There is nothing better than a vacation. It gives you time to relax, recoup and give your body, mind, and spirit a little time off from the stressors of everyday life. If you’re planning your next getaway in Illinois, you could just fork over money to stay at a traditional hotel…or you could take your vacation up a notch with these amazingly unique accommodations that offer you a night that you won’t soon forget. These unique places to stay in Illinois are sure to scratch that wandering itch:
- Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins, Elizabethtown
Flickr/Michael Kappel If you think back to your treehouse as a kid and have the fondest of memories, then get ready to relive that moment from your childhood all over again when you stay at Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins. The White Oak Treehouse is nestled within an over 200-year-old tree. Enjoy majestic views while staying 20 feet in the air. It sleeps four to six people, so snag your girlfriends or take the family on a woodland adventure. And if you prefer to keep your two feet on the ground, you can also stay in one of their rustic log cabins that boast soothing fireplaces and even a campfire area so that you can make s’mores and tell ghost stories into the wee hours of the night. Iron Furnace Road, Iron Furnace Rd, Stone Church Precinct, IL 62931, USA
- Illinois River Valley Houseboat, Starved Rock Marina
Facebook/Houseboating.org If you love being on the water and dream of fishing then you’ll truly love being surrounded by abundant forests and beautiful wildlife on these houseboats. You can bob along peacefully on the river or you can drive along, taking in the beautiful waterfalls and landscapes (a perfect escape during the fall). Cast your fishing line and catch everything from Striper to Catfish. Cook up your fresh catch of the day in their fully equipped kitchens and then watch the sun go down while enjoying your beautiful meal before calling it a night and falling asleep to the tranquil sounds of the water. Book your peaceful lake getaway ASAP. 1130 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
- Old Chicago Inn, Chicago
Facebook/Old Chicago Inn Bed and Breakfast Do the Roaring ’20s call to you? Do you think you were a flapper in a past life? Always wanted to go to a speakeasy? Well, now you can when you stay the night at the Old Chicago Inn in Lincoln Park. When you check in you’ll be given a unique password. While you can get to the Room 13 speakeasy from inside the inn it’s way more fun to go around the outside of the building and knock on the door. Someone will open a peephole and ask for your password. Then you may enter to enjoy decadent libations while listening to live prohibition-era music. So put your flapper dress on and party like Gatsby before having a peaceful slumber in one of the Inn’s cozy rooms. We cannot get enough of this vintage Chicago hotel that feels like going back in time.
- Goldmoor Inn, Galena
Facebook/Goldmoor Inn & Dining Once a private estate, this staggeringly glorious inn is the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or to indulge yourself with a weekend of pampering. Choose from a quaint private cottage with a whirlpool tub and a fireplace, a deluxe cabin with a divinely rustic country experience, or stay in the main building and enjoy one of their many luxurious suites. Sip a glass of wine while walking along the majestic grounds or take a cooking class from their expert chef. You’ll feel like a brand new person after a weekend at this luxurious hotel in Illinois. 9001 W Sand Hill Rd, Galena, IL 61036, USA
- Santa Fe Train Cabooses, Hanna City
Facebook/Wildlife Prairie Park If you aren’t keen on plush bedding and a Jacuzzi tub and think the best vacations are spent in the great outdoors, then you may fancy a night in this fully air-conditioned train caboose located in the Wildlife Prairie Park. Gather up five friends to share in an adventurous weekend between April and October and bunk up together. While you’re here, enjoy the over 20 miles of terrain just perfect for mountain biking or hiking. During the warm months you can also take the Wildlife Prairie railroad to take in the beautiful Illinois wildlife! This is one of those scenic train rides in Illinois you’ll never forget.
- Vrooman Mansion, Bloomington
Facebook/Vrooman Mansion Do you often feel like you were born in the wrong era? Do people tell you that you have an old soul? Are you looking for a place to stay that is steeped in history? Then what better place to stay than the Vrooman Mansion, a bed and breakfast in Bloomington Illinois? Not only is it close to all the restaurants and shops of the town but also it offers some pretty amazing experiences for its visitors. If Halloween is your favorite holiday, then this is the time to checkout this inn. Every year they host “A Walk in the Past” Victorian Halloween tea. Put on your finest Victorian garb and enjoy savory snacks, sweet treats and an array of teas. You can even add a special package to your stay and enjoy cheese trays, delicious snacks and champagne all from the comfort of your own room. 701 E Taylor St, Bloomington, IL 61701, USA
- Enchanted Garden Treehouse, Schaumburg
Airbnb/Enchanted Garden Treehouse (Amenity*) So it seems that there is more than one treehouse to stay in when you visit Illinois (go figure!). Feel like a lost boy for a night and nestle up in this cozy little house in the trees while overlooking a waterfall. Make a bonfire outside the house (just remember to bring the marshmallows) and take a relaxing soak in the hot tub. With heating and air conditioning, wireless internet and even an indoor fireplace, you won’t believe how glamorous woodsy accommodations have become.
