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Dining table by a shaded window in the countryside cottage holiday rental in New Buffalo
Courtesy: Booking.comCountryside cottage New Buffalo

12 best tiny home Airbnbs near Chicago

Check out these Midwestern tiny houses, whose creative use of limited space make for a very unique getaway

Written by
Danielle Goldstein
&
Grace Perry
Contributors
Alex Floyd-Douglass
,
Camila Karalyte
&
Jennifer Banful
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So you’re planning a Midwest vacation – may we suggest booking a teeny tiny home? Mini manors aren’t just the manifestation of HGTV-induced hallucinations. They’re a great option for vacationers who want their own rental for less dough.

These adorable pocket-sized abodes maximize limited space to make an inviting home out of less than 200 square feet. Plus, they’re super cute. From woodland weekends to beachfront getaways, we've found the most delightful tiny homes for all your getaway needs. Who needs a huge mansion with ten-plus bedrooms? Not us!

Updated April 2024: To bring you the freshest holiday rentals, we're always on the lookout for guest favorites and rare stays that are normally booked out like this cottage in Buffalo or this Treehouse in Lakehouse

RECOMMENDED:
🏠Check out the coziest Airbnbs near Chicago
đź’•stay at the most romantic Airbnbs near Chicago
🌇 Find the best Airbnb lofts in Chicago

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Tiny houses to rent near Chicago

The off-grid glamping cabin in New Carlisle
Courtesy: Airbnb

1. The off-grid glamping cabin in New Carlisle

Escape the hustle and bustle of big city life in this gorgeous glamping-style Airbnb on the Indiana/Michigan border – just 90 minutes from Chicago. With the pure intention of slowing things down, this off-grid cabin has no electricity – and as a result, no TV, or Wi-Fi. Sound daunting? We promise it's not – once you get into the swing of things. It's a great way to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Check out local bike routes and trails, head into the local town for restaurants and breweries, or simply relax in one of the hammocks as your travel bud lights the fire pit. Bliss.

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests. 
The mood? Slow living.

Location perks? Picture cozying up in one of the hammocks with a long read, while surrounded by three glorious acres. 

Budget range? An affordable steal. 

The tiny lake cottage in Antioch
Courtesy: Airbnb

2. The tiny lake cottage in Antioch

This newly remodeled tiny home Airbnb in Antioch is the perfect weekend escape. From the New England styling to the string-lit backyard, this adorable property oozes cozy charm. There's one bedroom and one bathroom fit for two guests, and the kitchen comes fully equipped with all you'd need for any cooking you'll be doing. But the best part of all? There's a private beach accessible only from the campsite down the 'beach stairs' – and it's as idyllic as you'd think – blow-up unicorn floaties and all. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 

The mood? Cozy retreat.

Location perks? Get out on the water with wakeboarding lessons ($150 per hour). 

Budget range? A super affordable lakeside adventure. 

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The sunlit retreat in Charlevoix
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

3. The sunlit retreat in Charlevoix

This impeccably designed dwelling is well worth the hike up to northern Michigan. Situated two miles outside of Charlevoix, a stay here means easy access to gorgeous hiking trails and bike paths, and just a short drive to the beach. The house is 200 square feet, but every inch is thoughtfully curated with a light, airy aesthetic, sleek white tiling, and gorgeous wood floors. Heaters are available for wintertime use – or on cool summer evenings.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 

The mood? Ambient coziness to a tee. 

Location perks? Set in a quiet neighborhood close to town with all the creature comforts you need, including firewood. 
 
Budget range? A cheap and cheerful getaway. 

The cozy home base in Northern Michigan
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

4. The cozy home base in Northern Michigan

Parked on the western coast of Lake Michigan, this 125-square-foot abode is in the perfect spot for exploring the best of the region. It’s just a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, and the Huron-Manistee National Forest, plus there are lots of options for skiing, hiking, biking, and more. The house itself ain’t too shabby, either. The cozy log cabin boasts a lofted queen-sized bed, plus a bonfire and hammock on the property. Note: the bathroom is technically outside the house – though quite close.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 

The mood? Bright and cozy. 

Location perks? Surrounded by family farms and orchards. 

Budget range? Pocket-friendly. 

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The Sand Castles Cottages in Coloma
Airbnb

5. The Sand Castles Cottages in Coloma

If you don't mind staying among other tiny-housers, then this cute 1950s vacation plot makes for a beautifully retro place to stop. The nine boxy cottages offer full-size double beds in rooms you can stand up in (a luxury in a tiny home), full indoor bathrooms, kitchenettes, and a TV. Outside, in the communal area, is a large playset for the little ’uns and a fire pit. Each house has its own barbecue and access to Lake Michigan Beach is easy as pie.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

The mood? Humble abode with a vintage feel. 

Location perks? The ideal location for a wholesome getaway for two. 

Budget range? Economical.

The woodland retreat in Lapeer
Airbnb

6. The woodland retreat in Lapeer

Alright, we admit it, we're suckers for a 'grammable shack. That's why we've put this dreamy blue hideaway on the list. This one's in Lapeer, in the 'thumb' of Michigan, so to speak. It sleeps two in a raised loft bed, there's a fully equipped kitchen, indoor shower and toilet, and a porch that'll provide a lovely, relaxing chill amongst the trees. Plus a shared hot tub. Now, that toilet… It's a composting affair, but it doesn't smell. In fact, if it does smell, you'll get a night's stay for free.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 

The mood? Unplugged in the woods. 

