10/10 Excellent
Andrea B.
6 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Retreat
Andrea B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Cabin
Secluded Lodge on 75 Acres PRIME Location by wineries, Porch Swing Bed, Fire Pit
Photo gallery for Secluded Lodge on 75 Acres PRIME Location by wineries, Porch Swing Bed, Fire Pit
Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 152600 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Makanda, IL
- Blue Sky Vineyards9 min drive
- StarView Vineyards15 min drive
- Giant City State Park24 min drive
- Marion, IL (MWA-Williamson County Regional)35 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 15)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 King Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Queen Bed
Living Room 1
1 Double Sofa Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Secluded Lodge on 75 Acres PRIME Location by wineries, Porch Swing Bed, Fire Pit
Wine Trail Getaway | 4BR Lodge w/ Porch Swing Bed, Fire Pit & Forest Access
4 BR | 2 BA | Sleeps 12
Welcome to Firefly Valley Lodge, a secluded 2-story cedar home nestled on 75 private acres in the heart of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Enjoy breathtaking views from the expansive wrap-around deck, direct access to 140 acres of Shawnee National Forest, and top-rated wineries just minutes away.
Located on scenic Rocky Comfort Road, you’ll be within a short drive of Blue Sky Vineyard, StarView, Wichmann, and Feather Hill Vineyards, as well as Giant City State Park, Devil’s Kitchen Lake, and Southern Illinois University.
The Space
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath lodge combines rustic charm with modern comforts, perfect for families, couples, or group getaways.
Main Floor:
Open-concept living room with vaulted ceilings & updated furniture (pull-out sleeper sofa)
Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances & dining area
2 guest bedrooms with queen beds
Full bathroom
47” flat-screen TVs in living room and bedroom with satellite TV
Upstairs:
Private master suite with king bed, bath with walk in shower, and flat-screen TV
Basement:
Oversized 4th bedroom with queen bed and full-size couch
Outdoor Amenities
75 private acres plus direct access to 140 acres of Shawnee National Forest
Large wrap-around deck with stunning views
Cozy porch swing bed – the perfect spot for an afternoon nap, reading a book, or watching the sunset
Custom two-tiered fire pit—perfect for chilly evenings and stargazing
Ample space for hiking, wildlife watching, or just relaxing in total privacy
Sleeps Up to 12 Comfortably
Bedroom 1 (Main Floor): Queen bed
Bedroom 2 (Main Floor): Queen bed
Master Suite (Upstairs): King bed + Private Bath
Bedroom 4 (Basement): Queen bed + Full-size couch
Living Room: Pull-out sleeper sofa
Included for Your Stay:
High-quality linens, towels & bedding
Fully stocked kitchen (utensils, cookware, dishes)
Central heat & air
Satellite TV, flat-screen TVs
Firewood for fire pit (seasonal)
Nearby Attractions:
Shawnee Wine Trail – 5+ wineries within a short drive
Giant City State Park – hiking, climbing, and scenic trails
Little Grassy & Devil’s Kitchen Lakes – boating, fishing, kayaking
Southern Illinois University – 15 minutes away
4 BR | 2 BA | Sleeps 12
Welcome to Firefly Valley Lodge, a secluded 2-story cedar home nestled on 75 private acres in the heart of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Enjoy breathtaking views from the expansive wrap-around deck, direct access to 140 acres of Shawnee National Forest, and top-rated wineries just minutes away.
Located on scenic Rocky Comfort Road, you’ll be within a short drive of Blue Sky Vineyard, StarView, Wichmann, and Feather Hill Vineyards, as well as Giant City State Park, Devil’s Kitchen Lake, and Southern Illinois University.
The Space
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath lodge combines rustic charm with modern comforts, perfect for families, couples, or group getaways.
