50 Romantic Midwest Getaways
The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard, Canton, Ohio [1]
Stucco walls, stone fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and large travertine-tiled baths with heated floors deck the 24 suites that opened to complement the on-site restaurant. In the morning, guests brew Italian java and then enjoy fresh-baked breakfast treats (delivered in a charming wooden box) at the communal table in the shared living room. gervasivineyard.com [2]
Chicago destinations [5]
The Langham Chicago (pictured) Impeccable service begins when a Chanel-suited staff member greets you in the Mies van der Rohe skyscraper in River North. Fine art graces the walls, and the 316 guest rooms (complete with marble baths and rain showers) are some of the most spacious in the city. Take your stay to the next level with the River North Romance package, which includes complimentary champagne, breakfast for two and discounts at luxe Chuan Spa. chicago.langhamhotels.com [6]
The Peninsula Chicago Impeccable amenities give one of the city's luxe properties its sterling reputation, and its on-site dining offers a slice of excellence to those who can't spring for a stay. Refreshed-in-2016 guest rooms include state-of-the-art tablets controlling lights, room temp and the TV. Treat your sweet to the weekend Chocolate Bar, where you can indulge in cacao-based treats to your heart’s content while listening to live music and sipping—what else?—a chocolate martini. chicago.peninsula.com [7]
Waldorf-Astoria Chicago It’s a boutique hotel that, frankly, doesn't feel like a hotel. And it’s a thoughtful place to settle in with that special someone. Rooms boast plush king beds and amazing bathrooms that come standard with mosaic-tiled walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub; many rooms have gas fireplaces and balconies. Dine at Balsan, a classy European-style bistro highlighting the region's finest flavors. waldorfastoria.com [8]
French Lick, Indiana: French Lick Resort [11]
Celebrate your time together at the French Lick Springs Hotel (bottom photo) or West Baden Springs Hotel (top), both part of deluxe French Lick Resort in southern Indiana. Have a romantic afternoon tea under the 600-foot glass dome of the West Baden Springs Hotel. At either resort, guests love the spacious rooms, spa with couple’s massages, restaurants, golf and hiking. frenchlick.com [12]
Davenport, Iowa: Hotel Blackhawk [15]
Overlooking the mighty Mississippi, rooms are opulent Art Deco. After a dinner at Bix Bistro, try the hip bowling alley in the basement or sip on cocktails while listening to a pianist. hotelblackhawk.com [16]
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: Sundara Inn and Spa [19]
The resort, named for the Sanskrit word for beautiful, hides among tall pines on a winding road outside the Dells. Float through a seamless series of hot tubs, steam rooms and heated towels. Privacy is as complete as you want. Couples can take massages in the candlelit Spa Together room. Waiters carry champagne to couples at the poolside fire bowl. Though Sundara provides free chauffeur service to area entertainment, you might not choose to leave. sundaraspa.com [20]
Galena, Illinois, destinations [23]
Inn at Irish Hollow (pictured) Fireplaces, whirlpools, hot tubs and a gourmet breakfast will pamper you in the luxurious accommodations at this inn. Choose from five private guest houses or three rooms in the main inn. Guests can also opt for a seven-course candlelit dinner. Hiking (and in season, skiing) trails beckon those who want to explore nature, and nearby Galena holds many attractions as well. irishhollow.com [24]
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to Eagle Ridge. You arrive to chocolates, a long-stem rose and champagne. Outdoorsy types can choose horseback riding, hiking, biking and then relaxing in the spa. On-site dining and other amenities mean you wouldn't have to leave Eagle Ridge; it would be a shame, though, to pass up the chance to browse in nearby historic Galena. eagleridge.com [25]
Chetek, Wisconsin: Canoe Bay [28]
Couples come to hide away on honeymoons or rekindle relationships in 23 rooms and cottages around Lake Wahdoon. Favorite activities include canoeing (of course), hiking or snowshoeing on the 280-acre couples-only property, taking horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides at a nearby farm, having in-room relaxation massages and reading (the resort has an extensive library). Breakfast comes to rooms discreetly, adding to the atmosphere. canoebay.com [29]
Lutsen, Minnesota: Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior [32]
