Our Favorite Midwest B&Bs
Blissful B&Bs [1]
Think you know B&Bs? We did, too—until we stayed in some that took the concept and elevated it to pure bliss.
In these B&Bs, you won't find small beds, shared baths, frumpy decor, overzealous innkeepers or too much lace. What you will find: luxurious linens, expertly prepared food from nearby sources, exquisitely maintained properties and modern amenities. (Not to mention hosts who balance gracious hospitality with a respect for privacy.) They also offer a variety of settings, whether you're looking for small towns, foodie flourishes, urban neighborhoods or countryside views.
Pictured: The Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Vrooman Mansion, Bloomington, Illinois [4]
Spend an evening in this 1869 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. From $100. See reviews and ratings. [5] (877) 346-6488; vroomanmansion.com [6]
The Davie School Inn, Anna, Illinois [9]
No more school, no more books--only pleasantly appointed former classrooms (still with chalkboards!) for your overnight accommodations. Guests stay in airy suites complete with kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs and Wi-Fi in this 1910 school-turned-B&B off the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. From $100. See reviews and ratings. [10](618) 833-2377; davieschoolinn.com [11]
Beall Mansion, Alton, Illinois [14]
A concierge e-mail when you book, a glass of champagne or sparkling cider when you arrive, a 24-hour chocolate buffet when a late-night craving kicks in? We could get used to this kind of service (and to the huge bathrooms with whirlpools and showers). From $169. See reviews and ratings. [15] (866) 843-2325; beallmansion.com [16]
Chestnut Street Inn, Sheffield, Illinois [19]
You won't know what's more stunning--the $30 four-course dinner or that you found it in this little central Illinois town of 950. No matter. Just pace yourself as you sample huge fresh popovers, buttery-garlicky shrimp scampi, tender chicken Parmesan covered in fresh buffalo mozzarella, and creme brulee flavored with orange blossom water. From $119. See reviews and ratings. [20] (800) 537-1304; chestnut-inn.com [21]
Copperstone Inn, Rockton, Illinois [24]
Opened in 2008, this 1858 limestone home has blossomed into a sophisticated wonder, with guests enjoying a home theater, a you-pick organic apple orchard and hiking trails that weave through an oak grove. From $199. See reviews and ratings. [25] (815) 629-9999; copperstoneinn.com [26]
Chicago-area B&Bs [29]
Flemish House of Chicago Bed and Breakfast Apartments (pictured) From the doorstep of this four-story Gold Coast gem, Chicago unfolds like an exquisite tapestry. Flemish House's come-and-go-as-you-please vibe is a perfect fit; after a busy day of sightseeing, you'll be happy that you can just let yourself in and curl up in bed. A kitchen comes stocked with munchies, so there's plenty to fuel up for a day in the city. From $175. See ratings and reviews. [30](312) 664-9981; innchicago.com [31]
Harvey House Bed and Breakfast, Oak Park Chic bunny touches inspired by the 1950s Jimmy Stewart film Harvey deck this three-story brick B&B 8 miles west of Chicago's Loop. Guests also enjoy in-room massages and luxe suites. From $205. See reviews and ratings. [32] (708) 848-6810; harveyhousebb.com [33]
Wicker Park Inn, Chicago Bright lights, big-city ambience and the rumble of the El are just steps away from this 1890s row house, in easy walking distance of the vibrant intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, Ashland Avenue and Division Street. If you love the clatter of the El, ask for the Blue Line Studio room; otherwise, opt for one of five other slightly quieter rooms in the two-story brick building. From $129. See reviews and ratings. [34] (773) 486-2743; wickerparkinn.com [35]
Cat's Cradle Bed and Breakfast, Chicago A 1919 beauty on Sheridan Road in Rogers Park, this B&B blends old-mansion appeal with modern amenities. Co-owners Bob and Susan Patrick carefully renovated the Arts and Crafts-style house in 2009, incorporating stained-glass windows, heated bathroom floors, glass-enclosed showers, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and towel warmers in the two-story, five-bedroom home. From $150. See reviews and ratings. [36](773) 764-9851; catscradlechicago.com [37]