Main Floor:
Open-concept living room with vaulted ceilings & updated furniture (pull-out sleeper sofa)
Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances & dining area
2 guest bedrooms with queen beds
Full bathroom
47” flat-screen TVs in living room and bedroom with satellite TV
Upstairs:
Private master suite with king bed, bath with walk in shower, and flat-screen TV
Basement:
Oversized 4th bedroom with queen bed and full-size couch
Outdoor Amenities
75 private acres plus direct access to 140 acres of Shawnee National Forest
Large wrap-around deck with stunning views
Cozy porch swing bed – the perfect spot for an afternoon nap, reading a book, or watching the sunset
Custom two-tiered fire pit—perfect for chilly evenings and stargazing
Ample space for hiking, wildlife watching, or just relaxing in total privacy
Sleeps Up to 12 Comfortably
Bedroom 1 (Main Floor): Queen bed
Bedroom 2 (Main Floor): Queen bed
Master Suite (Upstairs): King bed + Private Bath
Bedroom 4 (Basement): Queen bed + Full-size couch
Living Room: Pull-out sleeper sofa
Included for Your Stay:
High-quality linens, towels & bedding
Fully stocked kitchen (utensils, cookware, dishes)
Central heat & air
Satellite TV, flat-screen TVs
Firewood for fire pit (seasonal)
Nearby Attractions:
Shawnee Wine Trail – 5+ wineries within a short drive
Giant City State Park – hiking, climbing, and scenic trails
Little Grassy & Devil’s Kitchen Lakes – boating, fishing, kayaking
Southern Illinois University – 15 minutes away
Property manager
Matt and Corene
Languages
English
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Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view
Barbecue grill
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- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Free WiFi
10.0 out of 10, (54 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Makanda
Located in Makanda, this cabin is in a rural area. Blue Sky Vineyards and StarView Vineyards are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shawnee National Forest and Giant City State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Makanda, IL
What's nearby
- Blue Sky Vineyards - 9 min drive - 4.6 km
- StarView Vineyards - 15 min drive - 7.3 km
- Giant City State Park - 24 min drive - 11.5 km
- Lake of Egypt - 25 min drive - 26.2 km
- Southern Illinois University - 48 min drive - 30.4 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Giant City Lodge & Restaurant - 31 min drive
- StarView Vineyards - 13 min drive
- Giant City Lodge - 29 min drive
- Orlandini Vineyard - 5 min drive
- Lick Creek Public Water - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Check-in
9.4/10
Communication
10/10
Location
9.4/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Mark O.
23 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location and property
Mark O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Judy R.
19 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
wine trail get a way
Judy R.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Shawn H.
11 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Graduation Weekend Celebration
Shawn H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
8/10 Good
Stacey D.
22 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Girls trip Weekend
Stacey D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
24 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
8/10 Good
Clayton R.
20 Feb 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Weekend Getaway
Clayton R.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brian M.
4 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cool location
Brian M.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lisa K.
5 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for family weekend.
Lisa K.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kindra H.
7 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friends weekend
Kindra H.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amanda W.
30 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Amanda W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer S.
30 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend away
Jennifer S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
6/10 Okay
Chris B.
17 Apr 2019
Our Stay
Chris B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
8/10 Good
Debra b., Alton Il United States
11 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Wine trip
Debra b.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
8/10 Good
Stephen E.
23 May 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
nice setting
Stephen E.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Linda D.
17 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Owner, should have relayed more information on what to bring.
Linda D.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
8/10 Good
Lindsay O.
2 May 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall good place, with just a couple upkeep problems.
Lindsay O.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
8/10 Good
Kara B.
30 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Cozy and remote
Kara B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heidi L.
23 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heidi L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jill S.
10 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jill S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
2/10 Terrible
Terri O.
14 Oct 2024
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
No WiFi, mouse in Keurig, Found someone else’s shirt and a glow stick In one of the rooms.
Terri O.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lauren W.
25 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lauren W.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
L'Ree F.
20 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
L'Ree F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sue S.
16 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls trip
Sue S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Katelyn M.
29 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to disconnect
Katelyn M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
About the host
Hosted by Matt and Corene
Meet the Owners – The Story Behind Firefly Valley Lodge
We were both born and raised right here in Southern Illinois, and as proud graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, our roots run deep in this region. Firefly Valley Lodge is not just a rental—it’s a heartfelt extension of home, built on a love for the land, the community, and the peaceful beauty of the Shawnee Hills.
We discovered this 75-acre property nestled on Rocky Comfort Road, and instantly fell in love with its seclusion, sweeping views, and direct access to the Shawnee National Forest. It felt like the perfect place to create a sanctuary where guests could slow down, unplug, and experience the same beauty and serenity we grew up with.
Every detail in the Lodge—from the cozy porch swing bed to the two-tiered fire pit and handpicked furnishings—was chosen with care, as if it were our full-time home. We wanted it to feel warm, welcoming, and stylish, with a touch of rustic charm and all the comforts you’d expect.