Ski or kayak season, this place has the après activity down. After a candlelight dinner, unwind in front of your room’s fireplace or in the whirlpool. Special occasions warrant even more special touches. lutsenresort.com [33]
Mishawaka, Indiana: Beiger Mansion [36]
A solarium, an outdoor pool and a workout room might eventually pull you away from the sleigh bed, the layers of pillows and custom-made bathrobes at this Neoclassical limestone home. Eventually. beigermansion.com [37]
Hocking Hills, Ohio, destinations [40]
Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls (pictured) Rekindle romance at this charming lodge. Each of the inn's 12 cottages sits on its own 2 wooded acres; each is outfitted with a deck and a whirlpool hot tub. Gourmet meals round out a weekend of shopping, massages and owner-recommended naps! innatcedarfalls.com [41]
Glenlaurel Inn Couples head here to enjoy each other and nicely appointed cottages and rooms, some with hot tubs and some with two-person whirlpools. Guests can make reservations for five- or seven-course dinners. glenlaurel.com [42]
Branson, Missouri: Big Cedar Lodge [45]
This resort encourages you to elope with a package including ceremony, cake, champagne, flowers and dinner. Everyone loves the attentive service and upscale pine cabins along Table Rock Lake, which make this resort an ideal place to snuggle up by the fire. big-cedar.com [46]
Thompsonville, Michigan: Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa [49]
Head to the mountains for some romance. This resort offers packages including dinner for two with wine as well as in-room wine and strawberries. By day, golf, mountain bike, ski, tour wineries and more. The 18,500-square-foot spa promises head-to-toe pampering and wellness. crystalmountain.com [50]
Alton, Illinois: Beall Mansion [53]
The level of pampering and attentive service matches the aesthetics at this elegant and well-maintained mansion. Sumptuous accommodations include whirlpool tubs and fireplaces in many rooms. They’ll help couples celebrate honeymoons and anniversaries with special packages. beallmansion.com [54]
Dubuque, Iowa: Hotel Julien Dubuque [57]
Built in 1839 in what is now known as Old Main District, this recently refurbished boutique hotel appeared in The Bachelor and maintains the romantic atmosphere with a luxury spa and onsite dining at Caroline's Restaurant. Packages include champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. hoteljuliendubuque.com [58]
Willoughby, Ohio: Louis Penfield House [61]
Twenty miles east of Cleveland, experience a three-bedroom Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian house set on 30 wooded acres as if it is your own. Spend the evening by the fire appreciating Wright's style after a hike along the Chagrin River, which cuts through the property. penfieldhouse.com [62]
Stillwater, Minnesota: Rivertown Inn [65]
A stay at the Rivertown Inn feels just like slipping into the pages of a Victorian novel. Each of the nine intricately decorated suites and bedchambers are named for a 19th-century novelist, poet or literary figure. Especially dazzling: The Agatha Christie Grand Suite (pictured) with its Tiffany-style lamps, elegant fireplace and private outdoor garden terrace. Indulgent multicourse breakfasts include dark chocolate pancakes with Belgian chocolate sauce. rivertowninn.com [66]
St. Louis: Moonrise Hotel [69]
This hip, retro boutique hotel is a great choice for spending the night in the Delmar Loop district. The couple's package includes champagne and strawberries, a rose petal turndown, and breakfast in bed. moonrisehotel.com [70]
Cincinnati, Ohio: Cincinnatian Hotel [73]
The stylish Cincinnatian Hotel makes an excellent base for a romantic getaway. Book dinner at the renovated 1890s hotel's Palace restaurant or the newer Jean-Robert's Table. Or indulge in room service, popcorn and a movie and never leave your room. cincinnatianhotel.com [74]
Red Wing, Minnesota: Round Barn Farm Bed and Breakfast and Bread [77]
A warm greeting from innkeepers Robin and Elaine Kleffman sets the tone at this serene escape which includes five suites in a reimagined 19th-century farm home. After a delicious multicourse breakfast, take a fascinating tour of the namesake round barn on the property. Unwind in the Hearts and Flowers Suite, complete with a rose-decorated king bed and two-person heart-shaped Jacuzzi. Guests take home a cute loaf of bread in the shape of the round barn. roundbarnfarm.com [78]
Kohler, Wisconsin: The American Club Resort [81]
Celebrate or retreat at this five-star resort. The star of the luxurious rooms is the bed, plush with pillows and draped with a down comforter and Italian sheets. Spa services, meals and special touches make for romance. americanclubresort.com [82]
Ozarks destinations [85]