Ray's Bucktown B&B, Chicago Inside the ivy-covered brick walls, owner Ray Reiss has created an 11-guest-room refuge filled with idiosyncratic art, a kind of a domestic version of the one-of-a-kind, upstart boutiques and galleries Bucktown is known for. The inn is as comfortable as it is striking--fluffy-cloud beds; a sauna and a steam room that are open 24/7; and divine blueberry-banana pancakes for breakfast. From $129; two-night minimum typically required. See reviews and ratings. [38] (773) 384-3245; raysbucktownbandb.com [39]
Beiger Mansion, Mishawaka, Indiana [42]
A solarium, an outdoor pool and a workout room eventually pulled us away from the sleigh bed, the layers of pillows and custom-made bathrobes at this Neoclassical limestone home. Eventually. From $140. See reviews and ratings. [43] (800) 437-0131; beigermansion.com [44]
Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast, Valparaiso, Indiana [47]
Breakfasts start with plated decor of fresh-cut flowers and herbs from the garden—all to showcase glazed poached pears, fresh scones, French toast souffle and Bananas Barbara, a not-as-sweet take on the classic dessert and named for the owner. From $169. See reviews and ratings. [48](877) 766-4273; songbirdprairie.com [49]
Schenck Mansion Bed and Breakfast, Vevay, Indiana [52]
From a town that overlooks the Ohio River, this renovated 1874 mansion has four airy guest rooms; a three-room suite with a king-size sleigh bed, two fireplaces and a claw-foot tub; and a vineyard for strolling. Playful ghosts are said to haunt the home, switching off lights and appearing in guests' photos. From $150. See reviews and ratings. [53](877) 594-2876; schenckmansion.com [54]
Butler House on Grand, Des Moines [57]
Across from the art museum, this B&B sports decor provided courtesy of designers who have worked for Better Homes and Gardens®. Turndown service, plus two-person jetted tubs and soaps wrapped in gingham squares, all show attention to detail. From $105. See reviews and ratings. [58](866) 455-4096; butlerhouseongrand.com [59]
B&B on Broadway, Decorah, Iowa [62]
Built by a Norwegian immigrant in 1910, this three-story home blends Victorian charm with modern luxury. Head to the Royal Suite on the third floor for the largest and most lavish accommodations, including a therapeutic unit (light, aroma, heat and water therapy) plus a reading nook in a turret overlooking downtown Decorah. From $110. See reviews and ratings. [63](563) 382-1420; bandbonbroadway.com [64]
Circle S Ranch and Country Inn, Lawrence, Kansas [67]
It looks like a rustic barn, but we know pioneers didn't have waffle-weave robes, double-sided fireplaces and facials. Still, we love the soothing porch rockers and the apricots picked from the owner's great-grandmother's tree. From $150. See reviews and ratings. [68] (800) 625-2839; circlesranch.com [69]
Castle Inn Riverside, Wichita, Kansas [72]
This 1888 Scottish-looking castle along the Little Arkansas River has 14 distinctive rooms and suites, a 665-year-old fireplace and a rose garden. Guests can watch Riverfest from the porch--and get breakfast on weekends. From $125. See reviews and ratings. [73] (800) 580-1131; castleinnriverside.com [74]
Lyons Twin Mansions, Fort Scott, Kansas [77]
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. From $109. See reviews and ratings. [78] (620) 223-3644; lyonstwinmansions.com [79]
Wickwood Inn, Saugatuck, Michigan [82]
Owner Julee Rosso, the coauthor of The Silver Palate Cookbook, treats her B&B guests to an abundant champagne brunch, playful afternoon sweets and an evening hors d'oeuvres buffet. From $285. See reviews and ratings. [83] (800) 385-1174; wickwoodinn.com [84]
Castle in the Country, Allegan, Michigan [87]
Luxurious accommodations, an on-site spa, country views and attentive staff draw visitors to this lodging nestled on 65 wooded acres with a lake and small pond. Guests stay in either the Castle, a magnificently restored 1906 home, or the Castle Keep, a contemporary lodging. Both feature whirlpool/fireplace suites and a gourmet breakfast. From $189. See reviews and ratings. [88] (888) 673-8054; castleinthecountry.com [89]
Alexander Mansion Historic Bed and Breakfast, Winona, Minnesota [92]