Location perks? Enjoy a campfire feast under the stars with the grill, or why get toasty with some s'mores by the firepit?

Budget range? An affordable couple's escape. 

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The garden treehouse in Chicagoland
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

7. The garden treehouse in Chicagoland

This one’s technically a treehouse, but its compact size and clever use of space give it tiny home cred in our books. Located in the suburb of Schaumburg, this four-person abode is an accessible retreat for Chicagoans. The house boasts eco-friendly windows, a fireplace, wifi, hot tub access, a feather bed comforter, a Keurig coffee maker, and a complete kitchen. It perches beside a koi pond in a spacious backyard – talk about relaxing.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four guests.
  
The mood? Charming hideaway in the woods. 

Location perks? If four is too much of a crowd, kids can enjoy the additional Teepee tent that comes with two padded cots.

Budget range? A bargain for a family trip. 

The dreamy turquoise hideaway in Northern Michigan
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

8. The dreamy turquoise hideaway in Northern Michigan

If you’re wont to heavily Instagramming your excursions, this northern Michigan tiny house might be your dream digs. This shack features eye-popping colorful designs on the inside and out. Though just 144 square feet, the one-story getaway has a queen-sized bed, breakfast bench, and full kitchen – although the bathroom is in a separate trailer. Guests can enjoy the outdoor fire pit and easy access to hiking trails, not to mention the other outdoor activities the Sleeping Bear Dunes region has to offer.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 

The mood? Quaint and cozy. 

Location perks? This tiny charmer sits close to Frankfort and Elberta Beach 
– the perfect spot for a picnic. 

Budget range? Little in price and size. 

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The garden getaway in Wisconsin
Airbnb

9. The garden getaway in Wisconsin

This delightful little garden home is just a half-hour outside of Madison in the town of Belleville, Wisconsin. With tasteful, sleek decor, a dreamy farmhouse-style design, and flower and vegetable gardens surrounding it, this tiny home looks like a fairy tale escape. If you’re looking for seclusion, this isn’t your best bet, as the tiny house is adjacent to a full-sized rental home. There’s certainly an upside to that, though. Discounts are offered for renting both properties, and tiny house renters have access to the main house’s gas grill and main deck, as well as their own private bathroom in the main house.

Rooms? One bedroom. Two guests.

The mood? Button cute miniature dream house. 

Location perks? This 1960s-inspired abode is a treat for those in search of a super comfy option. This one comes with a kitchenette, fancy dimmable lights, WiFi, and built-in USB chargers.

Budget range? Dreamy low prices.

The sweetheart beach cottage in Lake Ann
Airbnb

10. The sweetheart beach cottage in Lake Ann

This waterside cabin is the closest you can get to wake up on a beach without having to dig sand out of crevices you didn't even know existed. Nestled at the edge of the trees in quaint Lake Ann, the front door opens right onto its own little sandy slice of beach, sharing only the dock and swimming platform. There's a hammock on the porch and inside is a gas grill, fridge, microwave, coffee machine, and more convenience. It even comes with wifi, a TV, and a tandem kayak.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 

The mood? Rustic love nest.

Location perks? You've got front-row seats to stunning sunset views over the lake.

Budget range? An oh-so-cheery price tag for two.

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Countryside cottage New Buffalo
Courtesy: Booking.com

11. Countryside cottage New Buffalo

If this countryside escape looks similar to the one you've been dreaming of, it's high time you got booking. This stunning New Buffalo home houses two and it sits on 20 lush acres of farmland, on which you'll discover a fire pit and grill to enjoy for some outdoor entertainment. Inrerior-wise, the cottage has a rustic boho vibe, especially the wood-paneled ceilings and vintage upholstery - we dig it. Watch beautiful sunsets over the farm or take the trail walk that runs along the Galien River. Bliss. 

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps six.

The mood? Cozy luxe. 

Location perks? Just a 10-minute stroll away you'll discover an overlook offering beautiful views of Lake Michigan. 

Budget range? Moderately priced. 

The cozy treehouse in Lakeside
Courtesy: Booking.com

12. The cozy treehouse in Lakeside

Arguably all of the Airbnbs on this list are cozy, but what makes this spot a little different is that this one is nestled in Harbor Country - just 90 minutes out from Chicago. As for the decor? it's got Hugge down to a t. The white walls really open up the space, while the warm-toned neutrals and sandy wood floors offer instant relaxation. Kitted out with a living/ kitchen area with heated floors, a mudroom, a front deck, a backyard, and how could we forget, three bedrooms - our favorite of the three being the loft bedroom with an electronic ladder - making it the perfect spot for a family vacation. Other clever, functional features include the smart TV disguised as artwork (above the kitchen table) and the maple wood dining table filled with board games. It's home decor goals for sure. 

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps six. 

The mood? A Cozy and bright cottage stay. 

Location perks? Enjoy sitting out in the front yard around the fire pit, wrapped in a blanket - it's all about the simple things here. 

Budget range? A luxury homestay for all the family - three-night minimum. 

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