THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool!
Enjoy amazing views of the Shawnee National Forest ⭐️❗️
Rustic Ridge is a small working farm located in Southern Illinois about 15 minutes north of Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest.
Our cabin has lots of windows for great indoor viewing as well as lots of patio & deck spaces to enjoy the outdoors. Splash in the pool (in season). Walk down to see the animals on our 40 acre property, go Explore the Shawnee National Forest, take a drive to the wine trail or visit nearby horse trails, atv trails, ziplining, bike trails, and so much more that the Shawnee National Forest area has to offer.
Meet the animals: 🐄 Highland Cows (Magnolia, Honeysuckle, Daisy, Lily, Rusty, & Yeti) 🫎 Moose & Duke the dogs. You might see them running around the property. 🐈 Multiple cats roam the property. 🐥🐓 chickens and chicks * Miniature ZEBU! Dixie, Shawnee & our calf Brisket born Jan '25 ➕️ all of the wildlife 🦌🐿🦃🐦🦝......
🌳cabin on a 40 acres property 🏊♀️ private pool 🌞 views 🐴🐱🐄🐶🦌Animals & Wildlife 🚜 Farm 🔥fire pit 🛜WiFi Smart tv📺 3 🛌🛁
Private use of cabin & pool but being in the forest daily pool maintenance may occur
Everything here is on a hill with lots of rocks. If it's raining or recently rained you may find mud. Expect to see & hear nature all around you. This is a working farm so you may hear & see us or hear any of the neighboring farm properties. We are on property and also have exterior cameras throughout the 40 acre property. No Fence around pool! You accept responsibility for yourself & other guests.
3 night minimum on weekends or holidays and 2 night weekdays *the app keeps reverting minimum nights back to 2 nights in error. we will only honor bookings with our minimum night policy followed.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Close curtains
Message us when you leave & notify us if anything is damaged
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Agree to terms in the rental agreement, complete the agreement, sign and return it along with a copy of your valid id.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3965409vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Equality
Located in Equality, this cabin is in the mountains. Shawnee Hills Country Club and Ross Cottom Lanes are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shawnee National Forest and Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding, hiking and hunting.
Shawnee Hills Country Club - 19 min drive - 17.6 km
Ross Cottom Lanes - 21 min drive - 22.1 km
Harrisburg Township Park District - 21 min drive - 20.7 km
Saline County Area Museum - 22 min drive - 21.3 km
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area - 30 min drive - 28.0 km
Restaurants
The Red Onion - 13 min drive
Jacs - 17 min drive
Town Square Pub - 18 min drive
Saline Valley Conservancy - 12 min drive
American Legion Post #595 - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool! have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool!?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool! on 10 Aug 2026 start from AU$575, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool! located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from Shawnee National Forest and within 12 miles (20 km) of Shawnee Hills Country Club and Harrisburg Township Park District. Ross Cottom Lanes and Saline County Area Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We loved our visit to Rustic Ridge. The home and property are beautiful and well maintained. The kids loved visiting the animals and the hosts were lovely! We definitely plan on returning.
Brooke C.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2026
We look forward to your return visit. Thanks again for selecting Rustic Ridge and sharing your experience
This place was just what we needed. Beautiful cabin. Beautiful scenery. Nice and quiet. The owners are so friendly and very very kind hearted people. We will DEFINITELY be back.
Loved this stay! The house was beautiful, as was the pool and the view. It was a very comfortable and relaxing stay. We will definitely stay here again if it is available.
Leslie G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Nov 2025
We are happy you loved your stay. Relaxing by the pool is so good.
Beautiful home with lots of outdoor entertaining space. Close to good hiking trails and close to Harrisburg too. Good location. It was perfect for 3 couples.
The hosts are fantastic and very hard working. The home is absolutely beautiful, rustic and elegant at the same time. We enjoyed our stay very much. We will definitely be back again.