Garden House Bed and Breakfast (pictured) Guests enjoy whirlpool rooms and private balconies at this modern, spic-and-span B&B. Bright and airy rooms overlooking Lake Ozark offer a perfect spot for unwinding. A full breakfast is served in the dining room, or you can have it delivered to your room or private patio. thegardenhousebnb.com [86]
Stonewater Cove Resort Guests looking for a quiet, secluded immersion into the Missouri Ozarks will enjoy the 500 acres of Stonewater Cove Resort, which in themselves are remote enough. But surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest Service land, getting away from it all is truly possible here. All this peace with elegant accommodations. stonewatercove.com/ [87]
Bloomington, Illinois: Vrooman Mansion [90]
Treat him, treat her, treat yourselves. They will customize packages to suit. Spend an evening in this 1869 Bloomington home and imagine the visits from Eleanor Roosevelt and Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan. Breakfast stuns: a menu of seasonal fruit sprinkled with crystallized ginger, whole-grain waffles and eggs baked in a slew of herbs. vroomanmansion.com [91]
New Buffalo, Michigan: Harbor Grand [94]
Cozy guest rooms offer views of the harbor. Hike along the nearby sand dunes, then sate a guilty craving with 24-hour Ben and Jerry's delivery. harborgrand.com [95]
Lawrence, Kansas, destinations [98]
The Oread (pictured) New in 2010, the KU campus spot boasts gracious accommodations, a spa and on-site fine dining. Sip champagne and nibble on strawberries in your room then indulge in a massage. theoread.com [99]
The Eldridge Stay in one of the 48 suites at this historic hotel, established in 1925. Have a romantic dinner at Ten restaurant or The Jayhawker bar, which serves more than 35 kinds of martinis. eldridgehotel.com [100]
Duluth, Minnesota: Canal Park Lodge [103]
Couples looking for an upscale city retreat love this hotel. Balconies face Lake Superior's waves, and restaurants and shops fill a weekend. canalparklodge.com [104]
Nebraska City, Nebraska: Lied Lodge [108]
Just the two of you will be coddled while surrounded by natural beauty at this resort owned and operated by the Arbor Day Foundation. Plush and comfy rooms invite you to settle in for an anniversary package, which includes dinner. liedlodge.org [109]
Columbus, Ohio: The Lofts in Columbus [113]
Pamper yourself at this luxury boutique. One package includes an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast, two chocolate massages, a rose petal turndown, and a champagne and chocolate nightcap. 55lofts.com [114]
Hermann, Missouri: Alpenhorn Gasthaus [117]
Built in the 1860s, this redbrick B&B indulges couples in many ways: private accommodations, gourmet meals, a hot tub under the stars and a wine cellar twinkling with candlelight (numerous proposals have taken place there). alpenhorngasthaus.com [118]
Grand Marais, Minnesota: Gunflint Lodge [121]
Snowy cross-country ski trails, cabins with hot tubs and excellent food compete for couples' attention at Gunflint Lodge, tucked into northeast Minnesota's wilderness. Packages cater to couples being romantic, celebrating anniversaries or on honeymoons. gunflint.com [122]
La Crosse, Wisconsin: The Charmant Hotel [125]
Housed in a former candy factory downtown, The Charmant is the sweetest stay in La Crosse. Guests receive a free chocolate upon check-in, stay in rooms with milk chocolate-color wall accents and can buy chocolates from a 24-hour sweets bar. A classy rooftop bar serves cocktails and wood-fired pizzas, while a French-inspired restaurant with an industrial-chic vibe plates entrees like Parmesan chicken and vegetable tajine. thecharmanthotel.com [126]
Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin: Blacksmith Inn on the Shore [129]
Enjoy harbor views after a soak in a big tub at this cozy Door County spot. Nice extras at this Baileys Harbor lodge include in-room whirlpools and gas fireplaces, plus kayaks and bikes. Choose a package to suit your event: honeymoon, anniversary, or just a quiet getaway for two. theblacksmithinn.com [130]
Indianapolis: The Alexander [133]
Let’s say you’re hip. Or want to be. Then it’s time to check out this boxy glass boutique hotel with a superfriendly staff and a colorful bar near the mod lobby. The 209 sumptuous rooms and suites—many with featherbeds and granite counters—come with Keurig coffee makers and motion-sensor lighting. thealexander.com [134]
Columbus, Indiana: The Inn at Irwin Gardens [137]
This early-20th-century Italianate-style inn features the original furnishings and sunken gardens built to resemble the ruins of Pompeii, where they will set up romantic treats. Hide away in a luxurious room and indulge in hearty breakfasts. irwingardens.com [138]
