Makanda Boardwalk in Makanda | Atlas Obscura

The town of Makanda has a proud history of reinvention. Founded as a camp for workers building the Central Illinois Railroad in 1845, the town boomed as a way station for freight destined for Chicago. 

After early growth tied to agriculture and the railroad, the town saw decline when the railroad rerouted and traffic dwindled. In the 1970s, artists and craftspeople began moving in, drawn by the rolling Shawnee Hills and the town’s low rents. At the heart of this revival was the historic Makanda Boardwalk. 

When it was first built, this elevated wooden walkway kept foot traffic out of the muddy streets, serving railroad travelers passing through what was then a bustling stop along the Illinois Central line. Today, it is lined with galleries, artisan shops, and eclectic storefronts, and feels less like a relic of past commerce and more like a refuge for the creatively inclined.

Visitors can stroll the wooden planks today and find locally made jewelry, pottery, and more at Visions art gallery. Gourmet sandwiches, coffee, and hand-dipped ice cream are among the many offerings at the Makanda General Store. The Makanda Trading Company proudly describes the town as “the most hippie place in Illinois.”

The boardwalk runs only about a block, but the whimsical atmosphere is unique. Seasonal events, including music festivals and art gatherings, further reinforce its identity as a creative enclave rather than a conventional shopping strip.

Instead of fading into history, Makanda reinvented itself as a haven for artists and independent spirits. This short stretch of sidewalk feels like a secret corner of Illinois, an escape from the everyday that’s worth exploring.