Are there any fascinating or weird places to stay in Illinois that we might have missed but should certainly be on the list? If so, feel free to share your favorite hidden gems in the comments!
Flickr/Michael Kappel
If you think back to your treehouse as a kid and have the fondest of memories, then get ready to relive that moment from your childhood all over again when you stay at Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins. The White Oak Treehouse is nestled within an over 200-year-old tree. Enjoy majestic views while staying 20 feet in the air. It sleeps four to six people, so snag your girlfriends or take the family on a woodland adventure. And if you prefer to keep your two feet on the ground, you can also stay in one of their rustic log cabins that boast soothing fireplaces and even a campfire area so that you can make s’mores and tell ghost stories into the wee hours of the night.
Iron Furnace Road, Iron Furnace Rd, Stone Church Precinct, IL 62931, USA
Facebook/Houseboating.org
If you love being on the water and dream of fishing then you’ll truly love being surrounded by abundant forests and beautiful wildlife on these houseboats. You can bob along peacefully on the river or you can drive along, taking in the beautiful waterfalls and landscapes (a perfect escape during the fall). Cast your fishing line and catch everything from Striper to Catfish. Cook up your fresh catch of the day in their fully equipped kitchens and then watch the sun go down while enjoying your beautiful meal before calling it a night and falling asleep to the tranquil sounds of the water. Book your peaceful lake getaway ASAP.
1130 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
Facebook/Old Chicago Inn Bed and Breakfast
Do the Roaring ’20s call to you? Do you think you were a flapper in a past life? Always wanted to go to a speakeasy? Well, now you can when you stay the night at the Old Chicago Inn in Lincoln Park. When you check in you’ll be given a unique password. While you can get to the Room 13 speakeasy from inside the inn it’s way more fun to go around the outside of the building and knock on the door. Someone will open a peephole and ask for your password. Then you may enter to enjoy decadent libations while listening to live prohibition-era music. So put your flapper dress on and party like Gatsby before having a peaceful slumber in one of the Inn’s cozy rooms. We cannot get enough of this vintage Chicago hotel that feels like going back in time.
Facebook/Goldmoor Inn & Dining
Once a private estate, this staggeringly glorious inn is the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or to indulge yourself with a weekend of pampering. Choose from a quaint private cottage with a whirlpool tub and a fireplace, a deluxe cabin with a divinely rustic country experience, or stay in the main building and enjoy one of their many luxurious suites. Sip a glass of wine while walking along the majestic grounds or take a cooking class from their expert chef. You’ll feel like a brand new person after a weekend at this luxurious hotel in Illinois.
9001 W Sand Hill Rd, Galena, IL 61036, USA
Facebook/Wildlife Prairie Park
If you aren’t keen on plush bedding and a Jacuzzi tub and think the best vacations are spent in the great outdoors, then you may fancy a night in this fully air-conditioned train caboose located in the Wildlife Prairie Park. Gather up five friends to share in an adventurous weekend between April and October and bunk up together. While you’re here, enjoy the over 20 miles of terrain just perfect for mountain biking or hiking. During the warm months you can also take the Wildlife Prairie railroad to take in the beautiful Illinois wildlife! This is one of those scenic train rides in Illinois you’ll never forget.
Facebook/Vrooman Mansion
Do you often feel like you were born in the wrong era? Do people tell you that you have an old soul? Are you looking for a place to stay that is steeped in history? Then what better place to stay than the Vrooman Mansion, a bed and breakfast in Bloomington Illinois? Not only is it close to all the restaurants and shops of the town but also it offers some pretty amazing experiences for its visitors. If Halloween is your favorite holiday, then this is the time to checkout this inn. Every year they host “A Walk in the Past” Victorian Halloween tea. Put on your finest Victorian garb and enjoy savory snacks, sweet treats and an array of teas. You can even add a special package to your stay and enjoy cheese trays, delicious snacks and champagne all from the comfort of your own room.
