I’ve always felt well suited for castle life—holed up in a regal, fortified residence of stone, one can get some real thinking done in between visits from neighboring feudal lords and having to devise the occasional military strategy. But since I live in Midwest, U.S.A., and nowhere near the grand Warwick Castle—my turreted birthright, located in Warwickshire, England—a bizarre, Middle Ages-style bed and breakfast 13 miles outside of Carbondale will have to do.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
Pretty much a straight six-hour shot down I-57, architect Bruce Goff‘s Duncan/Etzkorn Castle Dwelling in Cobden (2375 Wing Hill Rd.) offers an architecturally unusual home base from which to explore the surrounding Shanwee National Forest (more to come on that). Built from 600 tons of local sandstone rock, the castle (sans moat) was designed by Goff in the mid-60s for Southern Illinois University sociology professor Hugh Duncan. Converted to an inn in 2002, it sleeps a total of six, but because of the residence’s open plan—the master bedroom is the one room with a door—innkeeper Glen Etzkorn won’t accept multiple reservations unless members of each party are well acquainted with one another.
The surrounding Shawnee National Forest offers dynamic terrain rife with hills, canyons, ponds, rivers, and other geological wonders—that is, geological wonders for the state of Illinois. The Little Grand Canyon features a 3.6-mile hiking trail with panoramic views of the Big Muddy River and the Mississippi’s floodplain. Instagram-ready waterfalls and towering walls of exposed sandstone can be seen from the canyon’s floor. The not-so-adventurous types seeking a simpler hike can check out the nearby 90-foot-long Pomona Natural Bridge that’s tucked within an easygoing half-mile trail.
Getting there Gas, round-trip, to Cobden (if driving a 2012 Honda Fit): $40
Where to stay: Two nights per person based on double occupancy at Duncan/Etzkorn Castle Dwelling, tax included, Fri-Sun/Mon-Thu: $125/$100
What to do: Admission/parking at Shawnee National Forest: Free
Admission/parking at Jackson Falls: Free
Wine tastings along Shawnee Hills Wine Trail: Free
Where to eat & drink: Dinner at 17th Street BBQ: $25
Choose another adventure: •Louisville for $100• Lake Forest for $300 • Indiana for ???
Back to our Guide to Summer