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. From $149. See ratings and reviews. [93] (507) 474-4224; alexandermansionbb.com [94]
AG Thomson House Historic Bed and Breakfast Inn, Duluth [97]
Wi-Fi, iPod docks, gas fireplaces and a hydromassage whirlpool tub outfit the restored 1909 Dutch Colonial. The delicious French toast comes served on a Minnesota wild rice patty. From $189. See reviews and ratings. [98] (877) 807-8077; thomsonhouse.biz [99]
Sweetgrass Cove Guesthouse and Bodywork Studio, Grand Portage, Minnesota [102]
Active guests come to this Zen-like Lake Superior spot intending to hike and kayak. But the Finnish sauna, hot tub and massages lull people into languid stays, fueled by hearty breakfasts, organic juices and fresh scones. From $150. See reviews and ratings. [103] (866) 475-2421; sweetgrasscove.com [104]
Habberstad House, Lanesboro, Minnesota [107]
Located in a quiet neighborhood, this Victorian home makes a good base for exploring charming Lanesboro and the surrounding Root River Valley. Themed rooms offer a variety of settings; the Scandinavian Suite, for instance, comes with ironed linens, Nordic decor and pine floors. From $135. See reviews and ratings. [108] (507) 467-3560; habberstadhouse.com [109]
Fleur-de-Lys Mansion, St. Louis [112]
Drink in the view of the historic neighborhood from the balcony hot tub at this 1913 Tudor Revival or just unwind under a silk comforter. For breakfast, guests sink into eggs baked with Brie before walking to the lovely--and Victorian-feeling--Tower Grove Park. From $195. See reviews and ratings. [113](888) 693-3500; thefleurdelys.com [114]
Southmoreland on the Plaza, Kansas City [117]
A short walk from Country Club Plaza, Southmoreland's guests can sip strawberry-mango frappes on Saturday mornings before the barbecue breakfast begins: molasses-brined pork chops and croissant French toast glazed with maple-pecan-bourbon sauce. From $135. See ratings and reviews. [118] (816) 531-7979; southmoreland.com [119]
Boone's Colonial Inn, Saint Charles, Missouri [122]
This B&B strikes a pitch-perfect balance of history and luxury in its side-by-side 1800s-era buildings. Three quiet guest rooms offer modern amenities, such as king-size beds, gas fireplaces and jetted tubs, as well as historical touches: colonial-style nightshirts, lanterns for an evening stroll, a candlelit breakfast and a take-home gift of beeswax candles. From $265. See reviews and ratings. [123] (888) 377-0003; boonescolonialinn.com [124]
Atwood House Bed and Breakfast, Lincoln, Nebraska [127]
Roses, chocolates, bath salts and terry robes pamper couples looking for a getaway near the Haymarket, a lively shopping and dining district in this capital city. In the morning, you'll get heart-shape cranberry muffins still warm from the oven. From $115. See reviews and ratings. [128] (800) 884-6554; atwoodhouse.com [129]
North Dakota B&Bs [132]
Dakotah Rose Bed and Breakfast, Minot, North Dakota (pictured) Away from the highways and the mall, the 1906 Dakotah Rose has leaded-glass windows and carefully inlaid hardwood floors--plus king beds, flat-screen TVs and spacious baths. For breakfast: parfaits and baked peach French toast. From $88. See reviews and ratings. [133] (701) 838-3548; dakotahrose.com [134]
Eagle Ridge Lodge, Medora, North Dakota Open year-round, this classy bed-and-breakfast with sweeping badlands views caters to couples, scrapbookers and quilters. You'll get a steak dinner and a hot breakfast with your stay at this quiet retreat 7 miles southwest of Medora. From $175. See reviews and ratings. [135] (866) 863-2453; eagleridgelodge.com [136]
The Rooster's Nest, Winchester, Ohio [139]
Set inside a tiny historic log cabin, Rooster's Nest uses roosters throughout its rustic interior. The patchwork quilts on the beds fit the area's Amish influence, and the homey breakfast, complete with raspberry-stuffed French toast, is a sweet treat. From $110. See reviews and ratings. [140](877) 386-3302; roostersnest.net [141]
Col. Taylor Inn, Cambridge, Ohio [144]
In this Victorian palace once owned by U.S. Rep. Joseph D. Taylor, spa products pamper guests in rooms visited by Presidents Hayes, Garfield and McKinley. Breakfast is served by candlelight, with fine china and crystal. From $135. See reviews and ratings. [145] (740) 432-7802; coltaylorinnbb.com [146]
J. Palen House, Cleveland, Ohio [149]