Saugatuck, Michigan: The Belvedere Inn [141]
Pamper your partner with a Sweetie or Lover’s package at this Saugatuck B&B that many say is like a mini Versailles. Each of the 10 guest rooms in the restored 1913 mansion has a fireplace to snuggle in front of. Gourmet breakfast is served in the formal dining room. thebelvedereinn.com [142]
Kansas City, Missouri, destinations [145]
Hotel Phillips (pictured) This Art Deco hotel was renovated in 2001 but kept its original 1931 design. Sweeping twin staircases and marble floors lead to comfortably elegant rooms. Check the website for romance packages that include wine, chocolates, flowers and more. hotelphillips.com [146]
Raphael Comfort, service and convenience are the watchwords at this rejuvenated boutique hotel in the middle of K.C.'s upscale Country Club Plaza shopping district. You can expect just the right amount of pampering at the recently renovated Raphael, from the moment the valet takes your keys until the end of the day, when you discover the chocolate chip cookies that accompany the turndown service. Rendezvous for dinner at Chaz on the Plaza for a romantic dinner. raphaelkc.com [147]
Nisswa, Minnesota: Grand View Lodge [150]
Choose from rooms, suites, cabins and townhomes in Minnesota's Brainerd Lakes region. Huge stone hearths, the Glacial Waters Spa and massive windows overlooking Gull Lake beg couples to unwind. grandviewlodge.com [151]
Winona, Minnesota: Alexander Mansion Historic Bed and Breakfast [154]
CD players hide in phonographs at this 1886 Victorian mansion. It's run by innkeepers who welcome you graciously, cook amazing frittatas and disappear when you need one-on-one time. All four tasteful guest rooms in this Mississippi River town B&B deliver sumptuous stays. alexandermansionbb.com [155]
South Haven, Michigan: The Victoria Resort Bed and Breakfast [158]
Relax in luxurious rooms or guest cottages a short walk from the beach and South Haven's many restaurants, shops and other attractions. All rooms feature Victorian-esque décor, spacious modern baths and flat-screen TVs; deluxe rooms offer whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces. You can borrow bikes to cruise around town as well as enjoy the B&B's pool and tennis court. victoriaresort.com [159]
Milwaukee destinations [162]
Pfister Hotel (pictured) Offering gracious service and style in the heart of downtown, this historical hotel specializes in honeymoons and lets couples escape from interruptions for a day. thepfisterhotel.com [163]
The Brewhouse Inn and Suites The former brewhouse in the late 19th-century Pabst Brewery Hotel complex has found new life as a hotel, with 90 spacious guest rooms surrounding an atrium with six enormous copper brewing vats. Beer and history lovers will enjoy the ambience of the hotel as well as a visit to Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub in the same building and a tour of Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery just across the road. brewhousesuites.com [164]
Michigan: Tamarack Lodge of Traverse City [167]
Tamarack boasts a woodsy, "up north" aura. Rooms wear Arts and Crafts styling, reminiscent of the grand lodges of yesterday. The romance package includes a two-night stay in a room with a jetted tub, bottle of wine, couple’s massage, and certificate to dinner. tamaracklodgetc.com [168]
Lead, South Dakota: Spearfish Canyon Lodge [171]
In winter, couples on a weekend getaway at this upscale resort in the Black Hills can rent snowmobiles to travel the 350 miles of groomed trails. In summer, they hike trails to waterfalls and canyon walls. When done, cozy up by the massive hearth in the lobby and rest on pillow-top mattresses. spfcanyon.com [172]
Fort Scott, Kansas: Lyons Twin Mansions [175]
Enjoy comfortable accommodations, great food, and a spa and a fitness center at these twin Victorian mansions in a leafy Fort Scott neighborhood. Lushly decorated, spacious rooms include amenities such as Wi-Fi, stocked mini fridges and plasma TVs. lyonstwinmansions.com [176]
Oscoda, Michigan: Huron House Bed and Breakfast [179]
The Huron House B&B, a 14-room couples-only enclave, offers luxury resort-style amenities such as huge four-posters with lush linens, fireplaces, Jacuzzis, wide-screen HD TVs, DVD and CD players, private decks and gorgeous views of Lake Huron. A complimentary breakfast (fresh croissants, coffee and juice) is placed outside your door each morning at your specified time. huronhouse.com [180]
Lennox, South Dakota: Steever House Bed and Breakfast [183]
A stay in the attic suite of this restored Queen Anne amid farmland means a cocoon of quiet and relaxation: fireplace, whirlpool tub and king-size bed. Breakfast on toffee scones or Dutch Babys (puff pancakes). steeverhouse.com [184]