of course. Admire the beauty of nature nearby with interesting rock formations and a variety of plants and ferns to discover.

Geocaching is an outdoor game that has gained popularity over the years. A wide community of players from all over the world make this the ultimate way to discover new areas. Geocaching is a game where you find hidden objects based on coördinates. A great way to embark on an outside adventure for all ages. Visit their website and discover where you can find your first treasure.

In for a thrill? Try this eco-friendly zipline! It’s entirely tree based and sits amongst the Shawnee Hills National Forest. You won’t find a better view of this stunning forest than right in the trees. Glide from left to right all the way down the 83 acres of land.

Discover local businesses and products. This is a great place to got to know the community better. Be sure to stop by and check out all the unique stores and other places on the Makanda Boardwalk.

Looking for delicious true Mexican food? Then this is your place to be! Try authentic tacos, tamales and more. Taquaria Pequena is definitely worth a visit when you’re looking for great freshly made, yet affordable food.

This brunch bistro is located in the quiet Village of Cobden, IL. Just south of SIU Carbondale and in the heart of The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, this little gem is a destination for students, travelers and foodies alike.

The best place if you want to enjoy some old school BBQ. The menu is filled with delicious dishes from Hamburgers to fried shrimp baskets. There is something for everyone, you’ll be sure to have an amazing meal here !

It might be across the world, but it’s definitively worth a visit! One of Guy’s (the founder of Alto Vineyards) other son’s moved to sunny Australia to start his very own vineyard and winery there. From time to time Alto Vineyards will also sell these unique wines so be on the look out for that!

Since 1873 Rendleman Orchards has committed over a century and five generations to growing the highest quality peaches, nectarines & apples. Which you can buy when you visit their farmers market at the entrance of their orchard. Besides fruit they also offer great photo opportunities in their flower fields and pumpkin patch.

A working orchard with a farm market. Take a drive out to the orchards and buy in-season strawberries, peaches and apples. Flamm's Fruits & Cream Stand offers treats like strawberry shortcake, cobblers, apple dumplings and pies. Visit this Orchard for a great experience and delicous fruit

Set among the scenic countryside, we invite you to visit the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail of southern Illinois. Enjoy the distinctive character of each of the wineries.

In the summer of 1995, the owners of the first three wineries in southern Illinois, Alto Vineyards, Pomona Winery and Owl Creek Vineyard recognized the untapped tourism potential of the region. With help of local tourism bureaus and hard work from a passionate group of wine growers, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail became the first wine trail in the state of Illinois.

Alto Clay Works is now the home of Steve Grimmer's studio, a showroom for handmade functional pottery, a classroom for adult and youth pottery classes, and resident artist studios. In 2015, Steve completed construction of a large, two-chamber wood burning kiln which is fired in November, January, and April.