
10 Unique Places To Stay In Illinois For An Unforgettable Experience
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Planning your next getaway and looking for a unique and unforgettable experience? Check out these fun places to stay in Illinois. From cozy tiny homes in small towns to quirky cottages in lively city centers, here are the best places to stay in Illinois.
Tiny Home Rentals in Illinois
Looking for cool places to stay in Illinois? Look no further than the world of tiny home rentals! These unique and charming dwellings offer everything from an indoor fireplace to a private oasis overlooking beautiful Trout Valley. There’s sure to be a rental that’s just perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable vacation experience.


- Address: McLean County, Illinois,
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1 bath
- Price: $339/night
- Amenities: Hot tub, fireplace, and pet-friendly.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
Hidden Grove A-Frame Cabin is tucked away on a private wooded two acres just outside Bloomington. The comfortable cabin has two upstairs sleeping areas, a loft, and a private bedroom. Have an extra guest with you? No problem, there's also a daybed with a trundle on the main floor. Explore the grounds and enjoy the hot tub, fire pit, and a game of horseshoes. The indoor space has a fully equipped kitchen and a fireplace, perfect for those chilly nights.


- Address: Trout Valley, Illinois
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 3), 1 bath
- Price: $129/night
- Amenities: Swimming pool, air conditioning, and a washer and dryer.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
The Cozy Quonset Hut in Trout Valley is an hour's drive from Chicago, making it the perfect location for a romantic getaway outside the city. This 600-square-foot quirky-shaped home has one bedroom and bath with a full kitchen. Take full advantage of the many walking trails, trout ponds, and other peaceful outdoor activities while staying at this relaxing oasis.
Cottage Rentals in Illinois
On the hunt for a fun place to stay in Illinois? How about opting for a cottage? Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape along the Alto Pass Wine Trail or a romantic stay near downtown Peoria, we’ve got you covered.


- Address: Bartonville, Illinois
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 2 baths
- Price: $105/night
- Amenities: Wifi, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
The Bank Vault Cottage in Bartonville is the ideal spot to vacation and experience that friendly midwest charm. The converted property is in a fantastic location within walking distance of many shops and restaurants and a short drive to the riverfront in downtown Peoria. The spacious one-bedroom has modern amenities such as free wifi, a full kitchen, and air conditioning to name a few.


- Address: Alto Pass, Illinois
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 1 bath
- Price: $159/night
- Amenities: Wifi, parking, and air conditioning.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
Conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Giant City State Park and Southern Illinois University is where you'll find Wine Trail Loft in downtown Alto Pass. The cottage is also on the Wine Trail, making it an unbeatable location if you're in town to check out all the vineyards. Enjoy the modern interior's high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and hardwood floors. And if you're traveling with a group, no worries - the property accommodates up to eight guests.
Farmhouses for Rent in Illinois
Traveling to The Prairie State and need a rental that can accommodate a large family? Want to stay somewhere a little more unique than a hotel? How about a farmhouse? With plenty of space, fun activities, and modern amenities, it’ll make everyone in the family happy with this choice.


- Address: Dow, Illinois
- Size: 8 bedrooms (sleeps 23), 3 baths
- Price: $229/night
- Amenities: Fireplace, pet-friendly, and a washer and dryer.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
The Grafton Farmhouse in Dow sits on a private 23-acre hobby farm just outside the banks of the Grafton riverfront, where the Illinois and Mississippi rivers meet and blend into one big river. Enjoy the outdoor amenities, like hammocks, trampolines, and firepits. You can also follow the walking trail, pick ripe produce from the fruit trees, or grab some fresh eggs from the chicken coop. Grafton Farmhouse offers a secluded escape for guests looking for a relaxing weekend.


