Illinois Odd Inns and Unusual
Places to Stay - Wineries, Cabooses, Schoolhouses and Treehouses
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Creekside Vineyards Winery & Inn in
Coal Valley, Illinois
Creekside Vineyard is nestled in our secluded valley in rural Rock
Island County, and the winery & tasting room rest on historic U.S.
Highway 67 in Mercer County, just 9 miles from the inn. Both
locations are minutes away from the downtown areas of the Quad
Cities, Moline International Airport, Jumer's Casino, the I-Wireless
Center, & other area attractions. At the Creekside Vineyards Inn,
whether it’s the expansive vineyard view, comfy king-sized beds, or
mouthwatering breakfasts, we offer an escape like no other. Plan a
retreat with friends, a secluded getaway, celebrate your wedding,
anniversary, birthday, or just enjoy a “staycation” close to home.
Complete Story
and Photos
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Desoto House Hotel in
Galena - Oldest Hotel in Illinois
The DeSoto House Hotel opened its doors in 1855 and continues to
welcome guests with hospitality, charm and history, awarding us the
title of "Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel." Throughout the years we
have welcomed such memorable guests as Abraham Lincoln, William
Jennings Bryan, and serving as the presidential campaign
headquarters for Ulysses S. Grant just to name a few. Today, the
DeSoto House currently offers 55 guest rooms with private baths,
three dining areas a ballroom, conference and banquet rooms,
specialty shops, and a private parking garage. It encompasses a
four-story atrium for Courtyard dining serving breakfast, lunch and
private banquets as well as the Generals’ Restaurant named in honor
of Galena’s nine Civil War Generals which offers a lounge and dining
rooms amidst the atmosphere of the original brick walls and beamed
ceilings.
Complete Story
and Photos
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Cabooses in Wildlife Prairie State Park in Hanna
City, IL
Wildlife Prairie State Park has often been referred
to as a jewel in the Midwest. Located just outside
of Peoria, IL, this 2,000-acre zoological park is
home to over 150 animals; that's 50 different
species that are native to Illinois. Our guests come
to learn about wolves, bison, waterfowl, black
bears, elk, cougar, otter and much more. You will
enjoy the park's spectacular natural landscape, our
many avenues of recreation: hiking, biking, fishing,
and lodging, and a train ride, too! The
train cabooses are located on the edge of the Bison
and Elk range and sleeps 4 people comfortably PLUS
additional foldout beds for more. These beds are
single style bunk beds. These cabooses also have a
small refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, air
conditioning and are available April thru October.
Complete Story,
Video and Photos |
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Timber Ridge Outpost Treehouses in Shawnee National
Forest - People traveling to southern Illinois
to see the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the
Gods, or the Ohio River now have a unique place to
stay, tree houses in the Shawnee Forest! Timber
Ridge Outpost & Cabins offers a unique experience
for families, honeymooners, horseback riders,
hunters, fisherman, hikers, bicyclists, bird
watchers and star gazers. Nestled in the beautiful
hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Timber Ridge
Outpost & Cabins offers something for everyone. Come
back to a simpler time when families played games
together in the evenings and sat on the porch
talking into the night. Enjoy some southern
hospitality while staying in a real Log Cabin or a
one-of-a-kind luxurious Tree House! Each of our
units, including the Treehouse, is equipped with a
bathroom, kitchenette, heating and air conditioning.
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Beautiful cedar treehouse set
fifteen feet above stunning waterfall and Koi pond. Private entrance leads to
flower and bird-filled garden with cedar hot tub, gas grill, and private outdoor
shower with unlimited hot water. Eco-friendly treehouse has Pella windows,
fireplace, A/C, full size bed and twin sleeping loft, private deck, kitchenette
with sink, microwave, fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, WIFI, Bose IPOD dock,
fireman's pole, private outdoor composting toilet. Free parking. Located half
hour drive from downtown Chicago, or 45 minute train ride with station only
blocks away. Close to O'Hare airport, Schaumburg Convention Center, Woodfield
Mall, Sears Center music venue, Spring Valley Nature Center and Morton
Arboretum. Lawn bowling in yard. Free public tennis courts one block away.
Complete Story and Photos
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Davie School Inn in Anna, Illinois
The Davie School Inn provides a peaceful stay in one
of Anna's oldest historic buildings. The Inn offers
a truly relaxing environment for a couple's getaway
or the whole family. Suites all offer 850 square
feet of room to relax, private bathrooms with
Jacuzzi tubs, king size beds, sitting area
kitchenette, and your very own thermostat. WI-FI now
available in most of our rooms. The building served
as a public school until it was closed in 1996 and
sat empty until it was bought by Gary and Andrea
Dahmer in 2002. Each room still has an
original chalk board and book case. The original
hardwood floors still show ruminants of where the
student desks left their marks. Each room also has a
whirlpool tub and air conditioning, not something
you would find in a grade school class room.
Complete Story and Photos |
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