Through all of our travels around the Midwest, we have fall in love with staying at historic hotels. There are lots of great spots around the country, but you’ll find the best Historic Hotels in Iowa. While we are still working our way around the Midwest checking out all the great stays, we feel like we’ve found quite a few that meet our standards for historic.
Black Hawk Hotel – Cedar Falls, Iowa
The Black Hawk Hotel located on main street in Cedar Falls and has been there for over almost 160 years. It began back in 1853 as a stagecoach hotel and tavern. The hotel, important to Cedar Falls as it was a growing town as it is located just a half block from the Cedar River, which was crucial to industry at the time. It has gone through several changes, but the history is maintained. The rooms are done to keep the history and character, but provide modern amenities like TV, whirlpool baths, and more!
It’s location to Cedar Falls’ booming downtown area is a great draw for visitors! You can enjoy several coffee shops, restaurants, and locally owned shops while staying in the area! We also recommend stopping into Bar Winslow, the hotel bar, for a handcrafted cocktail!
Book a Stay at the Black Hawk Hotel in Cedar Falls, Iowa
Hotel Julien Dubuque – Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa, founded by Julien Dubuque is known as “Where Iowa Started”. So, it seems rather fitting that one of the original hotels in the downtown area is named after him. The Hotel Julien, built in 1839 has survived a renaming (it was originally the Waples House), a fire, several renovations, and of course economic hardships like most historic hotels. Now, it stands as a symbol of elegance and class.
A stay at the Hotel Julien will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated. Even the meals at it’s restaurant Caroline’s, are exceptional! Did someone say Bananas Fosters Pancakes?
Feel Pampered with a Stay at the Hotel Julien Dubuque
Hotel Blackhawk – Davenport, Iowa
Hotel Blackhawk in downtown Davenport has been a part of the Quad Cities for a little over 100 years and underwent a 46 million dollar renovation in 2010 and it’s equal parts historic and elegance. The renovation did a great job of maintaining the historic beauty of the hotel and adding in modern elegance and amenities. The rooms are unique in their arrangement and done in the highest quality finishes. The hotel also features a pool, fitness center, bowling alley and martini bar, coffee shop, bar, and restaurant. Bix Bistro, the restaurant, puts out delicious breakfasts and dinners with impeccable service. A stay at the Hotel Blackhawk is one worth every penny!
Warm Up with a Winter Weekend in the Quad Cities
Hotel Grinnell – Grinnell, Iowa
Hotel Grinnell isn’t a historic hotel in the traditional sense. Now a hotel, it was constructed 100 years ago as a school for the Grinnell community. Until the 1970’s it was a junior high building. In 2019 it opened as a boutique hotel. The developer worked hard to maintain a lot of the school features like the beautiful hardwood floors, the gym as a ballroom, and the locker room as a bunkhouse. The rooms are beautifully renovated with an industrial but cozy feel, high ceilings, and top notch amenities. As if that isn’t enough, the Periodic Table (the bar & tapas restaurant), offers handcrafted cocktails and delicious eats.
Downtown Grinnell offers a plethora of locally owned businesses to enjoy during your stay!
Book a Stay at the Hotel Grinnell – It Gives a New Meaning into Old School Cool!
Historic Park Inn Hotel – Mason City
It doesn’t get much more historic than the only remaining hotel designed by world famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. And that is exactly what you will find in Mason City. Mason City is located in Northern Iowa and a great spot to spend a weekend getaway in this gorgeous hotel. The hotel has been restored and renovated, but kept to its architectural roots. It also offers The Draftsman, a bar in the basement, and Markley & Blythe, a 5-star restaurant, so leaving isn’t necessary. To top it off, the Historic Park Inn is conveniently & centrally located downtown near many more bars, restaurants, and entertainment options! We guarantee that picking one of its unique rooms will be the perfect recipe for a great weekend getaway in a fabulous historic hotel.
Plan A Couples Getaway in Mason City with 6 Fun Things to Do!
Historic Hotels in Iowa
Iowa has deep roots in America and they have a great eye for maintaining and upholding history, which means they have lots of great historic hotels. Even better is that these hotels are located all over the state in many different regions so you can enjoy all that Iowa has to offer! Which one will you stay at first?!