- Address: Effingham County, Illinois
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 5 baths
- Price: $350/night
- Amenities: Wifi, air conditioning, and a washer and dryer.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
The luxury Lakefront Farmhouse is in Emerald Cove on Lake Sara in Effingham, making it the perfect hideaway for a summer retreat. The home has four guest rooms with comfortable linens and a full kitchen with all the basics, like a coffee maker, microwave, and dishwasher. There are also multiple living areas to chill in, such as the living room, the basement, and the screened-in porch. And nothing beats the lakefront access and boat dock with all the water floats and activities you could ever want.
Castles for Rent in Illinois
How epic would it be to stay overnight in a castle? Well, you’re in luck. We have a couple of picks to choose from to make it a reality, so pack your bags.


- Address: Springfield, Illinois
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 2 baths
- Price: $287/night
- Amenities: Fireplace, air conditioning, and a washer and dryer.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
Stay at The Bressmer (the ground floor) of the Victorian Manor, and you will not regret it. The historic building is located in the magnificent historic district of Old Aristocracy Hill in downtown Springfield, an excellent location to see all the historical sites, like Abraham Lincoln's Home. The guest house is decked out in rich traditional decor and provides all the modern amenities for a comfortable stay.


- Address: Petersburg, Illinois
- Size: 10 bedrooms (sleeps 20), 9 baths
- Price: $800/night
- Amenities: air conditioning, pet-friendly, and a washer and dryer.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
Three Pines Castle in Petersburg is in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of many shops in downtown Petersburg and a short drive from Springfield. The elegant home has 10 bedrooms and can accommodate 20 guests with several living spaces to relax in, like the parlors, den, and dining room. It's a great property to host a large gathering or group.
Villas for Rent in Illinois
If traveling with a large group, try lodging at a unique villa. With fantastic amenities, spacious areas to lounge, and gorgeous grounds to explore, it will not disappoint.


- Address: Rockford, Illinois
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 2 baths
- Price:308/night
- Amenities: Fireplace, hot tub, and pet-friendly.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
The Spanish Villa in Rockford is under two hours from Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago, which makes this rental a fantastic location for a weekend trip. This funky and eclectic property has many seating areas, patios, and an 1886 outdoor cantina - how cool! Staying at the villa will also give you access to the coffee bar, game table, and whirlpool jacuzzi tub.


- Address: Kankakee County, Illinois
- Size: 7 bedrooms (sleeps 15), 7 baths
- Price: $1,100/night
- Amenities: Air conditioning, fireplace, ad a washer and dryer.
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
The Luxury Villa has seven bedrooms on 40 acres with backyard access to Kankakee River State Park. Enjoy all the plush amenities the property offers, like the sauna, movie theater, and pool table. Relax by the in-room fireplaces and cozy up with a book in the comfortable and stylish king or queen-size beds.
Have you been to any of these cool places to stay in Illinois? Do you think they are some of the best unique rentals in Illinois to spend your trip? Let us know. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Are you on the search for more fun places to stay in Illinois to plan your next holiday? Discover this 1812 bed and breakfast nestled in the Shawnee National Forest. Are you looking for something more unique? Check out this off-the-grid treehouse village in Nauvoo.
Need a reminder of the list? Go ahead and check it out below.
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More to Explore
10 Unique Places To Stay In Illinois For An Unforgettable Experience
What are the best unique hotels in Illinois?
There are many great unique hotels in Illinois. The most popular choices include an Irish-themed boutique hotel, an elegant hilltop estate overlooking the Mississippi River, and an inn in an 1874 Italianate building, to name a few.
Here are the best unique hotels in Illinois:
- Irish Cottage Inn & Suites, Galena
- Sybaris Northbrook, Northbrook
- Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, Chicago
- Cornerstone Inn, Washington
- Goldmoor Inn, Galena
- Landers House, Utica
Visit this article for the best places to stay in Illinois that have so much charm.
Where are the most unique getaways in Illinois?
The most unique getaways in Illinois are found all over the state, and each has something different to offer, making it a great place to explore on your next vacation.
Here are the most unique getaways in Illinois:
- Rockford
- Peoria
- Arthur
- Starved Rock State Park
- Champaign-Urbana
- Springfield
Visit this article for unique getaways in Illinois that are picture perfect for winter.
Are you still looking for more places to stay? Check out the most unique hotel in Chicago.