Your Shawnee Forest Getaway — Private Hot Tub, Bikes & Downtown Charm
Wake up, relax, and enjoy a slower pace at The Apartment at 217, your cozy two-bedroom carriage-house apartment in historic Harrisburg, Illinois.
Start your morning with a cup of coffee right upstairs. We provide K-Cups and French vanilla creamer, and there’s also a Mr. Coffee maker if you prefer a traditional brew.
Or, take a leisurely 5–7 minute walk to Steam Café for a latte or breakfast. Along the way, you’ll pass Harrisburg’s beautiful new mural, “Shawnee Sunrise.”
Morello’s Italian Restaurant is a block past Steam Cafe and they have a great variety of salad’s, pizza, steaks, and chicken dishes…and their specialty of fresh baked Italian bread.
Mackie’s Pizza is the community icon for pizza with the Harrisburg Special a favorite. It’s past Morello’s on the opposite side of Poplar Street.
BBQ Barn is a favorite for smoked ribs, BBQ sandwiches, and steaks. They have home baked pies, and cream Horns if you get there before they sell out!
Your Own Private Backyard Oasis
One of my favorite places to start the day is outside on the comfortable patio sofa, relaxing beside the hot tub while listening to the birds sing and the fountains run. Surrounded by blooming patio plants, it’s a peaceful little oasis where you can simply sit back and enjoy being outdoors.
You can also relax in the comfortable living room on the leather sofa, curl up with a good book, or enjoy your favorite shows on the 55” Smart TV with Roku.
On cooler evenings, turn on the electric fireplace beneath the TV and settle in for a cozy night.
Explore the Outdoors
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Southern Illinois!
The Tunnel Hill Bike Trail is just about a half-mile from the apartment, and we provide two bicycles for our guests to use. Walk or ride to the trail and enjoy the changing scenery.
About a half-mile in the opposite direction is Harrisburg Park, with a fenced preschool play area, lagoon, benches, bridges, and flowering trees—a wonderful place to get outside for a stroll.
For even more fall color and adventure, Giant City State Park is a favorite destination for hiking and exploring. Its shorter, kid-friendly trails make it a fun outing for families, too. Garden of the Gods, Indian Rock, Rim Rock, Pounds Hollow, and Giant City State Park are also great spots to see the changing colors of fall colors.
And if you’re looking for more adventure, the area offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, ziplining, horseback riding, biking, and exploring the Shawnee National Forest.
Everything You Need for a Comfortable Stay
The private upstairs apartment offers more than 800 square feet of living space and is located in a separate building from our home, above our three-car garage.
Inside you’ll find:
* Two comfortable bedrooms * A fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove, Keurig, dishes, pots, pans, and cooking essentials * Comfortable leather sofa * 55” Smart TV with Roku * Electric fireplace * Fast Wi-Fi * Desk and computer/workstation * Books and games * Washer and dryer downstairs in the garage * Private outdoor patio * Hot tub * Fire pit * Hammock chairs * Adirondack chairs * Outdoor dining area * Charcoal grill
The computer includes shortcuts to some of our favorite trails, restaurants, and area activities, making it easy to do a little research and “know before you go.” Of course, you can also use it to browse the internet or check your plans.
Our small library includes books in a variety of genres, and you’re welcome to take a book outside and enjoy it in the swinging chair on the patio.
A Great Location
The Apartment at 217 is located in the historic part of Harrisburg, just three blocks from the town square.
You’re within an easy walk of local restaurants and a coffee shop, while nearby attractions provide plenty of opportunities to explore Southern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest.
Whether you’re visiting for business, enjoying the outdoors, exploring the area, or simply looking for a peaceful place to get away, we hope The Apartment at 217 feels like your home away from home.
Easy Check-In
Checking in is simple! Before your arrival, we’ll send your door access code and welcome information directly to your phone, so you can arrive and settle in without the hassle of meeting for a key.
A Few Housekeeping Notes
To help us provide a clean and comfortable environment for everyone, The Apartment at 217 is a non-smoking, no-pet property.
Our no-pet policy is especially important to us because we want to make sure guests with allergies can enjoy their stay comfortably. We appreciate your understanding and want every guest to feel welcomed.
Come Relax With Us!
Whether your perfect day involves a bike ride on the Tunnel Hill Trail, hiking among the fall colors, exploring the Shawnee Forest, enjoying a cup of coffee downtown, soaking in the hot tub, or simply sitting outside listening to the birds and fountains, we hope you’ll find a place to slow down and enjoy your stay.
Welcome to The Apartment at 217 — where we hope you’ll feel like a welcomed guest from the moment you arrive!
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Charming 2-bedroom house in Harrisburg Close to the Shawnee National Forest !
Harrisburg
Charming 2-bedroom house in Harrisburg Close to the Shawnee National Forest !
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please send us a text or on VRBO that you are checking out. We like to let our cleaners know as soon as possible.
Our outside trash is located on the alley side of our home. Please deposit your trash there upon checkout, or earlier if needed.
Please turn off air conditioners when leaving. Thanks for staying!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please place the patio cushions in storage container by hot tub after using and before rain (so they will stay dry for you).
Please cover the hot tub when not in use and turn OFF all jets, air vents, and lights. Please, no children in the hot tub without an adult present.
We allow one parking space, between the two garages, park under the "Guest Parking" sign. Two parking spaces may be possible with advance notice.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 907024vb
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
Note from host: Please, no loud music.
Long-term renters welcome
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
Harrisburg
Located in Harrisburg, this condo is in a rural area. 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 Harrisburg Township Park District. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing and hunting.
