Unique Midwest Hotels, Lodges, and Bed & Breakfasts

While many people consider the Midwest to be fly-over country, the Midwest Travel Bloggers can prove you differently. Midwest hotels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts are some of the most unique in the country. Several bloggers have joined me to put the best of the most unique into one post for your reference! Enjoy reading about these stays that have been organized by state for your convenience.

Turn your stay at a unique hotel by making it a Weekend Getaway in the Midwest! Snag our guide HERE!

Indiana

Crowne Plaza Downtown Indianapolis Union Station – Indianapolis, Indiana

Located in the former Union Station, The Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown offers train car rooms!  The rooms are smaller than a typical hotel room, but still offer all the modern conveniences. These unique rooms offer travelers to sleep on a train, but still wake up in the same town!  

Submitted by Yoder Toter Blog – Yes, you can sleep in a train car that’s INSIDE a hotel!

Riley’s Railhouse Bed and Breakfast – Chesterton, Indiana

Riley’s Railhouse Bed & Breakfast offers unique accommodations, rich history, and friendly hospitality.  The renovated depot constructed in 1914 by the New York Central Railway is situated on the Norfolk Southern double mainline and once served as a freight station.  It’s only about 4 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park.  The main lounge houses upper and lower berth accommodation and outside sits renovated railway Boxcars serving as additional guest quarters.  One doesn’t have to be a train enthusiast to appreciate this gem!

Submitted by Flo’s Favorites – Riley’s Railhouse Bed and Breakfast: Rich in Railway History

Natural Valley Ranch – Hendricks County, Indiana

If you like the idea of staying in a cabin but want modern amenities and a chef’s kitchen, you’ll love Natural Valley Ranch. This six-bedroom, five-and-a-half bath deluxe accommodation in Hendricks County, Indiana, is a rural palace. While you’re there, be sure to say hello to the horses and go for a trail ride.

Submitted by The Local Tourist: Hendricks County, Iowa: Small Town Charm, Big City Convenience

Iowa

Taylor Hill Lodge – Audubon, Iowa

Situated on a hill outside Audubon, Iowa, is Taylor Hill Lodge. This historic, century farm, barn has been transformed into a beautiful lodge! Rent one room or the entire house for your next family get-together. Either way, you’ll feel like you escaped the busy world around you with their beautiful finishes and views to boot!

Hotel Blackhawk – Davenport, Iowa

The Beautiful Blackhawk Hotel is located in downtown Davenport, Iowa across the street from the event center River City Hall.  The hotel opened originally in 1915. Tour guide Sheldon Wellmans said, back in 2016, “The Blackhawk has been serving a century of elegance,” Sheldon said.  “It has been here 100 years and we are starting our 101st year. There is a lot to our property.”

The property offers a wonderful tour that shares the fascinating history.  “We have been host to Presidents and movie stars and legendary athletes.  It is said that both Frank Sinatra and Al Capone have sat down in the bar.  President Obama was here in 2011 and fell in love with the porkchop and had his chef get the recipe.  Now, it is called the Presidential Pork Chop on our menu.”

Submitted by Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl – Tour of the Beautiful Blackhawk Hotel

Besides the chance to tour, you can also stay in this magnificent property as well.  My hands down favorite aspect is the soaker tub in the bathrooms! 

Royal Amsterdam Hotel – Pella, Iowa

Located in downtown Pella, Iowa, the Royal Amsterdam Hotel has recently went under extensive renovations. Adjacent to Molengracht Plaze is now beautiful accommodations. Features like high ceilings, simple and elegant finishes, and views of the beautiful Dutch inspired plaza, make this the perfect place to stay when visiting Pella.

Glamping “Hut” at Spook Cave and Campground – McGregor, Iowa

Spook Cave is a fun place to visit to experience the boat tours into a cave, but they also have a great campground!  For those without a camper, they have a range of different cabins to rent.  The most unique one being the 3 person ‘Hut’. From the outside it looks a little like a Hobbit hole.  It’s actually surprisingly big in the inside, with 2 beds, a table and chairs, a fridge and a microwave. The toilet and shower block is just a short walk away!  You can purchase wood from the camp store for the little fire pit to cook dinner. Or enjoy an open fire while listening to the relaxing sounds of the Trout River running close by!

Submitted by Between England & Iowa – A Glamping & Cave Exploration Adventure at Spook Cave, Iowa

Hotel Grinnell – Grinnell, Iowa

Hotel Grinnell‘s beautiful building dates back to 1921 when it once served as a school building. Now it has been repurposed into a hotel and event center. The story of Hotel Grinnell is fascinating. A lot of thought and hard work were put into reflecting Grinnell, Iowa’s art culture. There are no duplicates here, making each room unique!

Submitted by Cornfields & High Heels – Hotel Grinnell: One of Iowa’s Best Hotels

Hotel Julien Dubuque – Dubuque, Iowa

Constructed in downtown Dubuque, Iowa, back in 1839, the Hotel Julien has a rich history. This spectacular hotel went through extensive renovations recently. The result is a beautiful and historic hotel in the heart of downtown Dubuque. What makes Hotel Julien stand out is their attention to every detail that makes every person feel special.

Little Swan Lake Winery – Estherville, Iowa

Little Swan Lake Winery and Bed and Breakfast is a fun, unique experience in Northwest Iowa. It’s located just outside Estherville, Iowa and its rustic charm will fill your heart, while the wine fills your belly. Spend a weekend at Little Swan Lake Winery and Bed and Breakfast and you’ll certainly want to take advantage of live music, farm-to-table food and of course, excellent wine.

Submitted by She Saves, She Travels – Best Iowa Bed and Breakfast (a Hidden Treasure in the Midwest!

McIntosh State Park Yurts – Clear Lake, Iowa

A unique place in the Midwest for those with an adventurous side, are the yurts in McIntosh Woods State Park just outside of Clear Lake in Iowa!  2 yurts that can be rented and each feature a double futon, a bunk-bed and a small table and chairs.  The yurts do have electricity and a ceiling fan but other than that they are very basic!  A toilet and shower block is a short walk away.  They are very peaceful, tucked away in a quiet corner of the woods, and have great views of Clear Lake!  They book out quite far in advance during the summer months, so plan accordingly!

Submitted by Between England & Iowa – Glamping in Iowa: What It’s Like to Stay in a Yurt!

Highlander Hotel – Iowa City

Book a weekend getaway at this funky and fresh hotel conveniently located off Interstate 80. The Highlander Hotel opened after owner, Angela, saved it from becoming obsolete and renovated it to its glory and then some using funky and modern vibes to complete it. You won’t need to leave this fun stay with it’s large indoor pool, hot tub, yard games, fire pit, turn-tables for use, restaurant, and soon-to-be arcade! It’s a fun stop for families, a girls weekend, or a getaway with your special someone!

Book a Funky Staycation at the Highlander Hotel

Winterset Wonderland – Winterset

Winterset Wonderland isn’t your typical hotel, lodge, or bed & breakfast, but it’s definitely worth booking a stay. Located in downtown Winterset (home to the Bridges of Madison County and the John Wayne Museum) is a historic building called the Madsonian. This building once housed the newspaper and how hosts a gallery and bistro on the main floor and a beautiful vacation rental on the second. It is a complete stay with two bedrooms, a kitchen, comfortable living room, and bathroom! Plus, you can make your stay extra special with a private dinner created and served by Chef Easton. The rental is beautifully restored with both historic and modern touches! It’s a great place to spend a weekend!

Plan a Winery & Brewery Tour of Madison County, Iowa

Black Hawk Hotel – Cedar Falls

Historic hotels are dotted across the Midwest and the Black Hawk Hotel in downtown Cedar Falls is one of the great ones. It’s history dates back to 1858 as part of the Cedar Valley landscape, which makes it just that extra special. Now, the rooms have been opened up and expanded, but beautifully renovated to combine the history and modern amenities like heated floors in the bathroom and jetted tubs! The beautiful lobby features places to sit and relax and the Bar Winslow which is a stunning bar with a great speakeasy feel! The hotel is conveniently located in the downtown region and is within easy walking distances to restaurants, shops, and breweries. Its small and boutique feel makes it a great spot for a romantic getaway.

7 Ways to Have a Great Weekend in Cedar Falls

Michigan

Charlevoix Mushroom Houses – Charlevoix, Michigan

You will feel as though you have stepped into a fairy-tale story when you walk into your Charlevoix Mushroom House vacation rental. These unique dwellings feature enchanting details like rounded roof-lines and doorways, frosted cap chimneys, beautiful stonework, elaborate fireplaces. Also, in one instance, even windows imported from a European castle. Built and designed in the mid-1900s, the Mushroom Houses can only be found in the small Northern Michigan town of Charlevoix. But, lucky for the rest of the world, many of these whimsical homes are available for overnight accommodations.

Submitted by Minivan Adventures – Charlevoix Mushroom Houses

Minnesota

Lowell Inn – Stillwater, Minnesota

The Lowell Inn is an upscale American restaurant with World class charm and elegance.  There food is absolutely delicious and served beautifully. The Inn’s rooms are beautiful and decorated nicely. A wonderful place to relax and enjoy. The shopping in Stillwater, Minnesota is wonderful.

Submitted by Cat Tales with Laura – The Lowell Inn Located in Stillwater, Minnesota

Missouri

Hotel Bothwell – Sedalia, Missouri

Elegance, superior service, and magnificent accommodations are the best way to describe the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, Missouri. Built back in 1927 by influential businessman John Bothwell, this hotel has quite the history. Not only has it been the hotel of choice by many politicians and celebrities, but it was also a senior living community for a period of time. The restoration to it’s former glory make the Hotel Bothwell the place to stay when visiting Sedalia. The high end finishes certainly give it a unique touch with no two rooms being alike. Add the Ivory Grille with Chef Chris P and you have no reason to leave the hotel! (And trust me, you won’t want to!)

Blue Jay Farm – Pulaski County, Missouri

Blue Jay Farm is a secluded retreat in Pulaski County, Missouri. There are multiple cabins situated on a seven-acre spring-fed lake and surrounded by woods. It’s a piece of Missouri history and a truly peaceful getaway with goats for lawnmowers and guinea fowl roaming the property.

Submitted by The Local Tourist – A Slice of Heaven in the Ozarks at Blue Jay Farm

Ohio

The Hocking Hills Caboose – Hocking Hills, Ohio

The Hocking Hills Caboose is an authentic 1950s caboose that’s been converted to overnight lodging for five.  The caboose is nestled in the beauty of Hocking Hills State Park. Visitors to the Caboose can enjoy a small kitchen, full bathroom, and a large deck. Staying at the Caboose is a fun form of glamping!

Submitted by Yoder Toter Blog – All Aboard! The Hocking Hills Caboose: Unique Ohio Lodging

The Mohicans Treehouse – Glenmont, Ohio

If you ever wanted to be one with the trees, a stay at The Mohicans Treehouses in Glenmont, Ohio will absolutely blow your mind. Our excitement couldn’t be contained as my kids walked across the swaying bridge, and looked up to our two-story castle in the sky, “El Castilo”.  With showers, a Murphy bed for the kids, a cozy king bed upstairs, and a small kitchenette, our treehouse had everything we could need. And, it provided the perfect opportunity to spend time with the family…and nature.  It’s glamping at its finest, and you’ll never want to leave.

Submitted by O The Places We Go – Family Glamping: A Magical Time at the Mohicans Treehouse

Wisconsin

The American Club – Kohler, Wisconsin

If you need a place to recharge and spoil yourself, The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin is the place. It was once the boarding house for immigrant workers for the Kohler company. The American Club is a historic and luxurious hotel steeped in history with several restaurants. Don’t miss classic old fashions in the Library Bar or coffee and pastries in the Greenhouse. Certainly make sure to get some of the best cheese curds and Wisconsin beer at the Horse & Plow Pub. Get some major design inspiration at the Kohler Design Center. Also, treat yourself to the signature hydrotherapy Healing Waters Treatment at the Kohler Waters Spa. 

Submitted by Em’s on the Road – Discover the Coziest Winter Getaway in the Midwest: The American Club

Unique Midwest Hotels, Lodges, and Bed & Breakfasts

The Midwest is full of unique and special hotels, lodges, and bed & breakfasts to make your visit one that you will never forget! Stop by one today!