There are plenty of reasons to make the Midwest the travel destination this year. Whether you’re seeking the opportunity to explore the top historic sites in the Midwest worth or spend some time outdoors hiking on trails like the National Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin, you’ll find a vast assortment of things to do in the Midwest – and plenty of places to enjoy them! Whether you’re here for history, the arts, outdoor activities, or cultural events and celebrations, the small towns and big cities across the Midwest region certainly won’t disappoint.
The Midwest is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for explorers of all types. History enthusiasts will find plenty of historic sites in the Midwest to discover, including landmarks as famous as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and little-known hidden gems in small towns across the region. Whether you’re strolling through cobblestone streets or marveling at the historic architecture in towns everywhere, the Midwest has a story waiting to be uncovered.
Beyond its historical sites, the Midwest offers countless activities for every kind of traveler. Tour iconic museums in the Midwest, like the Art Institute of Chicago, or hike along the scenic bluffs of the top State Parks in the Midwest. Seasonal festivals, local markets, and world-class dining further enrich every getaway. Each state in the Midwest brings its own flavor to the table, ensuring there’s always something unique to explore. One of the best ways to elevate your Midwest getaway is by choosing unique accommodations that blend this history with your modern-day comforts.
Many historic buildings in the region have been transformed into inviting retreats, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, and Boutique Hotels. These distinctive stays connect you to the region’s history in a way that traditional hotels simply can’t. Staying in a former Victorian mansion, a centuries-old farmhouse, or even a converted schoolhouse adds an unforgettable layer to your trip – and it’s all at your fingertips when you choose to stay at one of the member properties of the Midwest Association of Independent Inns. For a trip that’s as memorable as it is meaningful, explore some of the most unique and historic places to stay in the Midwest. Book your stay today!
Embrace History at Unique Places to Stay in the Midwest
There are plenty of things to factor in when deciding where to stay on your upcoming getaways. For most, the most important consideration is location. You want to be near interesting attractions, such as different historic sites in the Midwest. You’ll also likely want to be in a place that offers fantastic travel amenities, such as great restaurants, shops, wine-tasting rooms, breweries, and more. When it comes to finding some of the most unique places to stay in the Midwest, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an organization that offers more lodging in some of the top locations around the region.
The Inns associated with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns offer travelers a distinctive lodging experience. That includes plenty of historic properties that offer a unique twist to your getaway. Our Inns are nothing like a standard hotel stay, meaning that every property is unique in its decor, offerings, and ambiance. Each property within this organization is independently owned and operated, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail that larger chains often lack. Guests can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere where innkeepers are genuinely invested in making their stay exceptional.
In addition to being located near some of the top historic sites in the Midwest, many of our Inns themselves are housed in historic buildings, allowing you an unprecedented opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich history. Don’t let the historic nature of the buildings fool you, though. In each, you’ll find a welcome assortment of modern amenities and the creature comforts you crave from home. This blend of history and comfort creates a charming and enriching ambiance.
We love offering so many historic and unique places to stay in the Midwest. These unique accommodations can transform your getaway from ordinary to extraordinary. If you want to stay in a historic and well-preserved Queen Anne Victorian Mansion, for example, choose from one of our members, such as the White Lace Inn in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. This historic Inn is located in the heart of Sturgeon Bay and is lovingly designed to bring Victorian-era elegance to your romantic getaways. Alternatively, head to the stunning Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin. This grand building sits on the National Register of Historic Places and is just steps from downtown Bayfield, overlooking the stunning beauty of Lake Superior and the offshore Apostle Islands.
If you want to stay in more unique accommodations on the National Register of Historic Places, consider a stay at the Brisbane House in Arena, Wisconsin. This beautiful, historic home is magnificent. It was carved from the stone of a nearby bluff and has been lovingly restored with a modern, contemporary interior that is as cozy as it is beautiful. Alternatively, head to The Orleans Hotel in Orleans, Nebraska. It’s one of Nebraska’s longest continuously operating hotels, having been in business since 1930. With gorgeous vintage decor throughout, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time – without sacrificing any modern amenities!
There are far more incredible historic places to stay in the Midwest – and you can search them all by amenity (and historic status) on our website.
Don’t Miss These Historic Sites in the Midwest
Apart from enjoying the historic ambiance of these unique places to stay, there are plenty of extraordinary historic sites in the Midwest worth visiting. The Midwest is a treasure trove of history, where every town and community tells a story about America’s past. From bustling industrial cities to quiet rural villages, the region showcases the evolution of the nation through its architecture, museums, and preserved landmarks.
Historic communities like Galena, Illinois, with its beautifully maintained 19th-century storefronts, or Davenport, Iowa, known for its stunning Victorian mansions and vibrant riverfront downtown, provide a window into life in earlier centuries. These towns not only celebrate the past but also serve as reminders of the hardworking pioneers, farmers, and industrialists who shaped the region’s identity. From significant historic sites in the Midwest, like Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Library and Museum, to off-the-beaten-path cultural gems that deserve much more aplomb, we have no doubt history lovers will want to return to this remarkable region time and time again.
The Best Historic Sites in the Midwest
- Don’t miss the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum or the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, both in Springfield, Illinois. These incredible historic sites in the Midwest are dedicated to the life and legacy of the 16th president and feature an array of artifacts and immersive exhibits that tell Lincoln’s story.
- One of the most iconic and recognizable historic sites in the Midwest is Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This was the home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and it showcases his innovative designs and ideas about living harmoniously with nature.
- Get a glimpse into the Midwest’s industrial past at Pullman National Historical Park in Chicago. Once a model industrial town, this site offers a glimpse into labor history and urban planning during the late 19th century.
- One of the most fascinating historic sites in the Midwest is Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. These ancient Native American earthworks date back over 1,000 years and offer insight into the region’s indigenous history.
- Similarly, don’t miss the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents an ancient city that was once a thriving Native American civilization and is the largest archaeological site in North America.
- Another significant historic site in the Midwest is the Amana Colonies, a collection of seven villages founded by German immigrants in the 19th century. These colonies highlight communal living and craftsmanship traditions.
- For more presidential history, head to the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in Iowa. This spot was the birthplace of President Herbert Hoover and features a museum and preserved buildings reflective of his life and service.
- In Nebraska, don’t miss Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard. This prominent geological formation was a vital landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail, similar to Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering.
5 More Historic Sites in the Midwest Worth Visiting
- Ulysses S. Grant’s Home in Galena, Illinois, is General Grant’s post-Civil War residence. The city gifted the home to him in honor of his military service and preserved it as a museum showcasing his life.
- Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa, was one of the first 12 national cemeteries established during the Civil War. This site is both a historical and solemn tribute to fallen soldiers.
- Don’t miss the American Gothic House in Eldon, Iowa. It’s one of the most interesting historic sites in the Midwest, as it’s the iconic house that inspired Grant Wood’s famous painting. It’s now a museum exploring his work and life in rural Iowa.
- If you want to explore 19th-century pioneer life, head to Old World Wisconsin. This living history museum is one of the most interactive historic sites in the Midwest.
- One of the most beautiful historic sites in the Midwest is Split Rock Lighthouse. It is a stunning lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior and an essential part of Minnesota’s maritime history.
Just as there are so many more historic places to stay in the Midwest that weren’t mentioned here, there are plenty more historic sites in the Midwest that are more than worth your time and energy. A new year is on the horizon, and we hope to see more history lovers than ever staying with us at our lodging properties across the Midwest. Book your getaways today!