Primitive decor meets huge baths with rain showers at this B&B on the West Side. The innkeeper walks that service-privacy tightrope perfectly, knowing exactly when guests want some attention and when they don't. From $159. See reviews and ratings. [150] (216) 664-0813; jpalenhouse.com [151]
Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast, Dellroy, Ohio [154]
Playful landscaping (including a koi pond), a hilltop fire pit for roasting s'mores and brightly colored Adirondack chairs welcome guests to this romantic hilltop retreat overlooking Atwood Lake. From $200. See reviews and ratings. [155] (866) 452-5388; atwoodlake.com [156]
Buffalo Rock Lodge, Keystone, South Dakota [159]
Guests gaze out at Mount Rushmore as they nibble on garden-fresh veggies and bacon cooked with crushed pecans and brown sugar. The log cabin-style B&B with three guest rooms offers jetted tubs and a living room fireplace made of Black Hills stones. From $150. See reviews and ratings. [160] (888) 564-5634; buffalorock.net [161]
McCormick House Inn, Hayward, Wisconsin [164]
A refined British sensibility and traditional English breakfasts stand out in a North Woods town known for its fishing. At this 1887 Victorian, patrons enjoy pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets, preprogrammed iPods, original artwork in the rooms, a reflecting pool and an English-style garden. From $145. See reviews and ratings. [165] (715) 934-3339; mccormickhouseinn.com [166]
Spider Lake Lodge, Hayward, Wisconsin [169]
The lodge, built in the 1920s as a rustic fish camp, authentically mimics the style of century-old New York Adirondack camps with log construction, stonework and long, low roofline. Now run as a bed-and-breakfast, the lodge is beautifully furnished in North Woods style. Gorgeous views of Spider Lake and access to the docks remind you why the remote location is part of the charm. From $159. See reviews and ratings. [170](800) 653-9472; spiderlakelodge.com [171]
Honeybee Inn Bed and Breakfast, Horicon, Wisconsin [174]
Bird-watchers visit Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge then come to this Victorian to relax on four-poster feather beds and in showers with wall-mounted jet sprays. If you skip breakfast for early-morning birding, you can get fresh, hot muffins to go. From $139. See reviews and ratings. [175] (920) 485-4855; honeybeeinn.com [176]
Journey Inn, Maiden Rock, Wisconsin [179]
Set on 66 acres, this modern farmhouse uses solar heating, aromatherapy, local food and organic decor to create an earth-friendly escape. Guests stay in four guest rooms and a one-bedroom cottage; weekend brunches feature a zucchini-egg-cheese frittata and edible nasturtiums, plus fresh blueberry pie. From $165. See reviews and ratings. [180] (715) 448-2424; journeyinn.net [181]
Inn at Cedar Crossing, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin [184]
An on-site bakery churns out locally famous morning buns, and guests have them with muffins and eggs Benedict. The food keeps coming all day: chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon, excellent dinners and popcorn in the evening. From $125. See ratings and reviews. [185] (920) 743-4200; innatcedarcrossing.com [186]
The Stewart Inn and Old Rittenhouse Inn [189]
The Stewart Inn, Wausau, Wisconsin (pictured) This stucco mansion was designed in the Prairie style by noted Chicago architect George Maher and completed in 1906. Public rooms feature original details such as a stunning fused-glass fireplace, while the five guest rooms offer a blend of past (claw-foot tubs, Arts and Crafts-replica beds) and present (organic bath products, fine linens). From $170. See reviews and ratings. [190] (715) 849-5858; stewartinn.com [191]
Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, Wisconsin Stately Queen Anne architecture meets modern amenities on a hill overlooking Lake Superior. The exquisitely plush guest rooms seem to go on forever, and the dining room takes simple, seasonal dishes and infuses them with sophisticated flavor. From $140 (pictured on slide 1). See reviews and ratings. [192] (800) 779-2129; rittenhouseinn.com [193]
(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® May/June 2011. Prices and other details are subject to change; please check specifics before making travel plans.)