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Tucked away in the woods and backing up to the Shawnee National Forest, the Waterfall Retreat is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and leave the noise behind. Surrounded by towering trees and offering privacy, and solitude, this hidden retreat is where mornings begin with birdsong, afternoons drift by at their own pace, and evenings end under a sky full of stars.

Whether you’re gathering the whole family, getting away with friends, planning a romantic escape, or traveling solo for some well-earned peace, the Waterfall Retreat is the perfect place to unwind, disconnect, and make lasting memories.

Best of all, you don’t have to go far to find adventure. A waterfall flows right on the property, just a short walk through the forest. When you’re ready to explore, southern Illinois is waiting. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, caves, wineries, and wide-open outdoor adventure are all nearby, and you can always return to the quiet of your own wooded haven at the end of the day.

Explore our site to learn more about the house, its amenities, the grounds, and everything to discover nearby. We look forward to welcoming you to the sanctuary hidden in the woods. 



Ppl overstate the phrase “treated like family” but certainly this host has set the bar for it. one thing that stood out was a whole plethora of convenient items you may have forgotten, it shows they put a lot of thought into it. Great art and energy in the house to make you feel relaxed, a huge plus was their friendly dogs kept us company. Great location and very good people! ~ Daniel

As frequent Airbnb guests, we’ve stayed in many 5-star properties, so we know when a place is truly exceptional. This home impressed us in every way. The amenities were especially thoughtful, and we were delighted to find some of our favorite spices in the kitchen — such a nice touch. The location is amazing, right on the border of Shawnee National Park, and having a waterfall only a 5-minute hike away made it even more special. The cleanliness was outstanding — the place was spotless from top to bottom. This is a wonderful vacation, and we highly recommend it. P.S. We loved the décor, so magical! P.S.S. Our hosts were very responsive and really helped us enjoy our stay. ~ Donna

This is my second stay and same as last time – perfection. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to go to the waterfall and explore the area – so many beautiful places to visit and such a wide variety of fun activities available. I highly recommend this special place for families but I also would recommend it for anyone seeking a peaceful and quiet getaway. The house is absolutely spotless and provides everything you’ll need during your stay. Susan is a fantastic host – responsive, helpful and kind. I’m so grateful for this “home away from home” and will definitely be back! ~ Corrie