701 E Taylor St, Bloomington, IL 61701, USA
Airbnb/Enchanted Garden Treehouse (Amenity*)
So it seems that there is more than one treehouse to stay in when you visit Illinois (go figure!). Feel like a lost boy for a night and nestle up in this cozy little house in the trees while overlooking a waterfall. Make a bonfire outside the house (just remember to bring the marshmallows) and take a relaxing soak in the hot tub. With heating and air conditioning, wireless internet and even an indoor fireplace, you won’t believe how glamorous woodsy accommodations have become.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Places To Stay In Illinois October 04, 2022 Tori Jane What are some unique places to stay in Illinois? It seems like visiting Illinois is always a good idea, and living in Illinois is even better – but when you’re just visiting, you’ll need somewhere to stay, right? That’s where some of the most unique places to stay in Illinois come in, from boutique hotels to themed beds and breakfasts and everything in between. Some of our favorite picks for unique stays in Illinois include the Loft606, which is one of the best escape destinations in Illinois, and the 21c Museum Hotel, which is quite literally a hotel built into an art museum. We also can’t get enough of the stunning, historic William Watson Hotel, or the Sunset Inn and Suites in Clinton. What are some of the highest-rated places to stay in Illinois? Whether you’re planning an Illinois vacation or just planning a short escape from real life (we recommend one of our amazing Illinois natural wonders road trips), you’re going to need somewhere to sleep. We’ve got you covered! Some of the best places to stay in Illinois (as decided by places with the highest ratings and the most reviews) include crown jewels like the Kishauwau Cabins, in Tonica, which are a perfectly quiet respite from the real world, and places like the Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva, the Jail Hill Inn in Galena, and the Le Fevre Inn and Resort in Galena are all worth a trip as well. Where are some fun and unique places to stay in Illinois? Of course, the list goes on – it doesn’t end with all the places mentioned above. Other incredibly unique stays in IL you’re sure to love include places like the Getaway at Starved Rock, which is perfect for those who want to go glamping in Illinois and want to do so out in nature, and the Robey, a 1920s hotel with luxury as its middle name. We also love the Freehand Hotel, in Chicago, which is equal parts elegant and modern. Where will you stay first?
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Places To Stay In Illinois
October 04, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some unique places to stay in Illinois? It seems like visiting Illinois is always a good idea, and living in Illinois is even better – but when you’re just visiting, you’ll need somewhere to stay, right? That’s where some of the most unique places to stay in Illinois come in, from boutique hotels to themed beds and breakfasts and everything in between. Some of our favorite picks for unique stays in Illinois include the Loft606, which is one of the best escape destinations in Illinois, and the 21c Museum Hotel, which is quite literally a hotel built into an art museum. We also can’t get enough of the stunning, historic William Watson Hotel, or the Sunset Inn and Suites in Clinton. What are some of the highest-rated places to stay in Illinois? Whether you’re planning an Illinois vacation or just planning a short escape from real life (we recommend one of our amazing Illinois natural wonders road trips), you’re going to need somewhere to sleep. We’ve got you covered! Some of the best places to stay in Illinois (as decided by places with the highest ratings and the most reviews) include crown jewels like the Kishauwau Cabins, in Tonica, which are a perfectly quiet respite from the real world, and places like the Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva, the Jail Hill Inn in Galena, and the Le Fevre Inn and Resort in Galena are all worth a trip as well. Where are some fun and unique places to stay in Illinois? Of course, the list goes on – it doesn’t end with all the places mentioned above. Other incredibly unique stays in IL you’re sure to love include places like the Getaway at Starved Rock, which is perfect for those who want to go glamping in Illinois and want to do so out in nature, and the Robey, a 1920s hotel with luxury as its middle name. We also love the Freehand Hotel, in Chicago, which is equal parts elegant and modern. Where will you stay first?
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It seems like visiting Illinois is always a good idea, and living in Illinois is even better – but when you’re just visiting, you’ll need somewhere to stay, right? That’s where some of the most unique places to stay in Illinois come in, from boutique hotels to themed beds and breakfasts and everything in between. Some of our favorite picks for unique stays in Illinois include the Loft606, which is one of the best escape destinations in Illinois, and the 21c Museum Hotel, which is quite literally a hotel built into an art museum. We also can’t get enough of the stunning, historic William Watson Hotel, or the Sunset Inn and Suites in Clinton.
What are some of the highest-rated places to stay in Illinois?
Whether you’re planning an Illinois vacation or just planning a short escape from real life (we recommend one of our amazing Illinois natural wonders road trips), you’re going to need somewhere to sleep. We’ve got you covered! Some of the best places to stay in Illinois (as decided by places with the highest ratings and the most reviews) include crown jewels like the Kishauwau Cabins, in Tonica, which are a perfectly quiet respite from the real world, and places like the Herrington Inn and Spa in Geneva, the Jail Hill Inn in Galena, and the Le Fevre Inn and Resort in Galena are all worth a trip as well.
Where are some fun and unique places to stay in Illinois?
Of course, the list goes on – it doesn’t end with all the places mentioned above. Other incredibly unique stays in IL you’re sure to love include places like the Getaway at Starved Rock, which is perfect for those who want to go glamping in Illinois and want to do so out in nature, and the Robey, a 1920s hotel with luxury as its middle name. We also love the Freehand Hotel, in Chicago, which is equal parts elegant and modern. Where will you stay first?
