Makanda

Following Google map directions, we exited US 51 a few miles south of Carbondale and took a road to an entrance to the Giant City State Park. When we left to travel home, we realized this initial routing probably wasn't the best way into the park. There is a more direct route with less winding narrow roads. Though, if we hadn't gone the way we did, we would have probably one of the unique sites in the area.

Stretching into the sky and painted in yellow, the Makanda water sports a huge smiley face. It was a "Wow! that's neat", a fitting welcome to the area after a long drive. I didn't catch it then, but my girlfriend did. There is a little bow tie on the neck of the tower in honor of the late Paul Simon, who was a lifelong resident of the town. Noted for wearing bow ties, he was a Senator from Illinois and a generally respected politician.

Makanda, the town, has roughly 400 residents, though it has character. Later, during the trip, we stopped at its boardwalk, a small, electic collection of shops. It's home to the Smelly Hippie, which sells tie dyes and scents. Also on the Boardwalk lies the Makanda Country Store, which offers a mix of coffee beans, jams, chocolate, ice cream, and sandwiches. From the store, we bought two chocolates for an afternoon treat and a locally made salsa to bring home.

All of this was unexpected. Most small towns in Illinois are nondescript places where you notice a tavern, a church, and a temporary change in speed limit. Makanda was more. If you're in Carbondale or Shawnee National Forest, perhaps stop by the town and see its character first hand.

The following link is a collection of photography taken in Southern Illinois by makandapanda. The gallery headliner is an image of the Makanda water tower. Check it out:

Southern Illinois Photos by makandapanda