Hutchins Creek Cabin is located along spring-fed Hutchins Creek, surrounded by Shawnee National Forest Wilderness Areas, and at the south edge of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Featuring an open floor plan with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, it can comfortably sleep 4-6 adults. There are multiple outdoor spaces including a fire pit, decks, and a screened-in porch. No TV, but satellite WiFi available.
The cabin was our home for 8 years, we still visit often, and love sharing this place w/ others.
The space
Cabin
The two-story cabin features an open first-floor with kitchen, dining, and living area. The walkout basement has a 2nd living area with futon, bathroom, and two bedrooms. There is no TV, but WiFi satellite internet is available.
The property is 3.5 acres, including a small yard, campfire pit, playground, pond (fishing allowed, swimming not permitted), and grassland. Prior to becoming a guest cabin, the property was our home and small farm where we raised 2 young boys, vegetables, chickens, ducks, and pigs.
The cabin is in a very rural location, surrounded by wilderness areas.
Adjacent Wilderness and Hutchins Creek
"Wilderness is a necessity...There must be places for human beings to satisfy their souls." -John Muir
The secluded cabin is situated between La-Rue Pine Hills Ecological Area, Bald Knob and Clear Springs Wilderness Areas, and Trail of Tears State Forest. Together these public lands total more than 19,000 acres, creating the most wild, ecological diverse area in Illinois. This is our remaining wilderness, a place to relax and rejuvenate, and as Muir said, "a place to heal your body and soul."
Aside from the wilderness location, what makes our cabin so unique is its proximity to Hutchin's Creek on Shawnee National Forest land. Hutchin's Creek (eligible for designation as a Wild & Scenic River) is a gravel bottom, spring-fed creek that flows year round. The creek's crystal clear waters have the state's highest water quality ranking for biological diversity and integrity. Large gravel bars and deep swimming holes provide an opportunity for a "day at the beach" (swim shoes/sandals/old tennis shoes are a must for the gravel). Kids and grown-ups alike will love the shallow riffles and stones to throw; we call it, nature's splash pad. A hike up the creek, into the untouched wilderness, is an unforgettable experience any time of the year.
Other things to note
Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is an unique partnership including 11 local vineyards and wineries in southern Illinois. Hedman Vineyards, Alto Vineyards, and Von Jakob are the closest wineries, but a beautiful drive will take you to many more. With its American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation the Shawnee Hills region has earned its place as one of the nation's most respected wine regions. Several shuttle companies offer a carefree way to experience the wine trail, including pickup/dropff service right from the cabin.
If you enjoy craft beer, you may decide to venture off the wine trail to the region's expanding breweries, including Scratch Brewing, Big Muddy Brewery, Von Jakob Winery and Brewery, Little Egypt Brewery, and Abbey Ridge Brewery.
Cobden
Please don't leave without visiting our favorite town of Cobden. Art and antique stores, dining options, surrounding apple and peach orchards, ice cream, and two parks make this little town unique. The Iron Whisk offers expertly crafted breakfast and lunch (closed Mon-Wed). Across the park you’ll find for tacos and tamales at La Taqueria Pequina (Little House of Tacos). The Old Feed Store is a music venue with some of the best shows in bluegrass around. Flamm Orchards, just north of Cobden, has a farm stand with strawberries, peaches, and apples, offered seasonally.
Hunting
Deer and turkey hunting opportunities abound on the public lands right outside the cabin's door. (Hunting is NOT permitted on the property. Conservation and Forest Service officers are active in the area.) A short drive will bring you to Union County State Fish and Wildlife area with opportunities for waterfowl hunting and fishing. Oakwood Bottoms, La Rue Pine Hills Ecological Area, and the Cache River offer additional nearby waterfowl hunting opportunities. We are happy to share additional hunting tips and maps.
Special events
CarbondALE Brew Fest, Carbondale, May
MakandaFest, Makanda, Spring
Annabelle Festival, Anna, June
PeachFest, Cobden, August
VultureFest, Makanda, October
Alto Pass Great Downhill Derby, Alto Pass, October
Christmas in the Village, Cobden, December