Harrisburg, IL
What's nearby
Harrisburg Township Park District - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
Shawnee National Forest - 12 min drive - 15.3 km
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area - 33 min drive - 42.2 km
Lake of Egypt - 35 min drive - 68.5 km
Cave in Rock State Park - 46 min drive - 70.6 km
Getting around
Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
Bar-B-Q Barn - 12 min walk
SUBWAY - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 2 min drive
Hucks - 20 min walk
Sonic Drive-In - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Spring is for Hiking! In Town-Private Hot Tub-2 Bikes-Shawnee National Forest pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Your Shawnee Forest Getaway — Private Hot Tub, Bikes & Downtown Charm?
As of 7 October 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Your Shawnee Forest Getaway — Private Hot Tub, Bikes & Downtown Charm on 4 January 2027 start from NZ$369, 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.
How much is parking at Spring is for Hiking! In Town-Private Hot Tub-2 Bikes-Shawnee National Forest?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Spring is for Hiking! In Town-Private Hot Tub-2 Bikes-Shawnee National Forest?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Spring is for Hiking! In Town-Private Hot Tub-2 Bikes-Shawnee National Forest?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Spring is for Hiking! In Town-Private Hot Tub-2 Bikes-Shawnee National Forest located?
Situated in a rural location, this condo building is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Harrisburg Township Park District and within 3 miles (5 km) of Saline County Area Museum and Shawnee Hills Country Club. Ross Cottom Lanes is 3.1 mi (5 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The space was very easy to find. The host was actually there to greet us and was very friendly. Lots of fun extras inside the unit as well as outside in the yard. We loved how clean and nice the place was. We will definitely be back in the fall.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 August 2026
We are delighted you enjoyed our place and would love to have you back this fall!
The place was perfect for our stay. The kids enjoyed the hot tub. The hiking in Shawnee National Park was wonderful and the local park was very nice. The host even had pickle ball paddles and balls for us to use.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2026
So glad you enjoyed your stay! The park is a wonderful place to walk or drive down and enjoy. Our grandkids enjoy the slides, basketball, swings, ducks, and playground equipment. We enjoy the pickleball courts and the workout machines area…all in a beautiful setting. Thanks for staying!
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
david
1 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Homey, comfortable and a short drive from some beautiful scenery.
The stay was perfect! Great communication with the host. I actually met the host and she was very polite, cheerful - just a delight. The place was spotless and quaint and there was a treat welcoming us. Information was left for what to do in the area and instructions were very clear for check out.The outdoor setting was beautiful, relaxing, and private. If in the area again, I would love to stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2026
Thank you for staying and the great review. It was great to meet you and discover our paths connecting us many years ago- it’s truly a small world! We would love to have you again if you come to our area.
Blessings-
Judy
Love this place - it’s a perfect home away from home!!
The host is wonderful- the cottage like feel apartment is just beautiful, comfortable and convenient to everything!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2024
Thanks so much for staying with us!
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Lori O.
5 November 2018
Perfect little place to stay!
Apartment was cute as can be and had everything we needed for our weekend of Hiking the Shawnee. Local restaurants were great!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 26 March 2020
Thank you guys for staying at the Apartment at 217! So glad it was a good weekend for you to get away and enjoy the beautiful outdoors and relax! We would love to have you back anytime, you were great guests! #loveourguests
About the host
Hosted by Judy Taylor
We grew up in the deep south but ended up in the Midwest after several years of living in Germany with Dewayne serving our country in the USAF. We love the seasons we find in the Midwest with the beautiful fall colors to the winter snows, spring awakening and summer flowers. We celebrated being married forty-eight years this summer! We love a good adventure and are excited to share our Southern hospitality with new friends who love traveling and exploring also!
Why they chose this property
We purchased this property in 2000 after moving to the area. Our daughters were graduating and going to college. We used the apartment for them and it worked wonderful. However, they have grown up, gotten married, and now all live away. We enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in Southern Illinois, especially with the four seasons and so many outdoor opportunities. We decided to share it with people who are coming to our area and wanted something more than a hotel room. We love to serve our guests and provide a bit of "Southern Hospitality".
What makes this property unique
Outside we have a lovely pagoda with outdoor wood burning fireplace, swing, outdoor seating, hammock chairs, two fountains, one small pond with fountain, beautiful flower gardens and tropical plants on the patio, and two tables for outdoor dining or grilling. We have a Weber charcoal grill that is available for guests, bring your charcoal.
In fall of 2017 we added a new hot tub with five seats and a lounger. It has extra wide steps and a handlebar for easy entry and beautiful lights for night. Seats have different style jets for a relaxing massage. We keep the water temperature around 100 in winter and cooler in summer. Air vents can be turned off and on with three different dials and dual speeds. It is located under the pagoda.
We enjoy the close proximity (less than 1 mile) to the Tunnel Hill Bike Trail. Enjoy hiking in the Shawnee Forest with Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Bell Smith Springs or swim at Pounds Hollow & more. We have two bikes so you can ride on the Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, just half a mile (on sidewalks) to the trail.
Our local park has exercise equipment, a pool (summer) and several swings to sit and enjoy the ducks or read a book. It has a lighted walking trail around the water with several bridges and playgrounds for the kids or a game of basketball, pickleball, or tennis. We walk to the park, it's about a half mile away.
Dinner is an easy stroll downtown past the town square. Near the town square are several restaurants: Morello's, Mackie's Pizza, the BBQ Barn, or have coffee and breakfast at the Steam Café.
Also a few blocks away is Point Blank shooting range. It is the largest indoor gun range in Southern Illinois and open to the general public. Everyone is welcome to participate at the range with a valid FOID Card or be with someone who has a card. Check their website for hours.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests