Our Favorite Midwest B&Bs
These top Midwest bed-and-breakfasts all offer excellent service, location, amenities and dining.
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Blissful B&Bs
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 44 Midwest 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.
Click ahead to browse all our finds, or click on the links below to go to a specific state.
Pictured: The Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Vrooman Mansion, Bloomington, Illinois
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 (877/346-6488; vroomanmansion.com).
The Davie School Inn, Anna, Illinois
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 (618/833-2377; davieschoolinn.com).
Beall Mansion, Alton, Illinois
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 (866/843-2325; beallmansion.com).
Chestnut Street Inn, Sheffield, Illinois
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 (800/537-1304; chestnut-inn.com).
Copperstone Inn, Rockton, Illinois
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 (815/629-9999; copperstoneinn.com).
Chicago-area B&Bs
Flemish House of Chicago Bed and Breakfast Apartments 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 (pictured at left; 312/664-9981; innchicago.com).
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 (708/848-6810; harveyhousebb.com).
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 (773/486-2743; wickerparkinn.com).
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 (773/764-9851; www.catscradlechicago.com).
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 (773/384-3245; raysbucktownbandb.com).
Stonebridge Inn and Spa, Batesville, Indiana
A lovely Arts and Crafts-style inn offers an ideal base for wandering the hilly backroads of southeast Indiana. This 1910 home--filled with hand-carved oak trim, Rookwood tile and other elegant detailing--has five comfortable suites. Nice touches include an on-site spa, an outdoor pool and 3 acres of landscaped gardens. From $240 (800/966-5914; stonebridgeinnandspa.com)
Beiger Mansion, Mishawaka, Indiana
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 (800/437-0131; beigermansion.com).
Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast, Valparaiso, Indiana
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 (877/766-4273; songbirdprairie.com).
Schenck Mansion Bed and Breakfast, Vevay, Indiana
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 (877/594-2876; schenckmansion.com).
Butler House on Grand, Des Moines
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 (866/455-4096; butlerhouseongrand.com).
B&B on Broadway, Decorah, Iowa
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 (563/382-1420; bandbonbroadway.com).
Circle S Ranch and Country Inn, Lawrence, Kansas
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 (800/625-2839; circlesranch.com).
Castle Inn Riverside, Wichita, Kansas
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 (800/580-1131; castleinnriverside.com).
Lyons Twin Mansions, Fort Scott, Kansas
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 (620/223-3644; lyonstwinmansions.com).
Sandpiper Inn, Union Pier, Michigan
Sophisticated decor, 400-thread-count sheets, oversize whirlpool tubs--guests love it all. But the best amenity at this adults-only retreat is the private beach; rooms face Lake Michigan and soak in crimson sunsets. From $245 (800/351-2080; sandpiperinn.net).
Wickwood Inn, Saugatuck, Michigan
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 (800/385-1174; wickwoodinn.com).
Castle in the Country, Allegan, Michigan
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 (888/673-8054; castleinthecountry.com).
Alexander Mansion Historic Bed and Breakfast, Winona, Minnesota
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 (507/474-4224; alexandermansionbb.com).
AG Thomson House Historic Bed and Breakfast Inn, Duluth
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 (877/807-8077; thomsonhouse.biz).
Sweetgrass Cove Guesthouse and Bodywork Studio, Grand Portage, Minnesota
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 (866/475-2421; sweetgrasscove.com).
Habberstad House, Lanesboro, Minnesota
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 (507/467-3560; habberstadhouse.com).
Fleur-de-Lys Mansion, St. Louis
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 (888/693-3500; thefleurdelys.com).
Southmoreland on the Plaza, Kansas City
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 (816/531-7979; southmoreland.com).
Boone's Colonial Inn, Saint Charles, Missouri
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 (888/377-0003; boonescolonialinn.com).
Atwood House Bed and Breakfast, Lincoln, Nebraska
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 (800/884-6554; atwoodhouse.com).
North Dakota B&Bs
Dakotah Rose Bed and Breakfast, Minot, North Dakota 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 (pictured at left; 701/838-3548; dakotahrose.com).
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 (866/863-2453; eagleridgelodge.com).
The Rooster's Nest, Winchester, Ohio
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 (877/386-3302; roostersnest.net).
Col. Taylor Inn, Cambridge, Ohio
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 (740/432-7802; coltaylorinnbb.com).
J. Palen House, Cleveland, Ohio
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 (216/664-0813; jpalenhouse.com).
Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast, Dellroy, Ohio
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 (866/452-5388; atwoodlake.com).
Buffalo Rock Lodge, Keystone, South Dakota
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 (888/564-5634; buffalorock.net).
McCormick House Inn, Hayward, Wisconsin
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 (715/934-3339; mccormickhouseinn.com).
Spider Lake Lodge, Hayward, Wisconsin
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 (800/653-9472; spiderlakelodge.com).
Honeybee Inn Bed and Breakfast, Horicon, Wisconsin
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 (920/485-4855; honeybeeinn.com).
Journey Inn, Maiden Rock, Wisconsin
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 (715/448-2424; journeyinn.net).
Inn at Cedar Crossing, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
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 (920/743-4200; innatcedarcrossing.com).
The Stewart Inn and Old Rittenhouse Inn
The Stewart Inn, Wausau, Wisconsin 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 (pictured at left; 715/ 849-5858; stewartinn.com).
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; 800/779-2129; rittenhouseinn.com).
(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® May/June 2011.)
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Cannot get to any of the sites, comes up with the last number, hit previous and it won't do anything, the same on all areas you have.
1/5/2012 04:12:33 PM Report AbuseWhen I click on the previous and next arrows, I am not able to see any pictures. I could on previous e-mail issues last school year. This school year I am not able to view pictures in current e-mail issues or on any of last years e-mail issues. Can you help fix this? Thanks. Jo Ann
9/6/2011 10:51:00 AM Report AbuseStonebridge Inn & Spa = PERFECT three-day getaway!
6/21/2011 09:57:10 AM Report AbuseCouldn't have asked for a better stay! The staff was so warm and friendly, the inn's charm and elegance is so welcoming and romantic, and my massage in the peaceful spa was pure heaven! HIGHLY recommended!
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