Holly M.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Nov 2025
Thanks for sharing! Honey just had her calf Saturday so you'll have come see the sweet little one
We have stayed several times and always enjoy coming back. We could not ask for a more relaxing and scenic location. The home is always so clean and comfortable. We were thrilled that we got to see the newly born calf during our trip this time. The hosts are always so kind and attentive to any needs that we may have.
Trena M.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Dec 2025
Not only have you stayed several times but you have shared with friends that have also become repeat guests. We really appreciate it and are so glad that you love it here. Thanks again for the fall decor
Great family weekend at Rustic Ridge- very clean, great amenities (pool, firepit, quiet/privacy). Garden of the Gods hiking trails within 20 minutes, wineries & distillery 50 minutes.
Stacey W.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Dec 2025
We are glad that you enjoyed Rustic Ridge and all of the nearby attractions.
We had a great time at this place!The views are incredible and the pool was just perfect.Jaqueline showed us around the property and we met the amazing animals and gorgeous vegetable garden.Thank you for an amazing time!Hope to come again!
We wanted a relaxing weekend with our sons and our new daughter-in-laws. It was perfect. The weather was spectacular and the house and property were perfect! It was our 2nd time staying here and it does not disappoint.
Tonya W.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Dec 2025
Thanks for returning to Rustic Ridge. We are so happy that you enjoy it.
The property is phenomenal. The view is so beautiful we had our coffee on the deck every morning. It is a hidden gem. The owners are wonderful people. I highly recommend staying at the Rustic Ridge. You won’t be disappointed. I definitely want to return.
Rick R.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2025
We are happy you had a good time! I was up there today and forgot how much I love that view
Its beautiful, relaxing, clean cabin, super comfy beds, friendly/helpful hospitality and the pool was always clean! It was also nice that the host provides firewood!
Paul T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2025
Thank you Paul for mentioning all the things you enjoyed. I'm glad the fire wood & smores sticks.
We had a wonderful time. Rustic Ridge is a serene place with amazing sunrises. The hosts Eric and Jacqueline are lovely. Our boys really enjoyed the tour of the farm and brushing the cows.
Emily S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2025
Thanks for sharing the great sunrise photos. Sunrise is a favorite time here. I'm glad they enjoyed the farm tour as well.
Loved this property. Gorgeous views, amazing pool and a very comfortable stay. Cabin had everything needed and was very clean and comfy. Hosts were so gracious and gave us a great farm tour. Overall a great get away. Highly recommend.
This is a wonderful property. My family really enjoyed the pool, the house, the scenery and the farm. The hosts were gracious and welcoming. I would recommend it for a relaxing getaway.
Miriam F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2025
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to host your wonderful group at Rustic Ridge cabin. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your relaxing retreat.
We had a wonderful stay. The cabin was immaculate and the views were beautiful. Our 11 year old enjoyed the pool daily and we spent almost every morning on the covered porch drinking coffee and watching the rain come in. The hosts were extremely accommodating with suggestions for dinner and hiking trails. We also loved our tour of their farm and meeting all their animals.
Rustic Ridge is a fabulous property offering a unique, rural experience. The cabin includes several outdoor spaces for enjoying the beautiful views, grilling, or relaxing around the fire. The cabin was impeccably clean, well stocked and had very comfortable beds. Jacquline is definitely a super-host with quick and thorough communication. One of the favorite parts of our trip was the farm tour with Jacquline when we met and learned about the animals, and enjoyed the huge garden still green and producing in November. Don’t skip the farm tour.
Judy L.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
About the host
Hosted by Eric
We began hosting in 2017 with our Siesta Key Condo Rental and loved all of the great people we had a chance to host. After selling, we planned to return to rentals with all of the great views of the Shawnee National Forest. So, we are hosting again on our little farm. We have a great cabin with amazing views plus we have Highland Cows, mini horse, mini zebu, chickens, dogs, & the cats. We look forward to hosting you!
Why they chose this property
This property was originally purchased for our weekend getaway but after a few weekends down here, we decided to make it full time. Now we want to share the property with you - - private use of cabin & pool but we will still be on the 40 acres property.
What makes this property unique
The views, the pool, & the cows! Seriously, though all of the animals are great!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests