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THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool!

Photo gallery for THE VIEWS! Minutes from Garden of the Gods, Shawnee with Highland cows & a pool!

A pool area with lounge chairs and a hot tub, surrounded by trees and a wooden deck.
A modern building with large windows, a patio area with outdoor furniture, and a swimming pool.
A spacious living area with a kitchen, leather sofas, and large windows offering a view of the outdoors.
A bedroom with a large bed, wooden walls, a window, and a nightstand with a lamp.
A cow with a brown coat standing in a forested area.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Equality, IL
  • Place, Shawnee Hills Country Club
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, Harrisburg Township Park District
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

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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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
No fence around pool
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

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 hunting, horse riding and mountain biking.
View more Cabin rentals in EqualityOpens in a new window
Map
Equality, IL

What's nearby

  • 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
  • ‪Saline Valley Conservancy - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Leonard's Country Kitchen - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Town Square Pub - ‬18 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 2 August 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 30 November 2026 start from NZ$1,373, 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 84 out of 85 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 85 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 85 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 85 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 85 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Spring M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second stay at Rustic Ridge and if it’s possible to be better than our first visit, it was!! Everything was perfection and we look forward to our visit next summer!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

CATHY A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous property with all the comforts of home!We had a relaxing long weekend enjoying the scenery and the pool.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2026
Thanks for sharing! We are glad that you enjoyed the scenery, pool, & comforts of home.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Janet C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was wonderful for my stay. If you love quiet and beautiful scenery at your doorstep, this is the place!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Darin and Sunny C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time! Everything was as described, the home was beautiful and the area is as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Noreen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was beautiful and my kids loved all the animals and pool. We will be back again
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2026
We would be happy to have you return to enjoy the pool, animals, and the beautiful property again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is beautiful, peaceful and has absolutely gorgeous views. The hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming. We had the perfect relaxing week and can not wait to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tony F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was very clean and beautiful. The host was super nice and responsive. Loved the pool. I highly recommend booking.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2026
Thanks, we appreciate the recommendation
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matthew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Place and views are amazing. The only thing that could have made it better is a heated pool.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

jeff e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The owners of this property have one of the nicest places we have stayed at. The owners themselves are very nice and showed us around the farm. The house had more than ample room for 3 couples. The multiple sitting areas/pool/views were just wonderful with deer right in the yard. Can’t say enough — stayed in a lot of vrbo homes and this one is in the top tier !! Thank you again for having us !!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2026
We appreciate your review. It's great to hear it was a Top Tier stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eve C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rustic Ridge is a fantastic place to stay. Beautiful surroundings and top notch lodging with so many wonderful amenities. Many small communities nearby to grab a bite to eat…if you even want to leave the house! The hosts are kind and hard working people. Thank you for a spectacular weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

josh e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything from beginning to end of trip was amazing. The hosts had excellent communication with us even came up to warn us about potential bad weather coming in. The cabin was clean quiet and just as described. The farm tour was great. The animals were all sweet and interactive with us Butterscotch spend the whole time with us outside at the cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2026
Sounds like a great trip! We appreciate you staying and sharing your wonderful experience.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adam B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, clean house with everything you need for a great stay! Friendly hosts and farm tour were the icing on the cake.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2026
We are so glad that you enjoyed the Farm Tour as well as our cabin.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brooke C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2026
We look forward to your return visit. Thanks again for selecting Rustic Ridge and sharing your experience
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bart M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dave E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was as described. That is not always the case with VRBO properties the host stayed in touch with us throughout the entire process. I really appreciate.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dawn W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We booked the cabin, which was a central location, to gather with my husband’s two cousins for a week of visiting and fun. With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, it was perfect! We all had our own space. The cabin was secluded and quiet, sparkling clean, comfortable and beautiful! The bed we slept in was amazing! We slept great every night! The kitchen had all the essentials we needed. There was a large table downstairs for playing games. There were so many places outside to sit and relax by the pool or under the covered porch. We certainly enjoyed the fire pit area as well. The pool water was perfect and clean and we were provided with extra large beach towels and some floats. We took a tour of the ranch and were provided with some fresh vegetables and eggs. We asked many questions about the Zebus and Highland cows and enjoyed learning about them. Butterscotch the cat was a daily visitor that kept us entertained. The hosts were in great contact with us and provided a fantastic pamphlet with lots of information. We plan on booking this cabin when we meet again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 July 2026
We are so glad that our cabin provided such a great central get-together location for you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kelly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the best time at Rustic Ridge! The property was so clean when we arrived! Eric and Jacqueline were very communicative from the start. We arrived to a prestige property, tucked away from our busy lives. The wi-fi was great, which was good because cell service was spotty. The pool was very clean and given how hot it was, we really enjoyed it. At times it was very shaded to not shaded at all. Property is about 20 minutes from Garden of the Gods which was great. We loved meeting all the animals on the farm, especially our house kitty. No idea what her name is, but we named her Honeysuckle :). I would absolutely stay at this property again. Thank you Eric and Jacqueline for allowing us to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matthew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was beautiful. Just wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brianne j.

Beautiful home and gorgeous location.790
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leslie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 November 2025
We are happy you loved your stay. Relaxing by the pool is so good.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Samantha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing cabin very peaceful and beautiful definitely coming back

Overall the property was beautiful from the house to the landscape
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jordan T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect retreat for rest, relaxation, amazing views, animals, and amazing pool. Can't wait to come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 December 2025
Thanks for sharing. We hope that you return for another relaxing stay. Honey had her calf and we just got bottle baby goats.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Clint S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Holly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 November 2025
Thanks for sharing! Honey just had her calf Saturday so you'll have come see the sweet little one
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stacey W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 December 2025
We are glad that you enjoyed Rustic Ridge and all of the nearby attractions.

About the host

Hosted by Eric

Host profile image
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, goats, 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
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