Whether you're visiting wineries, hiking the forest trails, reconnecting with friends, or simply enjoying the stillness of nature, we hope Firefly Valley Lodge becomes a place you’ll return to again and again.
Thank you for considering our home—we’re proud to share a piece of Southern Illinois with you.
Warm regards,
Matt and Corene
Owners, Firefly Valley Lodge | SIU Carbondale Alumni
We were both born and raised right here in Southern Illinois, and as proud graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, our roots run deep in this region. Firefly Valley Lodge is not just a rental—it’s a heartfelt extension of home, built on a love for the land, the community, and the peaceful beauty of the Shawnee Hills.
We discovered this 75-acre property nestled on Rocky Comfort Road, and instantly fell in love with its seclusion, sweeping views, and direct access to the Shawnee National Forest. It felt like the perfect place to create a sanctuary where guests could slow down, unplug, and experience the same beauty and serenity we grew up with.
Every detail in the Lodge—from the cozy porch swing bed to the two-tiered fire pit and handpicked furnishings—was chosen with care, as if it were our full-time home. We wanted it to feel warm, welcoming, and stylish, with a touch of rustic charm and all the comforts you’d expect.
Whether you're visiting wineries, hiking the forest trails, reconnecting with friends, or simply enjoying the stillness of nature, we hope Firefly Valley Lodge becomes a place you’ll return to again and again.
Thank you for considering our home—we’re proud to share a piece of Southern Illinois with you.
Warm regards,
Matt and Corene
Owners, Firefly Valley Lodge | SIU Carbondale Alumni
Why they chose this property
We chose this spot for Firefly Valley Lodge because the moment we stood on the hill and looked out over the valley, we felt something truly special. The sweeping views of the trees and rolling hills, the quiet stillness of the land, and the frequent visits from deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds made it feel like a hidden sanctuary.
In the early mornings, you can watch deer grazing just below the deck. In the evenings, the valley comes alive with the soft glow of fireflies dancing in the open fields—a truly magical sight that inspired the name of the Lodge. It’s a peaceful, almost timeless place that allows you to slow down and reconnect with nature.
This location gave us the privacy we craved and the beauty we wanted to share. And with the Shawnee National Forest literally at the edge of the property, we knew it offered the perfect balance of quiet retreat and outdoor adventure.
It’s not just a vacation spot—it’s a place to breathe, reflect, and appreciate the simple wonders of the natural world
In the early mornings, you can watch deer grazing just below the deck. In the evenings, the valley comes alive with the soft glow of fireflies dancing in the open fields—a truly magical sight that inspired the name of the Lodge. It’s a peaceful, almost timeless place that allows you to slow down and reconnect with nature.
This location gave us the privacy we craved and the beauty we wanted to share. And with the Shawnee National Forest literally at the edge of the property, we knew it offered the perfect balance of quiet retreat and outdoor adventure.
It’s not just a vacation spot—it’s a place to breathe, reflect, and appreciate the simple wonders of the natural world
What makes this property unique
Firefly Valley Lodge offers something truly rare: seclusion, scenery, and convenience—all in one location. Nestled on 75 private acres in the heart of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, this Lodge gives you the freedom to unwind in total privacy, yet places you just minutes from some of the area's most popular wineries including Blue Sky, StarView, and Feather Hill Vineyard.
What really sets this property apart is its direct access to 140 acres of the Shawnee National Forest, making it a dream destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, or just connecting with nature. Step off the back deck and into the woods—no driving required.
Whether you're sipping wine on the wrap-around deck, stargazing by the two-tiered fire pit, or relaxing on the porch swing bed, Firefly Valley Lodge delivers a peaceful, immersive experience you won't find in town or in clustered rentals.
Perfect for romantic escapes, friend gatherings, or family vacations—this is where comfort meets the quiet beauty of Southern Illinois.
What really sets this property apart is its direct access to 140 acres of the Shawnee National Forest, making it a dream destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, or just connecting with nature. Step off the back deck and into the woods—no driving required.
Whether you're sipping wine on the wrap-around deck, stargazing by the two-tiered fire pit, or relaxing on the porch swing bed, Firefly Valley Lodge delivers a peaceful, immersive experience you won't find in town or in clustered rentals.
Perfect for romantic escapes, friend gatherings, or family vacations—this is where comfort meets the quiet beauty of Southern Illinois.
Languages:
English
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